Abstract: A printer includes a speaker to indicate print error conditions. The speaker is driven by a speaker interface that is responsive to the printer's processor. The speaker interface includes a DMA FIFO circuit that responds to DMA mediated requests, initiated by the processor programming a dedicated channel of its DMA controller, to retrieve sound files stored in memory. A digital-to-analog converter and amplifier are provided to convert retrieved sound files to an analog signal suitable to drive the speaker.

Abstract: Band rendering processing time in the case where the raster scanning direction of inputted output information and that of a print mechanism are different can be remarkably reduced, and rendering processing efficiency of each page is improved. To expect the further improvement of throughput, a display list to render objects into a band memory is formed on the basis of the inputted output information. A bit map image is rendered into the band memory in accordance with the display list. If it is determined that the raster scanning direction of the inputted output information and that of the print mechanism are different, a rotating process is executed to the bit map image rendered in a rendering step so as to be matched with the raster scanning direction of the print mechanism and the rotated data is transferred to the print mechanism.

Abstract: In order to stabilize a displayed color and to attenuate printing when measuring a color patch for preparing a color conversion profile, an accurate measurement is obtained by waiting for a certain time, repeating the measurement until measurements settle down or using a measurement obtained when the measurements of color patchs of different sizes all become equal. When preparing a matrix profile, which should be stored for higher accuracy, a ? value or a TRC value is judged and a selected value is stored in the profile. Both a matrix profile and an LUT profile are prepared and a profile with higher accuracy is stored as an available one.

Abstract: It is objected to provide an image processing apparatus achieving decrease of memory volume to be used, simplified print process, and enhancement of productivity. Firstly, a plurality of image data are recorded in memories provided for respective colors. Based on the image data or mode selection by a user, it is determined that whether a multi-color image or a monochrome image is to be outputted. Next, memories 302 of respective colors transmit image data of respective colors to a computing unit 304 in accordance with readout-timing signals from a timing selector 305. In case a multi-color image is to be outputted, the timing selector 305 transmits readout-timing signals of respective colors taking time difference length of which is predetermined for each color. In case a monochrome image is to be outputted, the timing selector 305 transmits readout-timing signals of respective color simultaneously.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing any color misregistration in printing even when the image processing apparatus is divided into a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits. An image processing apparatus is used for an image forming apparatus for sequentially printing image processing results of color components by a plurality of photosensitive drums separated by predetermined distances in correspondence with the colors. In the image processing apparatus, a plurality of image processing sections for the respective color components are divided into a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits. At least two of the plurality of image processing sections have storage sections which adjust the printing timings of the color components corresponding to the distances between the photosensitive drums.

Abstract: A system and method for sharpening a digital image (38) having one or more image parameters, for printing with one or more print parameters, and for viewing at one or more viewing parameters, the method comprising the steps of preparing sharpening radius information correlated in a correlation process with one or more print parameters, creating a first data storage device (192) for storing the sharpening radius information, receiving the one or more print parameters, determining an image sharpening radius for the digital image (38) from the sharpening radius information and the received one or more print parameters, and sharpening the digital image (38) using the image sharpening radius in a sharpening algorithm. A correlation process is described, a sharpening algorithm with foliage protection, hue protection, antialiasing protection, and noise reduction is disclosed, and a detail identification process is described.

Abstract: An image correction processing apparatus for correcting a pixel value of each pixel constituting image data obtained from an original image affected by the peripheral light-off is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pixel coordinate transforming unit for converting a distance between each pixel of a group of pixels which have an equal amount of peripheral light amount reduction and which are located on a common contour line of an oval about a predetermined reference pixel located at the center thereof and said predetermined reference pixel into a radius of a true circle having a diameter corresponding to the major axis of the oval; a cos4 calculating unit for obtaining, for each pixel, an angle value thereof in proportion to the radius obtained by the conversion and then obtaining a cos4 value of the angle value; and a correction calculating unit for multiplying an inverse of said cos4 value obtained for each pixel by a pixel value of this pixel, thereby to obtain a corrected pixel value for the pixel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of representations of color that are stored in an electronic color library and that can be selected by a user. After a color selection is made, a plurality of color ink formulas and/or colorant formulas capable of producing the selected color are provided. Further, other selections can be made to define a substrate or other criteria that can impact the color ink formulas. A plurality of color ink and/or colorant formulas are provided and optimized in order to reduce or eliminate undesired effects caused by metamerism. The formulas can be transmitted over a communication network, such as the Internet or a local Intranet to another party, such as color products manufacturers.

Abstract: There has been a demand to accelerate image data conversion through the use of the error diffusion method. To convert image data, it is determined whether a specified block process condition is satisfied on the basis of a gradation value for each pixel in a target block. When the block process condition is true, a process is performed to diffuse a gradation error for the entire target block and convert image data for pixels in the target block at a time. Even when the block process condition is false, it is determined whether to form a dot in the target block. When it is determined that no dot should be formed, a process is performed to diffuse a gradation error for the entire target block to the unconverted pixels in another block and convert image data for pixels in the target block.

Abstract: The patterns can be used to reduce one or more undesirable effects such as moire or colour shift in coloured halftone images. Colour screens in the images are based on a combination of non-orthogonal mesh structures with parcels of printing dots which have common shape and size. Preferably the dots grow in mid tones by extending first towards their second, third or fourth nearest neighbours.

Abstract: An Internet facsimile apparatus includes an interface accepting remote commands sent by e-mail, a processor permitting or rejecting the remote commands based on a domain name or an e-mail address associated with the remote commands, and a processor executing the remote commands.

Abstract: A chassis locking apparatus capable of being unlocked spontaneously is used for fixing the chassis in a scanner. The locking apparatus includes a groove interlinking next to the electric socket, a push rod in the groove, and a revolving locking element. By means of the strength of inserting the plug into the socket on the scanner, the push rod is pushed to move along the groove and hit the locking element, which is originally fixed on the chassis, to make the locking element rotate so that the chassis locking apparatus can be unlocked spontaneously. Therefore, no effort is necessary for a user to unlock the chassis locking apparatus by hand before using the scanner, which is convenient and timesaving.

Abstract: A document scanner for scanning an open book includes a housing and a wedge-shaped transparent platen supported by the housing. The platen defines an upper surface configured to support a book in a face-down position, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The platen includes a first platen portion and a second platen portion joined at a vertex to thereby define the wedge-shape of the platen. The document scanner further includes a scan head moveably supported by the housing. The scan head is configured to move generally parallel to the first platen portion and the second platen portion.

Abstract: In the present invention, an optical reader image sensor is adapted to clock out image data from an image sensor according to “low resolution” mode of operation in order to reduce a parameter determination delay of the reader. In a low resolution mode, some pixels of the readers image sensor array are clock out at normal clock out speed sufficient to develop electrical signals accurately reflecting the intensity of light at the respective pixel positions, while other pixels of the array are either not clocked out or are clocked out at a higher clock out rate which may be insufficient to allow development of electrical signals that accurately represent light incident on the image sensor's sensor array but which nevertheless, results in a reduction of the overall frame clock out rate of the frame of image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for image sensor optimization. According to an embodiment of the invention, a method comprises capturing an image with an image sensor, the image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels; obtaining an output relating to the image from a first pixel of the plurality of pixels; and normalizing the output from the first pixel to correlate with photon flux striking the image sensor.

Abstract: A hologram laminate and a hologram label allow traces of separation of the hologram to be clearly left on both the adherend and the hologram label and hence makes it possible to prevent reuse of the hologram and is excellent in graphical design function and suitable for certification purposes. The hologram laminate has a colored layer, a release pattern, a transparent film, a hologram layer and a surface protective layer laminated on an adherend in the order mentioned. The hologram layer includes a volume hologram layer having a relief hologram forming relief interference fringe pattern formed on a surface thereof. When the hologram is separated between the adherend and the transparent film, the colored layer is left on the adherend in a pattern corresponding to the release pattern.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optical apparatus includes an optical filter array which comprises a plurality of optical filter elements, wherein at least one of the optical filter elements is adapted for tuning to two or more wavelengths. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optical apparatus includes a monolithic optical filter array which further includes at least one tunable optical filter element. The optical apparatus also includes a tuning mechanism which tunes the tunable optical filter element to extract a signal of a particular wavelength from an optical signal which includes a plurality of wavelengths. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for selectively extracting optical signals of particular wavelengths includes providing a monolithic optical filter array which further includes at least one tunable optical filter element.

Abstract: A first reflecting optical element (7) and a second reflecting optical element (51) are provided, and the second reflecting optical element (51) is disposed so as to reflect incident light to be incident on the first reflecting optical element (7) and reflected light from the first reflecting optical element, and thus a small-sized optical scanner can be obtained.

Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed which includes: a reflective surface from which incoming light is reflected; and a scanning sub-system altering an angle of the reflective surface, relative to an entry direction in which the incoming light enters the reflective surface, to thereby perform a scanning operation of reflected light from the reflective surface. The reflective surface is illuminated with illuminating light for the scanning operation, such that the illuminating light is so dimensioned in transverse cross-section as to together generate a desired segment of light entering the reflective surface and an undesired segment of light not entering the reflective surface.

Abstract: An optical modulator used for optically modulating electromagnetic energy. The optical modulator comprises a substrate and three substantially planar reflectors arranged substantially mutually orthogonal to each other. The planar reflectors comprise a base reflector disposed substantially in the plane of the substrate and first and second side reflectors operably coupled to the base reflector. The optical modulator further comprises a pair of electrically conductive traces operably connected to the base reflector, an electrically conductive pad operably connected to each of the conductive traces, at least one material layer deposited on the base reflector by which its reflection properties may be altered or modulated with an applied voltage, and a biasing source operably coupled to said conductive pads for providing a modulated voltage to the base reflector.

Abstract: A micromirror device with a lower driving voltage is disclosed. The lower driving voltage is achieved by projecting a partial light for image display during a micromirror is oscillating from fully on state to a fully off state. The micromirror device includes a reflective element supported on a hinge for oscillating and positioning at least three states. These three states are a fully on state, a fully off state, and a partially ON angular positions in responding to a digital control signal. The oscillation of the micromirrors is controlled by a two bits signal inputted to two electrodes for controlling the voltage of these electrodes respectively. The micromirrors are further controlled to change the oscillation direction at an angular position between the fully on and fully off positions at a fraction of an oscillation cycle. With these inventive features, the micromirrors are controllable to provide higher ranges of gray scales without increasing the driving voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes micro-electromechanical (MEM) devices, a charge source, and a discharge mechanism. Each MEM device has different states based on a charged induced thereon. The charge source is to induce the charge thereon such that the MEM devices each enter one of the different states thereof. The discharge mechanism for the MEM devices is to discharge the induced thereon. The discharge mechanism includes one of a resistor for each MEM device and an ultraviolet (UV) light source. The resistor is to discharge the charge on its MEM device to ground. The UV light source is to emit photons onto the MEM devices, such that the photons discharge the charge on the MEM devices via photoelectric effect.

Abstract: A micromirror of a micromirror array of a spatial light modulator used in display systems comprises a mirror plate attached to a hinge that is supported by two posts formed on a substrate. Also the mirror plate is operable to rotate along a rotation axis that is parallel to but offset from a diagonal of the mirror plate when viewed from the top. An imaginary line connecting the two posts is not parallel to either diagonal of the mirror plate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mirror array to form a projected image that includes pixels. The apparatus also includes a circuit to, for each pixel, control the mirror array to selectively combine reflected light from at least two mirrors of the array to regulate an intensity of the pixel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide at low cost, a highly functional and small size optical amplifier, which realizes a polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensation function and an optical amplifying function, with a simple construction.

Abstract: A holographic wavefront sensor inclusive of a multiplexed hologram that can reconstruct one or more diffracted beams from a single object or input beam onto a distant image plane. The position of the reconstructed beams on the distant image plane indicates the relative amounts of different aberrations present in the input beam. Optical and computer realization of the employed hologram are accomplished along with sensor configurations in simple and more complex uses.

Abstract: An in-vivo examination apparatus in which the examination angle can be changed while keeping an examination site in focus to carry out accurate in-vivo examination is provided. The in-vivo examination apparatus includes a stage on which a living organism is mounted, a measurement head that irradiates the living organism on the stage with light emitted from a light source and detects light returning from the living organism, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the measurement head about a fixed point on the stage.

Abstract: A Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) with intelligent controls is disclosed that provides techniques for scanning, identifying, detecting and tracking microscopic changes in selected characteristics or features of various surfaces including, but not limited to, cells, spheres, and manufactured products subject to difficult-to-see imperfections. The practice of the present invention provides applications that include colloidal hard spheres experiments, biological cell detection for patch clamping, cell movement and tracking, as well as defect identification in products, such as semiconductor devices, where surface damage can be significant, but difficult to detect. The CMIS system is a machine vision system, which combines intelligent image processing with remote control capabilities and provides the ability to auto-focus on a microscope sample, automatically scan an image, and perform machine vision analysis on multiple samples simultaneously.

Abstract: An illuminating device, as for a microscope, includes a light source and a reflecting filter system. The beam of light of the light source undergoes a plurality of reflections in the reflecting filter system. The entering beam of the reflecting filter system has an optical beam offset and/or a change in direction relative to the exiting beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting semiconductor module packages which includes a cylindrical base section, a truncated spherical section superimposed on the cylindrical base capable of being rotated and tilted on the cylindrical base section, and a tray section superimposed on the truncated section.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a self-aligned light guide screen. More specifically, in a particular embodiment, fabrication may commence by providing a first ribbon section of light guides with at least one self alignment feature. A second ribbon section of light guides is provided with at least one self alignment feature configured to mate with the at least one self alignment feature of the first ribbon section. The ribbon sections are then stacked, the alignment features aligning the first and second ribbon sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3D image display apparatus of a parallax barrier method. In the 3D image display apparatus of a parallax barrier method, a parallax barrier of which a transparent slit portion is formed in a tooth shape is adapted, so that it is possible to decrease an optical bad feeling due to Moire pattern. When designing the pitch S of the parallax barrier, in the case that the parallax barrier is disposed behind the image panel the pitch S is S=2Pk(V+D)/V, and in the case that the parallax barrier is disposed in front of the image panel, the pitch S is S=2Ph(V?D)/V. In the 3D image reproducing apparatus according to the present invention, an excellent performance can be achieved as compared to the simple 3D image. The common image can be easily converted into a 3D image using an on and off operation using the electronic shutter.

Abstract: An optical interleaver for use in a range of telecommunications applications including optical multiplexers/demultiplexers and optical routers. The optical device includes an optical processing loop which allows multi-stage performance characteristics to be achieved with a single physical filtration stage. Optical processing on the first leg and second legs of the loop is asymmetrical thereby improving the integrity of the optical signals by effecting complementary chromatic dispersion on the first and second legs. A fundamental filter cell within the interleaver filters optical signals propagating on each of the two legs of the optical loop which intersects the fundamental filter cell.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) AIM tool for both the EUV actinic lithography and high-resolution imaging or inspection is described. This tool can be extended to lithography nodes beyond the 32 nanometer (nm) node covering other short wavelength radiation such as soft X-rays. The metrology tool is preferably based on an imaging optic referred to as an Achromatic Fresnel Optic (AFO). The AFO is a transmissive optic that includes a diffractive Fresnel zone plate lens component and a dispersion-correcting refractive lens component. It retains all of the imaging properties of a Fresnel zone plate lens, including a demonstrated resolution capability of better than 25 nanometers and freedom from image distortion. It overcomes the chromatic aberration of the Fresnel zone plate lens and has a larger usable spectral bandwidth.

Abstract: A polarization dependent device suitable for effecting at least one polarization of a broadband portion of electromagnetic radiation incident upon the device is disclosed. This device includes a substrate, and a plurality of regions of differing refractive indices positioned in an alternating manner and substantially adjacent to the substrate to effect the at least one polarization impinging on the regions. The plurality of regions are oriented with respect to the at least one polarization of the broadband portion of the electromagnetic radiation so as to effect the at least one polarization of the broadband portion of the electromagnetic radiation impinging on the regions.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element emits substantially zero order diffracted light when light with a wavelength of 0.35 ?m to 0.45 ?m is incident and emits substantially first-order diffracted light when light with a wavelength of 0.6 ?m to 0.7 ?m is incident. The diffractive optical element includes a substrate and a grating portion formed on the substrate. The grating portion has a step-wise cross section with any one of levels selected from four levels, five levels and six levels. The diffractive optical element emits substantially zero-order diffracted light when light with a first wavelength ?1 satisfying the relationship: 0.35 ?m??1?0.45 ?m is incident and emits substantially first-order diffracted light when light with a second wavelength ?2 satisfying the relationship: 0.6 ?m??2?0.7 ?m is incident.

Abstract: To obtain an optical element capable of obtaining uniform anti reflection characteristics over the whole optical surface having a finite curvature of the optical element, a plurality of convex optical pieces having an anti reflection function are provided on a surface having the finite curvature of the optical element independently along a normal direction of the surface having the finite curvature of the optical element.

Abstract: A microlens array sheet and a manufacturing method thereof. The microlens array sheet comprises: a transparent substrate; bases formed on the transparent substrate, the bases having the same height as a result of a planarization process conducted for the upper portions of the bases, microlenses formed on the bases; and a gap-filling film applied on the resulting structure, in which the bases have the same height. The method comprises the steps of: depositing base-forming molds on a transparent support substrate or film and loading a material to be used as bases between the base-forming molds; polishing the upper portion of the material for use as bases so as to form bases having the same level, and removing the base-forming molds; depositing microlenses on the formed bases; and depositing a gap-filling film on the resulting structure.

Abstract: The invention divides the lens focusing process into two or more surfaces that incorporate multiple curved axial optic elements on each surface. The axial optics may be manufactured by molding, machining, or by suspended film. If suspended film is used, then both sides of an optic may have a suspended film that is transparent. Alternatively, one side of the suspend film optic may use a reflective film.

Abstract: An optical beam splitter (1) for a light beam (2) that is parallel along a beam axis (A) has a transparent central area (3) and a plurality of reflecting reflector surfaces (4a, 4b) that are respectively inclined by a reflector angle (?) relative to the beam axis (A) for generating each a discrete spot beam (5a, 5b), with the central area (3) being convexly curved in the manner of a prism at least in part and/or has beam-expanding diffractive optics (19).

Abstract: A catadioptric projection system for forming an intermediate image of a first object plural times, and images the intermediate image onto a second object includes at least two deflective reflectors, a lens unit arranged in an optical path between the two deflective reflectors, the lens unit having a negative refractive power, and not forming a reciprocating optical system that passes incident light and reflected light.

Abstract: A microscope objective with high aperture, large object field and apochromatic correction in the wavelength range from ultraviolet to infrared. The microscope objective includes, starting from the object level: a first group of lenses with overall positive refraction power, including a cemented group with positive-negative refraction power effect, made out of one of two lenses, and of a further lens with positive refraction power, a second group of lenses with positive refraction power, including three cemented lenses, a third group of lenses with negative refraction power, including three cemented lenses, in which the side that faces the image plane is convex, a fourth group of lenses, consisting of a lens with positive refraction power and a cemented group of two lenses with positive-negative refraction power, and a fifth group of lenses, including two lenses in a cemented group with negative-positive refraction power.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprising a multiple of lens units with various positive and negative powers that can, in at least one exemplary embodiment, be used to reduce ghost light.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a zoom lens that is well fit for a digital type single-lens reflex camera, has improved optical performance, and is bright all over the zooming zone. The zoom lens comprises a first group G1 of positive power, a second group G2 of negative power and a third group G3 of positive power. Upon zooming, the first group G1 remains fixed, and the second G2 and the third group G3 are movable. The first group G1 comprises a subgroup 1A of negative power and a subgroup 1B of positive power, and the second group G2 comprises a first negative lens, a cemented positive lens, a second negative lens and a third negative lens. The zoom lens satisfies conditions (1) and (2) with respect to the focal length of the subgroup 1A and the focal length of the second group G2.

Abstract: A dual viewpoint solid catadioptric lens has a first spherical refractive surface S1 having a center C1 located on an optical axis of the lens and having a radius r1, and a second spherical refractive surface S2 having a center C2 located on the optical axis of the lens and having a radius r2<r1. The lens also has a first ellipsoidal reflective surface E1 with foci F1 and F1? on the optical axis of the lens, and a second ellipsoidal partially reflective surface E2 having foci F2 and F2? on the optical axis of the lens. Focus F1 coincides with C1, focus F2 conincides with C2, and focus F1? coincides with F2?. The points C1 and C2 provide dual viewpoints for the lens, which may be used in a variety of imaging applications.

Abstract: An optical module has a lens holder into which a lens array with three lenses and a diaphragm, for example, is inserted. The lenses and the diaphragm are oriented by way of the geometrical shape thereof such that no further optical adjustment is required. The circuit carrier and the lens unit are adjusted via at least one permanently flexible or springy element which is disposed between the lens holder and the circuit carrier and presses the component-equipped area of the circuit carrier away from the lens holder and against at least one stop element that is in positive contact with the lens unit. In the novel optical module or optical system it is no longer necessary to take into account the thickness tolerance of the circuit carrier and possible adhesives in the tolerance chain of optical modules. The module and the system are particularly suitable interior or exterior zone applications in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A holder and optical element device includes a holder having a substantially cylindrical interior shape and an optical element fitted in the holder along an inner surface of the holder. The holder may have a step on the inner surface thereof. This step has a surface that is inclined downward and inward from the interior surface of the holder. The optical element may have a convex optical surface section on a surface thereof and a flat surface section around the optical surface section, the flat surface section being disposed on the downward-inclined surface. The optical element is disposed on the inner surface of the holder in such a manner that the step is in contact with the peripheral surface of the optical element.

Abstract: A lens module includes a lens set, a rotation base, an outer case, elastic members, a driving device having a stepping motor and a base frame. The lens set is fixed inside the rotation base that is elastically arranged between an upper case and a lower case by elastic members. By clockwise/counterclockwise rotation of the stepping motor outside the rotation base, the rotation base is driven to rotate. Furthermore, a plurality of sloped grooved surface that goes from shallow to deep and faces downwards is disposed on circular bottom surface of the rotation base and each sloped grooved surface presses homogeneously on a corresponding supporting point of the power case by elastic members. When the rotation base rotates, the sloped grooved surface moves relative to the supporting point so that the gap between the shallow and deep grooved surfaces becomes focusing travel. Furthermore, the base frame assembles or disassembles with the lens module by a fastening mechanism.

Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided, wherein the optical structure has at least one mounting surface. The mount has a mounting section with at least one surface extending therealong for receipt thereagainst of a portion of the at least one mounting surface of the optical structure. The at least one surface of the mounting section has at least one opening extending therethrough, or at least one cavity therein, for receipt of adhesive. The adhesive will at least partially fill the at least one opening/cavity and touch a portion of the at least one mounting surface of the optical structure in order to mount the optical structure.

Abstract: In a color wheel comprising a plurality of color filter segments arranged so as to form a disk and a support member fixed to the color filter segments, the color filter segments are each outlined only by a circular arc and two straight lines passing through the center of the disk. Consequently, each of the color filter segments is prepared by cutting the material only to the circular arc and the two straight lines, thereby simplifying the production process. And, the support member can be duly and surely positioned such that the center of the support member is set to coincide with the intersecting point of the two straight lines. Thus, the positional accuracy, the component cost reduction, and the production cost reduction can be achieved at the same time.