Abstract: A position measurement device 29 measures the position of a position measurement mark 26 formed on the lower surface of a reticle 1, thereby measuring the position of the reticle 1. A position measurement device 30 measures the position of the position measurement mark 27 formed on the lower surface of a lower lid 2b, thereby measuring the position of the lower lid 2b. The relative displacement of the reticle 1 and lower lid 2b is known when the position of the reticle 1 and the position of the lower lid 2b are known. Therefore, when the lower lid 2b having the reticle 1 loaded thereon is carried with a carrying device and set in an exposure device, the stop position of the lower lid 2b is determined by taking this displacement into account. As a result, the reticle 1 can be correctly set in the exposure device.

Abstract: A device for hand-held measurement of distances (d) to a surface region of an object (22), including a housing (2) and a lens system (3) for the optical measurement of distances (d). Transmission beams are transmitted via the lens system against the surface region and the beams (5) reflected there are recollected. The device additionally includes a first component (6, 7, 8, 8?, 8 9) connected to the housing (2) which may be extended beyond the housing for the measurement of short distances in the direction of emission of the transmitted beams and furthermore which acts as a spacer (9) for the optical measurement. The extended state of the component (6, 7, 8, 8?, 9) is automatically determined be a feeler device.

Abstract: A method for determining a distance to an object is described. In the method, a size of the object is determined, and an electronic image of the object is captured and displayed on a display device. The size of the image of the object is determined. The distance to the object is calculated using the size of the object, a focal length of the imaging module, and the size of the image of the object. The distance to the object is then displayed on the display device. An imaging device and graphics controller having range-finding functionality are also described.

Abstract: A phase measurement method is disclosed, which includes inputting a predetermined voltage to the photodiode; receiving an optical signal and transforming into an electrical signal; generating a sampled signal with a signal transforming process; determining whether the amplitude value of the sampled signal in a predetermined range or not; if the amplitude of the sampled signal is not in the predetermined amplitude range, adjusting the predetermined voltage and receiving the optical signal and judging again until the amplitude value falls into the predetermined amplitude range; if the amplitude of the sampled signal is in the predetermined amplitude range, calculating the first phase value; and judging whether the predetermined voltage adjusted or not. If the predetermined voltage has been adjusted, calculating the compensating phase value and the second phase value in accordance with the adjusted predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A DIRCM (Direct IR Counter Measures) system includes a detection and warning apparatus for detecting a missile that might pose a threat on the platform to which said system is allocated, and for generating a warning of its existence. The warning may include data that enable the calculation of the expected direction from which the missile is approaching. The DIRCM system may also include an acquisition device for performing acquisition of the approaching missile in accordance with the data provided by the detection and warning apparatus, and issuing data that may enable the calculation in real time of the updated position of the missile, a fiber laser for generating a laser beam, and a motion and aiming enabled turret, coupled with the laser, for directing the laser beam onto the approaching missile.

Abstract: A speed measuring device provided by the present invention comprises a base, a speed measuring circuit, and two speed measuring units. The two speed measuring units are installed on the base and located a distance away from each other. The microprocessor outputs a signal to the pulse generator, the pulse generator produces pulses and send them to the first and second frequency oscillators, letting the first and second frequency oscillators send two frequency signals to the respective infrared emitters, and then the respective infrared emitters emit infrared signals with different frequency. When the moving object passes through different areas irradiated by the different frequency infrared signals, the different frequency infrared signals will be reflected to the infrared receivers. Finally, the infrared receivers send two detecting signals to the microprocessor, allowing the microprocessor to figure out the motion data of the moving object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fluid flow velocity and flow rate measurement are provided. Fluid velocity is measured in optical method based on fluorescence photobleaching of a fluorescent dye. The invented method and apparatus requires a calibration relation between flow velocity and fluorescence signal and is easy to use. The invented method and apparatus can measure bulk flow velocity and flow rate inline, two and three components of flow velocity vector. It can also measure flow velocity in near wall region using evanescent wave. Since the invented method and apparatus uses molecular dye and calibration relation between flow velocity and fluorescence signal, it has ultra high spatial and temporal resolution. The invented method can be used not only to apparatuses and devices in conventional size, but also to that in MEMS and NEMS.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling sheet material or an optical input device, for example, which employs a relative movement sensor (108 ) utilizing the so-called “self-mixing” effect of a laser diode, a band pass filter (100) is provided for filtering the electric signal resulting from measurement of the electric signal to reduce or substantially eliminate the effects of both the low frequency carrier signal and the high frequency noise present in such a signal. As a result, the precision of the laser self-mixing translation measurements is significantly improved.

Abstract: Chromatic correction of a Fresnel lens is effected by collecting data at multiple detectors arrayed along the optical axis of the lens and then digitally processing data from each detector to obtain multiple sets of image data corresponding to selected tuned wavelengths associated with the multiple detectors, or to obtain composite multi-color image data. Digital processing includes deconvolving data from each detector with a point spread function (PSF) associated with the tuned wavelength of the detector, and thereby enhancing the image derived from the detector. Two possible techniques are also disclosed for deriving sub-band signal data having a wavelength that falls between the tuned wavelengths of adjacent detectors.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an inspection target surface comprises: irradiating an irradiation light having a predetermined pattern on the inspection target surface; imaging the surface irradiated with the irradiation light; and inspecting the inspection target surface based on an obtained image of the inspection target surface. The irradiation light irradiated from an irradiation face has a mesh-like pattern including meshes of a same shape. Each mesh has an irradiation area smaller than a non-irradiation area in a plane normal to the optical axis. The inspection target surface is inspected based on lightness/darkness information of an image area in the obtained image corresponding to a non-irradiated area in the inspection target surface. A light point having intermediate brightness and formed in a dark face formed within the mesh is extracted as a defect candidate.

Abstract: A machine-vision system that provides changing and/or automatic adjustment of illumination angle, dispersion, intensity, and/or color of illumination. One such system includes a light source emitting polarized light, a machine-vision imager, an image processor operative to generate a quality parameter based on the image, and one or more of the means described above for selectively directing the light in a predetermined pattern based on its polarization and on the quality parameter of the image. Some embodiments include an imager, a controllable light source, first and second optical elements, that selectively direct light in first and second patterns, and a controller controlling the light characteristics using the first and second light patterns. One method includes setting one or more illumination parameters, illuminating the object based on the illumination parameters, obtaining an image, generating a quality parameter based on a region of interest, and iterating using different illumination parameters.

Abstract: An inspection system includes: a facility that uses wide-band illumination light having different wavelengths and single-wavelength light to perform dark-field illumination on an object of inspection, which has the surface thereof coated with a transparent film, in a plurality of illuminating directions at a plurality of illuminating angles; a facility that detects light reflected or scattered from repetitive patterns and light reflected or scattered from non-repetitive patterns with the wavelengths thereof separated from each other; a facility that efficiently detects light reflected or scattered from a foreign matter or defect in the repetitive patterns or non-repetitive patterns or a foreign matter or defect on the surface of the transparent film; and a facility that removes light, which is diffracted by the repetitive patterns, from a diffracted light image of actual patterns or design data representing patterns. Consequently, a more microscopic defect can be detected stably.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems that combine Raman spectroscopy performed in a manner that utilizes one or more of widefield illumination, simultaneous multipoint Raman spectral acquisition, and spectral unmixing for the purpose of high throughput polymorph screening. Features of this methodology include: (a) high throughput polymorph screening to reduce crystal orientation effects on Raman spectra; (b) in-well multi-polymorph screening using increased statistical sampling; and (c) multipoint spectral sampling to enable spectral unmixing.

Abstract: Provided is a system for characterizing biological/chemical test specimens. In particular, a container such as a tube or capillary for containing a test specimen is interconnected at one end to a light source via a fiber optic. A second end of the tube is connected to a detector via a second fiber optic. In one embodiment, the containing tube exhibits “total internal reflection”. As light is projected into the tube, one or more electric fields are applied to the specimen. Light travels the length of the tube to excite specimen molecules, which subsequently emit light having a wavelength longer than that of the projected light. The emitted light travels the length of the tube, is detected, and is then transmitted to a processor for analysis. In an alternate embodiment, the tube is not TIR therefore emitted light exits the tube along its length, wherein it is detected by one or more detectors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: Similar to a laser copier and fiber optics this system scans planetary objects in deep space this 940 mm invisible laser system is programmable multitasking and moves at light speed to its destination the only down time is the travel time between the two points in space it then scans the planets surface using present day technologies remembering that this system is programmable. A light Beam Receiver/Transmitter combined as a possible means of listening to and communicating with these planets in the search for extra terrestrial life forms. It sends the digital information back to earth through what I call a wormhole in space and time, which is the laser beams own path. The information will be sent back to earth will be instantaneous to give us a clear 3-dimensional image of the planet's surface with water soil mineral readings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical confinements, methods of preparing and methods of using them for analyzing molecules and/or monitoring chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughout and low-cost single-molecular analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frequency shifter in an optical path containing a continuous laser source, and it comprises at least two frequency shift modules placed in parallel and each containing an optical propagation medium, the optical path length of which is modified according to the desired frequency shift, each of these modules being controlled separately, this shifter comprising a switch (14) which is connected to the outputs of these modules and is controlled so as to choose, at each instant, the module providing the desired frequency shift, the switch delivering, at its output, a continuous optical beam whose frequency is adjusted by contiguous sections.

Abstract: An optical target is provided. In one embodiment, the target is formed on a substrate. The target includes a first layer deposited below a second layer on the substrate. The second layer is deposited below a third layer on the substrate. The first layer has a topographic contour formed thereon, the first layer at least partially projecting a patterned topographical contour through the second layer to the third layer.

Abstract: A system and method for multimode imaging of at least one sample is disclosed. The system includes at least one light source; an optical system selected responsive to a mode of operation of the imaging system; and a detector capable of selective reading of pixels. The at least one sample is moved elative to the optical system using a sample movement technique selected from the group consisting of step sample moving and continuous sample moving. The method includes the steps of (1) selecting a mode of operation for the imaging system; (2) transmitting light from at least one light source through an optical system selected in response to the mode of operation for the imaging system; (3) moving the at least one sample relative to the optical system using a sample movement technique selected from the group consisting of step sample moving and continuous sample moving; and (4) selectively reading pixels with a detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating photoacoustic waves in a region of a body and generating signals responsive to the stimulated waves comprising: a light source (27) that provides light that stimulates photoacoustic waves (54) in the region; a light pipe (26) having an output aperture (80) and at least one input aperture, which light pipe receives the light from the light source at the at least one input aperture and transmits the received light to illuminate the region from the output aperture; and at least one acoustic transducer (22) that generates signals responsive to acoustic energy from the photoacoustic waves that is incident on the optical output aperture.

Abstract: Even when only a few antigens exist in a specimen, a change in a dielectric constant and a change in an optical spectrum accompanied thereto in the periphery of a conductive member are made larger, so that sensing at high sensitivity can be performed. A structure including a protrusion including a dielectric material protruded on a substrate and a conductive member provided on a first surface of the protrusion, in which the maximum value of the cross-sectional area in the cross-section in parallel with a first surface of the conductive member is larger than the area of the first surface.

Abstract: A device for determining properties of surfaces having at least one first radiation device having at least one radiation source emitting radiation, having at least one first radiation detector having a first radiation detector element which captures at least a portion of the radiation emitted from the radiation device and subsequently diffused and/or reflected off a measuring surface and emits at least one measuring signal characteristic of the reflected/diffused radiation, and at least one second radiation detector having a second radiation detector element capturing a portion of the radiation from the radiation device and diffused/reflected off a measuring surface and outputs a measuring signal characteristic of the reflected and/or diffused radiation, and at least one filter device which is placeable both in the optical path between the radiation device and the first radiation detector and in the optical path between the radiation device and the second radiation detector.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor coil and method of forming a fiber optic sensor coil including a plurality of turns of a first segment of optical fiber wound in a clockwise direction and a plurality of turns of a second segment of optical fiber wound in the counterclockwise direction. The turns of the first segment and of the second segment together forming a plurality of layers of turns of the optical fiber. A restraining ring covers an outermost layer of the plurality of layers of turns of optical fiber. The restraining ring includes a plurality of openings formed therein and provides a compressive force to the plurality of turns of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide optical coherence tomography systems including an OCT engine and a processor. The OCT engine is configured to provide both standard OCT imaging and spectral domain phase microscopy (SDPM) imaging. The processor is coupled to the OCT engine and is configured to use a first signal processing method when the OCT engine is configured to provide standard OCT imaging and a second signal processing method when the OCT engine is configured to provide SDPM imaging. Related methods and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus, for measuring an optical heterodyne interference, comprising the following steps of: generating a reference light and a measurement light, differing from each other in frequency thereof; irradiating the measurement light on a target to be measured through a beam splitter; reflecting the reference light upon a mirror; obtaining an interference light of a reflection light from the target to be measured and the reference light reflected on the mirror, thereby measuring a surface condition or detecting a surface defect on a target to be measured, wherein the reference light is either one of S-polarization light and P-polarization light, while the measurement light is the other one of S-polarization light and P-polarization light, an electric signal of the interference light is obtained upon a light receiving element by obtaining the reflection light from the target to be measured and the reference light reflected upon the reference mirror from the beam splitter through a polarizing plat

Abstract: An optical inspection system includes an optical inspection device and an interface. The optical inspection device houses optical imaging components that acquire microscope visual images and acquire interference fringe images of a plurality of optical specimens along an optical path. The optical path is located along an optical axis of the optical inspection device. The interface is coupled to the optical inspection device and is configured to removably engage a polishing work holder that supports the plurality of optical specimens. The interface allows an optical specimen axis of each of the plurality of optical specimens and the optical axis of the optical inspection device to be aligned.

Abstract: An interferometric measuring device for the three-dimensional measurement of shapes on objects to be measured having a beam splitter receiving light from a light source via an input light path and splitting it into a measuring light path and a reference light path, having an image pick-up, to which light reflected back from the object to be measured and from a reference and brought into interference can be supplied via an output light path for conversion into electrical signals, having an evaluation unit for determining the surface shape from the signals and having an adaptation device for adapting the light intensity or the signals received from the interfering light.

Abstract: An interferometer system is disclosed which is configured to combine measurement light with reference light to form an optical interference pattern, where the interferometer system includes a modulator configured to repetitively introduce a sequence of phase shifts between the measurement and reference light; and a camera system positioned to measure the optical interference pattern, where the camera system is configured to separately accumulate time-integrated images of the optical interference pattern corresponding to the different phase shifts in the sequence during the repetitions of the sequence.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is disclosed that provides a high signal-to-noise ratio output signal without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention directs a light beam toward a Fabry-Perot interferometer and detects both the reflected and transmitted optical beams that result from interaction with the Fabry-Perot interferometer. Signal processing techniques are applied to signals based on both the reflected and transmitted beams, resulting in higher signal strength and/or reduced noise in the resulting output signal.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the size and characteristics of a particle contained in a sample of particles. A particle sample is introduced into a sample chamber. The sample particles are subjected to centrifugal forces so that large particles travel in the sample chamber at velocities greater than small particles. Light is shown upon the particles as they travel in the sample chamber. The particles diffract the light. The diffracted light is then received by detectors that convert the diffracted light into corresponding electronic signals. The electronic signals are analyzed to determine the size and characteristics of the particles that caused the diffracted light.

Abstract: A method and system for full-field fringe-projection for 3-D surface-geometry measurement, referred to as “triangular-pattern phase-shifting” is disclosed. A triangular grey-scale-level-coded fringe pattern is computer generated, projected along a first direction onto an object or scene surface and distorted according to the surface geometry. The 3-D coordinates of points on the surface are calculated by triangulation from distorted triangular fringe-pattern images acquired by a CCD camera along a second direction and a triangular-shape intensity-ratio distribution is obtained from calculation of the captured distorted triangular fringe-pattern images. Removal of the triangular shape of the intensity ratio over each pattern pitch generates a wrapped intensity-ratio distribution obtained by removing the discontinuity of the wrapped image with a modified unwrapping method. Intensity ratio-to-height conversion is used to reconstruct the 3-D surface coordinates of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic document management device including a reading unit that reads out an original electronic document formed by combining document data indicating a main document and management data for managing the electronic document as a printed object from a section where the document is registered, a processing unit that processes the management data of the read original electronic document to form an electronic document to be printed, and a print instruction unit that causes an image formation device to print the electronic document to be printed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing device for processing an original image having a first number of horizontal lines parallel to one another. Each of the first number of horizontal lines includes a second number of pixels. The image processing device has a processing unit and a storage unit. The processing unit resizes the original image to an output image with a scaling factor, the output image having a plurality of target pixels. The storage unit stores a gray scale of each pixel in at least one of the first number of horizontal lines. The processing unit has a first calculating unit, a selecting unit, and a second calculating unit. The first calculating unit calculates a maximum number of horizontal lines which the storage unit is able to store at once, based on the second number of pixels, the maximum number being less than the first number. The selecting unit selects a resizing method to resize the original image based on the scaling factor and the maximum number of horizontal lines.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging element which photoelectrically converts an image formed by an optical system, the imaging element being equipped with a color filter array (CFA) with different spectral transmittances. The apparatus includes a full color data generator which samples photoelectrically converted signals by the imaging element to obtain image signals having luminance information of each color of the CFA and sampling position information, and, when transforming a pattern of the pixel signals into full color data, generates full color data by obtaining weighting coefficients for generation of each color component of the full color data on the basis of a relative relationship between positions of a lattice pattern of the full color data to be generated and position information of the pixel signals.

Abstract: A printing block assigning system for one or more block cylinders of a rotary printing machine, comprising: a printing block storage comprising storage spaces for printing blocks which can be deposited on the block cylinder; a detector for each storage space for detecting a printing block respectively occupying the storage space and outputting a detection signal; an identification component for receiving, processing and storing information which individually identifies the respective printing blocks is situated outside the printing block storage; the detection signals of the detectors are supplied to the identification component; and the identification component detects whether the printing blocks are situated on the storage spaces respectively assigned to them, on the basis of a comparison between the information received from the printing blocks and the received detection signals.

Abstract: The invention provides for optional printing at a pont of sale (POS). The invention provides a system and computer implemented method for printing information at a POS relating to a purchase transaction at the POS, comprising printing a second alternative instead of a default print, or printing both a default and a second print, in both cases dependent upon the second print being timely delivered to the POS printer. Preferably, the second print depends upon processing business rules related to color in the print.

Abstract: A disclosed image forming apparatus includes an interface unit configured to send/receive data via a communication network to/from an information processing apparatus; a storage unit configured to store a set of print data sent via the communication network from the information processing apparatus; and a data processing unit configured to start a print job for printing the set of print data and to cancel the started print job when the printing of the set of print data is suspended because of a printing error.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus has a plurality of functions and is adapted to make one or more functions operable by activating programs corresponding to functions. The image processing apparatus includes a selection unit adapted to select a function to be enabled in advance to the other functions when power of the image processing apparatus is turned on or when operation of the image processing apparatus is resumed from a low-power standby state, and a control unit adapted to perform control such that a program corresponding to the function selected by the selection unit is made executable in advance to the other programs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing data based on an electronic file and generating management information about the print data including receiving print data and identification information associated with the electronic file, comparing the received print data with registered print data registered in a management apparatus based on the identification information, and registering the management information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an output processing device, including: a communication section for executing communication with an external device; an output section for executing printout of stored data; and a controller for creating data for transmitting to the external device, the data being print instruction data substituting a reply to the data for an instruction on print execution of the stored data, for allowing the communication section to distribute the print instruction data to the external device and for allowing the output section to execute printout based on the stored data in response to reception of reply data when the reply data to the distributed print instruction data is received through the communication section.

Abstract: User identification information which is acquired from an originating portable terminal and identifies the originating portable terminal and a destination portable terminal after a wireless communication session is carried out between these portable terminals is registered in a print job database in correlation with print image data to be subjected to image formation. Further, print image data correlated to user identification information corresponding to user confirmation information which is acquired from the destination portable terminal and identifies the originating and destination portable terminals of the wireless communication session carried out between these portable terminals is extracted while referring to the print job database.

Abstract: A print control system has an information management server that stores and manages print attribute information which is generated with at least a print attribute designated for a data file and identification information of the data file associated with each other; an information generation processor that transmits, to the information management server, a print attribute information registration request including at least a print attribute designated for a data file and identification information of the data file, to thereby instruct storage and management of print attribute information for the data file; and a print execution controller that transmits, to the information management server, a print attribute information acquisition request including identification information of a data file for which printing is requested, and controls execution of printing of the data file in accordance with print attribute information transmitted in response to the print attribute information acquisition request.

Abstract: A management apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus for managing usage of the image forming apparatus is disclosed. The management apparatus includes a user data storage part for storing user identification data and use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data, and a use restriction data acquiring part for acquiring the use restriction data corresponding to the user identification data.

Abstract: A printer device is disclosed that is able to appropriately acquire information necessary for a network printer driver installed in a host device. The printer device is used in a network printer system in which the printer device is connected to plural host devices through a network, and the printer device outputs printed materials corresponding to printing information created by the host devices.

Abstract: In an image forming device, an identification data input unit receives a first user-identification data which identifies a user of the image forming device and is inputted by the user. A data comparison unit detects whether the first user-identification data matches with a second user-identification data received from a host terminal before or after an image output request is received or concurrently with receipt of the image output request. A management information transmitting unit transmits an image output enabled state notice to the host terminal in response to the image output request when the first user-identification data matches with the second user-identification data. An image output unit receives image data transmitted by the host terminal in response to the image output enabled state notice, and outputs an image based on the received image data.

Abstract: A printer-information control section outputs printer information of printers found by a search to a UI control section. The UI control section displays a list of the printers on a display unit. A user can add information as desired in this list. When the user select a printer from this list, information about the selected printer is added to the printer information acquired from the printers. The updated printer-information is stored.

Abstract: A computer-readable registration medium has a unique computer-readable identifier. The registration medium identifier is stored in a computer database. Also stored in the computer database are a box identifier associated with a box in which the registration medium is packed and product information for a product packed in the box. The registration medium identifier is associated with the box identifier, which is associated with the stored product information for the product. The registration medium can be a CD-ROM having the registration medium identifier encoded thereon and having a barcode disposed thereon. The registration medium causes a user computer to read the registration medium identifier, prompt the user to enter registration information into the user computer, and send the registration medium identifier and the entered registration information to a product registration computer.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying web content on a device including the functionalities of requesting a web page by a user, in response to a user request, downloading the web page to a server, searching for at least one template for the web page on a database of the server, if a template is found for the web page, effecting best matching between the template and a plurality of information bearing regions on the web page and importing the plurality of information bearing regions to at least one device adapted page.

Abstract: When a transmission source apparatus 100 wants information of another apparatus, it forwards a document to all apparatuses connected to a network. During the forwarding processing, the apparatus appends its information to the document. The transmission source apparatus 100 finally receives the document to acquire the information of another apparatus.