Abstract: A surface inspection system, as well as related components and methods, are provided. The surface inspection system includes a beam source subsystem, a beam scanning subsystem, a workpiece movement subsystem, an optical collection and detection subsystem, and a processing subsystem. The system features a variable scan speed beam scanning subsystem, preferably using an acousto-optic deflector, with beam compensation, so that variable scanning speeds can be achieved. Also included are methods and systems for improving the signal to noise ratio by use of scatter reducing complements, and a system and method for selectively and repeatedly scanning a region of interest on the surface in order to provide additional observations of the region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of optical spectroscopy, in particular Raman spectroscopy for performing invasive or non-invasive blood analysis. The fluorescence component of return radiation which is received from a detection volume is eliminated which is enabled by the usage of a pulsed excitation light source. The pulse length is substantially shorter than the fluorescence life time Hence, the elimination of the fluorescence composent can be performed by time gating or by other electronics or optical means.

Abstract: A nano-enhanced Raman scattering (NERS)-active structure includes a substrate, a monolayer of nanoparticles disposed on a surface of the substrate, and a spacer material surrounding each nanoparticle in the monolayer of nanoparticles. The monolayer of nanoparticles includes a first plurality of nanoparticles and a second plurality of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles of the second plurality are interspersed among the first plurality and exhibit a plasmon frequency that differs from any plasmon frequency exhibited by the first plurality. Also described are a method for forming such a NERS-active structure and a NERS system that includes a NERS-active structure, an excitation radiation source, and a detector for detecting Raman scattered radiation.

Abstract: Raman-enhancing structures include a layer of dielectric material, a superlens configured to focus electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than about 100 nanometers to a two-dimensional focal area having linear dimensions less than about 100 nanometers on a surface of the layer of dielectric material, and at least two nanoparticles comprising a Raman-enhancing material disposed proximate the focal area. Additional Raman-enhancing structures include a layer of dielectric material, a layer of conductive material, and at least two nanoparticles comprising a Raman-enhancing material disposed on a second, opposite surface of the layer of dielectric material. The layer of conductive material has a plurality of apertures therethrough that are arranged in a two-dimensional array. Methods for conducting Raman spectroscopy are performed using such structures and systems.

Abstract: Raman-enhancing structures include a photonic crystal having a resonant cavity and at least one waveguide coupled to the resonant cavity. A nanostructure comprising a Raman-enhancing material is disposed proximate the resonant cavity of the photonic crystal. Raman-enhancing structures include a microdisk resonator, at least one waveguide coupled to the microdisk resonator, and a nanostructure comprising a Raman-enhancing material disposed proximate the microdisk resonator. Methods for performing Raman spectroscopy include generating radiation, guiding the radiation through a waveguide to a resonant cavity in a photonic crystal or a microdisk resonator, resonating the radiation in the resonant cavity or microdisk resonator, providing an analyte proximate the resonant cavity or microdisk resonator, subjecting the analyte to the resonating radiation, and detecting Raman scattered radiation.

Abstract: Raman systems include a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a Raman device or signal-enhancing structure. Raman devices include a tunable resonant cavity and a Raman signal-enhancing structure coupled to the cavity. The cavity includes a first reflective member, a second reflective member, and an electro-optic material disposed between the reflective members. The electro-optic material exhibits a refractive index that varies in response to an applied electrical field. Raman signal-enhancing structures include a substantially planar layer of Raman signal-enhancing material having a major surface, a support structure extending from the major surface, and a substantially planar member comprising a Raman signal-enhancing material disposed on an end of the support structure opposite the layer of Raman signal-enhancing material. The support structure separates at least a portion of the planar member from the layer of Raman signal-enhancing material by a selected distance of less than about fifty nanometers.

Abstract: An analyte stage for use in a spectroscopy system includes a tunable resonant cavity that is capable of resonating electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths less than about 10,000 nanometers, a substrate at least partially disposed within the cavity, and a Raman signal-enhancing structure at least partially disposed within the tunable resonant cavity. A spectroscopy system includes such an analyte stage, a radiation source, and a radiation detector. Methods for performing Raman spectroscopy include using such analyte stages and systems to tune a resonant cavity to resonate Raman scattered radiation that is scattered by an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides an autofocus mechanism for a spectroscopic system that is adapted to determine a property of a volume of interest. The volume of interest has an optical property that varies with time. The invention provides measurement means that are adapted to measure the fluctuations of the optical property of the volume of interest for determining the position of the volume of interest. The spectroscopic system being further adapted to focus an excitation beam into the determined volume of interest and for collecting return radiation emanating from the volume of interest for spectroscopic analysis. Preferably, inelastically scattered radiation of an excitation beam is separated from elastically scattered radiation for spectroscopic analysis. The elastically scattered radiation of the excitation beam is in turn exploited in order to measure the fluctuations of the optical property of the volume of interest.

Abstract: Pulse laser light transmitted through a laser light transmission optical fiber to an optical system unit passes through a distribution reflecting mirror and is condensed by a condenser lens group. The condenser lens group irradiates the condensed laser light onto an analysis object. The fluorescence emitted as a result of the irradiation of the pulse laser light onto the analysis object is condensed by the condenser lens group and is reflected by the distribution reflecting mirror. The optical system unit transmits the fluorescence reflected by the distribution reflecting mirror through an fluorescence transmission optical fiber to a fluorescence measuring instrument. The fluorescence measuring instrument determines the quantity of elements included in the analysis object on the basis of the fluorescence.

Abstract: This application discloses a new method to record an image. It relates to microscopy and surface analysis in many scientific and technical fields. In particular it relates to the imaging and inspection of surfaces used in microelectronics: non-patterned and patterned wafers and photomasks. In the sense that it records electric amplitude, it relates to holography. Applications include microscopy, defect inspection, scatterometry, and optical metrology.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods may be performed in a high-throughput manner. An apparatus for detecting biochemical interactions occurring on the surface of a biosensor includes a light source. A first optical fiber is coupled to the light source and illuminates the biosensor. A second optical fiber detects a wavelength reflected from the biosensor. A spectrometer determines spectra of a reflected signal from the biosensor.

Abstract: The development of a multiple-channel dual phase lock-in optical spectrometer (LIOS) is presented, which enables parallel phase-sensitive detection at the output of an optical spectrometer. The light intensity from a spectrally broad source is modulated at the reference frequency, and focused into a high-resolution imaging spectrometer. The height at which the light enters the spectrometer is controlled by an acousto-optic deflector, and the height information is preserved at the output focal plane. A two-dimensional InGaAs focal plane array collects light that has been dispersed in wavelength along the horizontal direction, and in time along the vertical direction. The data is demodulated using a high performance computer-based digital signal processor. This parallel approach greatly enhances (by more than 100×) the speed at which spectrally resolved lock-in data can be acquired.

Abstract: A monolithic Offner spectrometer is described herein as are various components like a diffraction grating and a slit all of which are manufactured by using a state-of-the-art diamond machining process. In one embodiment, a monolithic Offner spectrometer is directly manufactured by using a diamond machining process. In another embodiment, a monolithic Offner spectrometer is manufactured by using molds which are made by a diamond machining process. In yet another embodiment, a diffraction grating is directly manufactured by using a diamond machining process. In still yet another embodiment, a diffraction grating is manufactured by using a mold which is made by a diamond machining process. In yet another embodiment, a slit is directly manufactured by using a diamond machining process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of spectral information along a geometrical line with a dispersive element, which is suspended from an axis of rotation, for the spectral dispersion of electromagnetic radiation from a range on the geometrical line into spectral constituents, a line detector for the detection of the spectral constituents of the radiation emanating from the range on the geometrical line and a dispersive-element deflector, the deflector being designed to deflect the dispersive element on the axis of rotation, so that depending on an angle of deflection a radiation from another range of the geometrical line is incident on the line detector.

Abstract: A method of determining polarization profiles of points in a scene from video frames using Stokes parameters. The method includes emitting scene light rays from points in a region in a scene, and emitting a correlator light ray from a correlator. The correlator includes a uniform light source, a second linear polarizer, and a fixed retarder. The method further includes substantially simultaneously transmitting the scene light rays and the correlator light ray through a color filter and a Stokes filter that includes a rotating retarder having angular positions ?, and a first linear polarizer having a transmission axis to a video camera having a video frame, projecting onto respective pixels in the video frame and recording as two-dimensional (2-D) arrays images corresponding to the scene light rays and the correlator light ray, and downloading the images into the computer system and storing the images into a memory in the computer system.

Abstract: A sample information obtaining apparatus includes an electromagnetic wave generator; a sample holding unit which holds a sample to be tested and serves as a polarizer having a polarization axis which defines how an incident electromagnetic wave is to be divided according to a polarization state of the incident electromagnetic wave; an electromagnetic wave detecting unit which separately detects a transmitted electromagnetic wave transmitted through the sample holding unit and a reflected electromagnetic wave reflected off the sample holding unit, the transmitted and reflected electromagnetic waves being obtained by dividing the incident electromagnetic wave incident on the sample holding unit according to a relative positional relationship between the polarization state of the incident electromagnetic wave and the polarization axis of the sample holding unit; and a processor which processes signals of the electromagnetic waves detected by the electromagnetic wave detecting unit and obtains information about t

Abstract: In a method of aligning a wafer, which is capable of precisely and rapidly aligning the wafer, and a wafer alignment apparatus using the method of aligning the wafer, a first wafer is aligned to form a first template pattern corresponding to an image of the first wafer. Image data of a second wafer is inputted. A kind of the second wafer is different from that of the first wafer. A second template pattern is formed by transforming the first template pattern in response to the image data of the second wafer. The second wafer is then aligned in response to the second template pattern. Accordingly, the template pattern is formed using the image data to align the wafer although wafers having different images are inspected, thereby rapidly forming the template pattern.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for a substrate bonding system is provided with a first optical arm arranged to direct onto a detector radiation from a first alignment mark on a first substrate, and a second optical arm arranged to direct onto the detector radiation from a second alignment mark on a second substrate. The first alignment mark has a known location relative to a functional pattern provided on an opposite side of the first substrate, and the second alignment mark has a known location relative to a functional pattern provided on an opposite side of the second substrate. The substrate bonding system can be further provided with first and second substrate tables arranged to hold the first and second substrates such that they face one another, at least one of the substrate tables being movable in response to a signal output from the detector, thereby allowing the first and second substrates to be aligned with respect to each other for bonding.

Abstract: We describe an evanescent wave cavity-based optical sensor. The sensor comprises an optical cavity including a reflection from one or more totally internally reflecting (TIR) surfaces generating an evanescent wave to provide a sensing function; a light source to optically excite said cavity at least two different wavelengths; and a detector to monitor a ring-down characteristic of said cavity at each of said two wavelengths; and wherein said one or more TIR surfaces are provided with at least two functionalising materials one responsive at each of said wavelengths such that an interaction between a said functionalising material and one or more targets to be sensed is detectable as a change in absorption of a said evanescent wave at a said wavelength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a corresponding method for detecting scratches on the surface (2) of a material, in particular glass. Said device comprises an illumination unit (3) and a recording unit (4), which register a scanning line (6) on the surface (2) of the material and can be displaced in relation to said surface (2). In order to more accurately identify scratches, the illumination unit (3) comprises at least one light strip (9), which generates parallel light pools transversally to the scanning line (6), said pools being diffuse or quasi-diffuse along the scanning line (6) and preferably at least one light source (16), which generates a diffuse or quasi-diffuse light transversally to the scanning line (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair-detection device (100), with a source (80) of electromagnetic radiation and an imaging sensor (74), and with radiation selection means (83, 48). During use of the device, the selection means improve a ratio between the part of the emitted radiation that is coupled into a skin (8), homogenized via multiple scattering without much absorption in the skin, reaches the sensor (74) and thus provides an image of the skin, and the part that reaches the sensor via other ways, such as reflection at the skin surface. The radiation preferably has a wavelength between about 700 nm and 1100 nm. The radiation selection means may e.g. comprise a separate wall (83) around at least one of the source (80) and the sensor (74) and the sensor (74), crossed polarizers, etc. By means of this selection, the contrast of the image may be improved, and may be made less dependent on skin color and skin artifacts, thus enabling easier detection of e.g. white hairs on a fair skin.

Abstract: An apparatus to interrogate one or more fiber optic sensors to make high-resolution measurements at long distances between the sensor and the interrogator apparatus. The apparatus comprises a tunable light source, an optical switch for pulsing the light source, at least one sensor (e.g., a Fabry-Perot sensor) for reflecting the laser light, a fiber optic cable interconnecting the sensor with the light source, a coupler for directing the reflected light from the sensor to a detector in order to generate a digital output, and a control logic for tuning the laser light source based on the digital output from the detector. Use of a fiber Bragg grating temperature sensor is also contemplated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for optimizing the magnitude of reference levels in non-invasive imaging and analysis is disclosed. Optimizing the magnitude of reference levels enables improving signal to noise ratios and thereby improving the sensitivity and performance of the imaging and analysis system. The invention includes dynamically modifying the magnitude of one or more reference beams and significantly reducing the magnitude of undesirable reference radiation components. It may further include one or more stabilizing feedback systems.

Abstract: An optical transducer adapted to detect external mechanical actions or forces acting comprising at least one sensing optical path (5) adapted to transmit at least one sensing optical signal (b?) and to emit at least one sensing output electrical signal (d) along with at least one reference path (4) adapted to emit at least one output electrical reference signal (e). Moreover, at least one portion (5?) of the at least one optical path (5) is adapted to be exposed to external mechanical actions or forces, so that the transmission of the sensing optical signal (b?) through the sensing optical path can be modified as a result of the mechanical actions or forces, so that a phase shift between the sensing electrical signal (d) and the reference electrical signal (e) is generated.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing technique measures simultaneously a plurality of points on a sample to realize a high-speed three-dimensional shape measurement and reflects it to setting of a processing condition in a semiconductor device process, thereby making it possible to realize stable device manufacture with high precision. A three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus loaded on a processing apparatus such as an etcher, a coater-developer, a baking machine, or a lithography machine measures a plurality of points (500) on a sample (300) at high speed by arranging a plurality of measurement heads (100) for measuring a three-dimensional shape of the sample and by combining it with movement of an loader/stage (200) loading the sample (300). By using this measurement result, feeding back for correcting a processing condition with respect to the subsequent sample (300) and feeding forward for correcting a processing condition in the next step are realized.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method that can be used for qualitative or quantitative determination of the three-dimensional location of two bodies relative to one another which can be used, for example, to determine the mutual position of two bodies according to angular or translational coordinates. Furthermore, the apparatus and method can be used in a measurement robot or in a coordinate measurement device. The device composed of a device for emitting a light beam which is fanned in several planes and at least three, preferably four or more, optoelectronic line sensors or linear sensors for determination of the incidence points of the light beam which has been flared in several planes on the line sensors or an upstream target surface.

Abstract: An eyeglass frame measurement apparatus includes a holding unit; a rotational base and a tracing stylus arranged on the rotational base. Three-dimensional shape of a frame is measured by detecting the movement of the tracing stylus in a radius direction and a warpage direction. Slit place is integrally arranged with the stylus and a light-projection-and-receiving unit that includes a light-emitting portion and a two-dimensional sensor capable of selecting a received pixel is arranged on the base. The two-dimensional sensor includes first and second light-receiving lines not parallel to each other, and includes a first slit not parallel to the first light-receiving line and a second slit not parallel to the second light-receiving line. The movement of the stylus is detected based on a projection position of the first and second slits detected by the first and second light-receiving lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dimensions of pairs of human feet and a method for carrying out the measurements using the apparatus is described. The device is based on two light emitter/detector pairs. The emitter/detector pairs are caused to move in mutually orthogonal directions in order to measure the length of the longest foot and the width of each foot in the pair of feet being measured.

Abstract: A method for ringtone, voice, and sound notification of printer status, comprising obtaining status information of a printer, converting it into an audible report, and delivering the audible report. The method is especially useful for visually-impaired users and for shared printers in crowded situations where it is difficult for each user to see the panel or monitor display. The methods also include detection by the events controller, UI manager instructing an audio manager, codec decoding an audio file in firmware and hardware organization; job owner identification information embedded into a print job with a unique tag; user identification sound data embedded in a print job; audible report for multiple jobs in a job queue, with positional information; text-to-speech conversion; unique ringtone melody for each user, comprising department prefix, higher pitch modulation for higher priority, and automatically converting an alphanumeric character into the corresponding note.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, apparatus are provided. A stored shape representation and stored status information are each provided. The stored shape representation is a representation of a shape of a marking device. The marking device includes subsystems including one or more paper trays, one or more finishing devices, and additional subsystems. The stored status information is information concerning the respective statuses of the subsystems. An association mechanism is provided to associate the status information with corresponding portions of the shape of the marking device. A status change mechanism is provided to change a given status of the subsystems by operating a corresponding given graphical tool associated on a computer screen with the portion of the shape that corresponds with the given status.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus forming an image of image data on a recording medium, is characterized by, when forming the image by synthesizing the image data with specific information including an image different from the image data, varying the number of pieces of the specific information according to a size of a specific information imparting region to which the specific information is imparted. Thereby, when the specific information imparting region is small, such as in the case of a postcard and a name card, it is possible to surely detect the specific information by increasing the number of pieces of the specific information. Further, when reading an image, the image processing apparatus varies, on the basis of a detected number of pieces of the specific information, a threshold value for determining whether or not the specific information is adopted, according to a size of the recording medium.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for maintaining accurate visual color performance of displays. In particular, various embodiments of the present invention described herein provide a system wherein partial color certification is incorporated into the calibration procedure. In the event that the partial color certification is out of tolerance, a full certification procedure is performed. If the full certification procedure is out of tolerance, the calculated errors of the certification procedure are utilized to perform an update to a baseline profile for the display. The updated baseline profile can either replace the existing baseline profile or can be concatenated with the baseline profile to preserve the baseline behavior of the display.

Abstract: A tool to create a TRC (Tonal Reproduction Curve) file on an monochrome image formation device that relates “input” grayscale values of a source file and the desired “output” (printed) grayscale values. By adjusting this curve, i.e., mapping selected input values to new output values, the file will be reproduced with tonal ranges which have been broadened and/or compressed as appropriate. The TRC is applied when the desired print file is released for reproduction thereby allowing the user to choose a desired curve at a print queue level to adjust each print file as desired. The adjustments remap what the decomposer would normally produce to a more appropriate range of tonal variations to emphasize image characteristics and value.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing printer driver settings. According to the approach, printer driver settings specified by a user for electronic data are maintained as a “print tag”. Print tags may be stored, either local to a client device or remotely to a client device, and later retrieved when electronic data is to be printed again. This allows printer driver settings to be maintained on a per electronic data, e.g., electronic document, basis and re-used any number of times. It also allows printer driver settings to be persistently maintained when the execution of application programs and print drivers is terminated or in the event of failures. Print tags may be shared among different users to allow multiple users to easily and conveniently use the same printer driver settings to print the same electronic data, without each user having to manually enter the printer driver settings.

Abstract: A printing method is disclosed. A document including at least one type of object is provided. An object selection menu is provided for designating at least one type of object as a print target. According to the object selection menu, the object within the document corresponding to the print target is processed, and a print image is generated accordingly. A print output is generated according to the print image.

Abstract: An image forming system is provided which significantly improves the operability in setting functions relating to image formation in an individual destination device selecting mode or an automatic destination device selecting mode. The image forming system includes a plurality of image forming devices with a plurality of functions relating to the image formation, and is able to select an image forming device, to which an image inputted from one of the image forming devices is to be outputted, from the image forming devices. The image forming devices designate either one of the automatic destination device selecting mode and the individual destination device selecting mode from inputting operation through an operating part, and acquires function information representing a plurality of functions relating to the image formation from the image forming devices by means of a CPU.

Abstract: In order to prevent leakage of confidential information, MFP includes a communication I/F to receive print data, an image forming portion to perform image formation on print data, and a CPU to prohibit the image forming portion from performing image formation on the print data before the print data is subjected to image formation by the image forming portion, when a prescribed time has passed since the print data was received or when an input of an instruction to protect the print data is accepted, and to store the print data in a storage device, and to allow the image forming portion to perform image formation on the print data in response to accepting a log-in instruction.

Abstract: A printing system which realize a finely-tuned print function limitation and hence achieve efficient reduction in cost. The printing system comprises a printing apparatus that executes a print job, a print control apparatus that controls the printing apparatus, a print authority management server that manages an print authority of the printing apparatus, and a data base server that holds a print function limitation information. The print control apparatus transmits two or more pieces of information required to limit a print function of the printing apparatus to request production of a print authority token of limiting the print function. The print authority management server receives the two or more pieces of information, searching the print function limitation information held in the database server based on the respective pieces of information to produce a print authority token, and transmit the print authority token to the print control apparatus.

Abstract: The Job executing device comprises a Job executing unit of executing a job concerning image data, an execution instruction-receiving unit of receiving an instruction for job execution sent to the Job executing unit by a user who is authenticated by an authentication unit, a memory unit of storing the notification destination corresponding to user identification information inputted for user authentication, and a notification unit of notifying the notification destination corresponding to the inputted user identification information of the instruction of job execution after receipt of the instruction for job execution by the execution instruction-receiving unit.

Abstract: If a determination result obtained using software in a scanner CPU is not identical to a determination result obtained using hardware in a determination section, error processing is performed to prevent image forming of a particular document.

Abstract: A printer output coverage estimation system permits a user of print services to obtain an accurate estimate of the amount of toner required by a print job. Providers of print services, including coverage estimations, may be identified through the Internet and selected by the user from a web interface. The estimate request may then be transmitted directly to the provider that fulfills the request using excess computing capacity. Alternatively, providers may register excess computing capacity with a broker. The broker matches job requests with a grid of providers and directs the job request to the matched provider(s). Thus, users of print services have an alternative to purchasing in-house computing resources that may remain idle much of the time.

Abstract: MFP accepts designation of user identification information as a destination of data, accepts designation of data to be delivered to the destination, accepts a transmission source process procedure that defines a plurality of processes to be executed on the designated data, and generates related data having them related to each other. In addition, when an input of user identification information is accepted, MFP obtains a transmission destination process procedure registered beforehand corresponding to the input user identification information, decides a final process procedure based on the transmission source process procedure related to the obtained data by the related data and the obtained transmission destination process procedure, and processes the data according to the decided final process procedure.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a document-image forming section, a code-image forming section and an acquisition section. The document-image forming section forms a document image on a medium. The code-image forming section forms on the medium a code image containing position information, which is used to specify a position on a surface of the medium. The acquisition section acquires a position shift amount between the document image and the code image, which are formed on the medium.

Abstract: A graphic user interface for controlling a production printer is disclosed. The graphic user interface displays representations of the document to be produced by the production printer. Further, the interface provides visual indicators to indicate the page features applied to the pages of the document. The graphic user interface allows the operator to view the applied page features for each page in the document to verify they are correct prior to producing the document on the production printer. Further, the operator can modify incorrectly applied page features or add additional page features to correct errors.

Abstract: A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. The networked medical devices are configured to support a variety of wireless data communication protocols for efficient communication of data within the medical device network.

Abstract: A communication terminal device includes a receiving unit, a printer unit, a selection registering unit, an extracting unit, and a determining unit. The receiving unit receives data. The printer unit prints an image onto printing paper according to the data received by the receiving unit. The selection registering unit registers a selection of whether or not to attach a storage medium, in which information can be electronically written, to the printing paper and to output the printing paper, by associating the selection with prescribed information. The extracting unit extracts the prescribed information from the data received by the receiving unit or data acquired in relation with transmission and reception of the data. The determining unit determines whether or not to attach the storage medium to the printing paper according to the selection registered in the selection registering unit by being associated with the prescribed information extracted by the extracting unit.

Abstract: The digital copying machine 11 obtains an image data by reading a document, applies a character recognition process on its URL, and transmits an HTML file transfer request to the Web server 20 corresponding to said URL. If it receives an HTML file from the Web server 20, it generates the image data of the Web page from said HTML file and outputs the image data; if it fails to receive an HTML file from the Web server 20, it outputs the document image data. It compares the document image data with the Web image data. It outputs the Web image data if the images match; it outputs an image specified by the user, if the images do not match. It applies a character recognition process on the printing date, and retrieves from the hard disk the HTML file related to said URL received later than said printing date.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture wherein device configuration information is stored in a shared library. An application programming interface is provided to allow a plurality of page description language interpreters to access the device configuration information stored in the shared library. At least one of the plurality of page description language interpreters accesses the device configuration information stored in the shared library by calling the application programming interface.

Abstract: In an image viewer, a lot of image data files are registered in a database. In each image data file, positional data is attached to image data, indicating a camera location at which the image data is captured. An image arrangement decider gets the positional data from the image data files, and decides a lattice arrangement of registered images based on the positional data, so that the relative positions of the images in the lattice correspond to the correlations between the camera locations of these images. A control device controls a display device to display the images tightly in the decided arrangement on a screen. Information relating to the camera locations of the images, e.g. borders, place names or a map, may be retrieved based on the attached positional data from another database, and displayed in addition to the images.

Abstract: A communicator is connected, through a network, to a predetermined server including first frame image data and to a display device operable to select the first frame image data in association with first selection screen information linked to the first frame image data. An acquirer is adapted to acquire the first frame image data from the predetermined server through the communicator. A transmitter is adapted to transmit the first selection screen information to the display device through the communicator. A printer is adapted to print an image on a medium in association with the image data and the first frame image data selected by the display device.