Abstract: A digital printing press system for variable data printing (VDP) includes a front end and a press. The front end processes a static template and transmits the processed static template to the press. The press merges variable data processed subsequently by the front end with the static template to produce a desired stream of customized documents. A method of operating a digital printing press system for variable data printing (VDP) includes processing a static template with a front end of the press system; transmitting the processed static template to a press of the press system; and, on the press, merging variable data processed subsequently by the front end with the static template to produce a desired stream of customized documents.

Abstract: In a computer implemented method of creating a collage of images, a first image is seeded into a viewing region to start the collage. A plurality of trial layout arrangements are provided with an additional image added to the collage. An occlusion cost is generated for a trial layout arrangement. The occlusion cost represents image saliency occluded and viewing region saliency occluded by the trial arrangement. An image is added to the collage, by updating the collage to reflect one of the trial layout arrangements for which the occlusion cost has been generated.

Abstract: Layout candidates to lay out and print a plurality of input jobs on one print sheet are created. Cutting lines on the print sheet and the number of times of rotation of the print sheet necessary in the cutting process are decided for a layout defined by each created layout candidate. Cutting difficulty corresponding to each layout candidate is calculated for each created layout candidate on the basis of the decided number of cutting lines and the decided number of times of rotation. A layout candidate having the lowest cutting difficulty among calculated cutting difficulties is selected as a layout for the jobs. Print data to print the jobs is generated on the basis of the selected layout.

Abstract: A system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises an image processing path and a print engine coupled to the image processing path. The image processing path processes an input image in a wavelet domain.

Abstract: Image processing methods, image processing systems, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, an image processing method includes defining an image dimension corresponding to a common size of data content of a plurality of images which are associated with one another, determining a plurality of image boundaries individually corresponding to a size of the data content of a respective one of the images, comparing individual ones of the image boundaries with respect to the image dimension providing difference information for respective ones of the images and indicative of differences of the respective image boundaries with respect to the image dimension, and adjusting the images using respective difference information corresponding to respective ones of the images.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention enable the simultaneous and automatic corrections of digital images. The systems and methods of the present invention contain an Intelligent Expert-System (IES) for processing a single digital image, selected group of digital images and a batch of digital images. The expert-system analyzes each digital image automatically, independent of any other images, extracting plurality of image characteristics, and performing image quantifications and classifications. The digital image is then corrected using fuzzy logic techniques, according to the quantifications of the various characteristics and the expert-system rule base and knowledge base. The expert system components can be customized in respect to subjective user definition and criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve image quality in images captured via monochromatic cameras using multi-wavelength lighting. A contrast optimization algorithm determines which particular wavelength among those available is most suitable to maximize contrast. The quality of the image can be further improved through active noise cancellation by determining the lighting schemes that provide maximum and minimum contrast between a target and a background. The elimination of image texture data (i.e., noise) is then accomplished through pixel-by-pixel division of the maximum by the minimum contrast image. Alternatively, images obtained using at least two wavelengths can be algebraically combined for noise reduction. The resulting composite image can be fed into any known target identification algorithm.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a key operation unit including a plurality of keys; a display screen; a first storage unit that stores an image data; and a processor that performs a processing. The processing performed by the processor includes displaying a first image corresponding to the image data on the display screen; setting an upper end and a lower end in the first image displayed on the display screen based on a key input from the key operation unit to designate a range between the upper end and the lower end in the first image; selecting image data corresponding to the designated range in the first image; and displaying a second image corresponding to the selected image data on the display screen.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus that provides a client terminal with a web contents file upon request by the client terminal. The client terminal displays a setting window based on the web contents file, and transfers to the image processing apparatus a file that has been dragged and dropped within a predetermined area of the setting window. The image processing apparatus analyzes the received file and rewrites the setting of the image processing apparatus in accordance with the analysis result.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes: a reading device for reading an image of a document; a moving mechanism for moving one of the reading device and the document; an operable portion capable of being inputted a specific command; a read-controlling portion for conducting a reading operation while scanning the document so as to obtain sections of the image data of the document in a reading order sequentially; an image-data storing portion for storing, in a memory, the sections of the image data of the document in a reading order sequentially; a display device configured for displaying a display image of the document; a display-controlling portion for controlling the display device so as to display the display image based on the sections of the image data such that the image of the document appears on the display device; a command detecting portion for detecting the specific command; an output-range determining portion for determining an output range which is determined based on the sections of the image data c

Abstract: Various embodiments of a separator are disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet-fed image-scanning apparatus for scanning an object on a tray is disclosed and includes a rigid mainframe, a carriage module, a second light source, a transmission module, and a holding module. The rigid mainframe provides a moving route for the tray to be moved into or out from the sheet-fed image-scanning apparatus. The carriage module illuminates the object and senses the light reflected from or penetrated through the object so as to scan the image of the object. The second light source illuminates the object from a position opposite to the carriage module. The transmission module moves the tray into and out from the sheet-fed image-scanning apparatus. The holding module keeps the tray from deviation while the tray is moving within the moving route.

Abstract: Color components are converted into full colors to be output. An achromatic color among the color components is converted into black. The achromatic color among the color components is converted into a mixed color of two colors including black and another color to be output. One of the conversion outputs is selected.

Abstract: A method for obtaining bitonal image data from a document obtains scanned color image data from at least two color channels and identifies, in the scanned color image data, at least one region of interest (R1) containing foreground content and background content. At least one threshold data value is obtained according to an image attribute that differs between the foreground content and the background content within the region of interest (R1). The scanned color image data of the document is converted to bitonal image data according to the at least one threshold data value obtained from the region of interest (R1).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a master for producing a hologram device is provided. A first master is produced with a compensating angle. The second master is produced from the first master with an index matching material to reduce the interference pattern caused by internal reflections within the holographic plate of the master. The hologram device has a relatively narrow angle of reconstruction to provide visibility from a nearly perpendicular light source such as the headlight of an on-coming vehicle.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a high data density holographic data storage method. The holograms are written into the volumetric data storage layer or layers, and during the writing process the accurate places of holograms in the data carrier structure are determined by the intersection domain of the object and reference beam or beams, and during the reading process the selection of holograms simultaneously illuminated by the reference beam or beams, the read-out of the addressed hologram, and the suppressing of un-addressed holograms are carried out by a spatial filter located confocally with the addressed hologram and/or by satisfying the Bragg condition. The optical arrangement for recording and reading out holograms has three dedicated planes in confocal arrangements, where the addressed hologram is in the middle dedicated plane in the storage material, and in the two outer dedicated planes there are spatial filters. The optical arrangement is a 12f optical System consisting of three pairs of objectives.

Abstract: A holographic information recording apparatus is disclosed. The holographic information recording apparatus comprises a laser light source, a beam splitter, and a reflective spatial light modulator. The beam splitter provides a reference beam and a carrier beam, where that reference beam is directed without reflection toward a holographic data storage medium. The carrier beam is reflected off the reflective spatial light modulator to form a data beam comprising an image of information. The reference beam interacts with the data beam to form a hologram comprising the image. That hologram is then encoded in a holographic data storage medium.

Abstract: A correction device for an imaging optical arrangement exhibiting a light path (1), in particular for a microscope, that exhibits at least one plane-parallel transparent plate (9), which is held in a mounting plate in the image beam path (1) and is propelable around at least one axle in a tipping and/or a swiveling motion, in order in adjust a definite parallel misalignment of the beams in the image beam path (1) by a change in the tipping situation of the plate (9). A confocal microscope with such a correction device exhibits a confocal screen (4), which illustrates a specimen mark (10), whereby the plane-parallel plate (9) is placed in front of the detector unit (2) in the light path (1), in order to center the illustration of the aperture diaphragm on the detector unit.

Abstract: An optical switch, wherein the first and second output ports (optical fibers) are disposed on the opposite sides of the input port (optical fiber) so as to form acute angles with respect to the input port, the input port and the first output port are optically coupled to each other through a first mirror surface, and the input port and the second output port are optically coupled to each other through a second mirror surface. The incident angles of an incident light beam with respect to the mirror surfaces are equalized, and optical path lengths between the input port and the first and second output ports are equalized. The actuator inserts and withdraws the second mirror surface on a position at the front of the first mirror surface.

Abstract: A correction device for an imaging optical arrangement exhibiting a light path (1), in particular for a microscope, that exhibits at least one plane-parallel transparent plate (9), which is held in a mounting plate in the image beam path (1) and is propelable around at least one axle in a tipping and/or a swiveling motion, in order in adjust a definite parallel misalignment of the beams in the image beam path (1) by a change in the tipping situation of the plate (9). A confocal microscope with such a correction device exhibits a confocal screen (4), which illustrates a specimen mark (10), whereby the plane-parallel plate (9) is placed in front of the detector unit (2) in the light path (1), in order to center the illustration of the aperture diaphragm on the detector unit.

Abstract: A light source system includes a splitter that split light beams F0 emitted from a light source into at least light beams FM and light beams FS, and an optical detecting system that guides the light beams FM to a detector. A light component near a light-intensity peak of the light beams F0 in a plane perpendicular to a propagation direction of the light beams F0 is included only in the light beams FS. Accordingly, light beams have a substantially circular or elliptic cross section with the intensity peak near the center. Light at the peak is supplied to the outside, and other light is used to control an amount of light.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a first optical system for guiding light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting units to an optical deflector, and a second optical system for focusing the light beams to optically scan a surface to be scanned. At least one of the first optical system and the second optical system includes a resin lens having a diffractive surface. The diffractive surface includes a diffractive portion and a refractive portion. A power of the diffractive portion and a power of the refractive portion cancel each other.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light beams and a rotary deflector for deflecting the light beams. A revolution number (Rm) of the rotary deflector is reduced to Rdef×(V/Vmax) if V/Vmax is greater than a value; and the revolution number (Rm) thereof is reduced to Rdef×(V/Vmax)×m and the number of the light beams is reduced to Ndef/m if V/Vmax is not greater than the value. V is a process linear velocity of the image forming apparatus; Vmax is a maximum process linear velocity thereof; Ndef is the number of the light beams at the maximum process linear velocity Vmax; and Rdef is the revolution number of the rotary deflector thereat; and m is a positive integer, and Vmax is greater than V (Vmax>V).

Abstract: An optical multi-beam scanning device has a plurality of pre-deflection optical units, an optical path synthesizing member and an excessive light processing member. The excessive light processing member processes excessive light emitted from an excessive light emitting surface with is not an incident surface nor an emitting surface of the optical path synthesizing member. The excessive light processing member has a multi-stage taper constitution with a plurality of taper surfaces having different tilt angles.

Abstract: A conductive thin film has first and second surfaces and at least one opening extending through from the first surface to the second surface. At least on one of the first and second surfaces, first and second periodic surface patterns having different period lengths are provided. The period length of the second periodic surface pattern is substantially equal to an odd integral multiple of a half of the period length of the first periodic surface pattern. With this, surface plasmon polaritons excited by the first periodic surface pattern undergo odd-order Bragg reflection by the second periodic surface pattern. As a result, the intensity of the light falling on the first surface and transmitted to the second surface through the opening is increased with high efficiency.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source, a polygon mirror, an optical member, a casing, and an exit hole cover. The light source emits a light beam. The polygon mirror rotates and deflects the light beam to be scanned in a scanning direction. The optical member focuses the light beam deflected by the polygon mirror onto a scanning target. The casing houses the polygon mirror and the optical member and includes a first wall portion having a wall inner surface opposing the polygon mirror and the optical member and a wall outer surface opposing the scanning target. The first wall portion is formed with an exit hole through which the light beam is irradiated toward the scanning target. The exit hole cover is formed of a light transmissible member and is disposed on the wall outer surface to cover the exit hole.

Abstract: A polarization stabilizing device and method based on controlling the phase retardations of a pair of variable rotators with an optically interposed quarter-wave plate, with a controller such that the first of the variable rotators has its phase retardation switched between first and second values whenever the phase retardation of the second of the variable rotators reaches an upper or a lower limit. The upper and lower limits of the second rotator and the first and second values of the first rotator are chosen so that discontinuities in the power of the output optical radiation are avoided when the first variable rotator is switched, thereby providing endless polarization stabilization using rotators that themselves may have limited retardation ranges.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: A polarization-diverse optical amplifier includes a polarization-sensitive optically active medium and a polarization splitter. The polarization splitter is configured to receive input light, to direct a first polarization component of the received input light to a first optical path segment, and to direct a second polarization component of the received input light to a separate second optical path segment. The active medium has first and second optical ports. The first optical port is at an end of the first optical path segment. The second port is at an end of the second optical path segment. The active medium outputs amplified light from one of the ports in response to receiving the input light at the other of the ports. In a preferred embodiment, the active medium has an internal optical axis, and the polarizations of the first and second components are oriented relative to that axis so that amplification is enhanced. The two optical path segments may include polarization-maintaining optical waveguides.

Abstract: A microscope digital image acquiring system 1 includes a microscope 2 composed of a microscope unit 10 forming an enlarged image of an object O and a microscope controller 20 controlling movement of the microscope unit 10, an imaging instrument 3 composed of a camera head unit 30 that is attached to the microscope 2 and has an imaging device detecting the enlarged image of the object O and a camera controller 40 that receives a detected signal output from the imaging device and outputs image information of the object O. The microscope controller 20 and the camera controller 40 operate cooperatively in response to control commands sent externally. The system 1 has a connecting cable 52 connecting with both instruments 20 and 40 to carry out communication with each other. Both instruments 20 and 40 operate cooperatively by communicating control commands with each other through the connecting cable 52.

Abstract: An adaptive scanning optical microscope has a scanner lens assembly for acquiring images from different parts of an object plane and for forming a preferably curved image field having at least some aberration which varies as a function of the part of the object plane from which the image is acquired. A steering mirror selects the field of view and steers light from the object and along a light path from the object plane to a final image plane. An adaptive optics element receives the steered light from the object and compensates for the field position dependent optical aberrations and additional optics are along at least part of the light path for conditioning and focusing the light as it moves from the steering mirror, past the adaptive optics element and to the final image plane.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement structure includes a substrate having first and second opposing sides. An array of optical microstructures is located on the first side of the substrate and a cladding layer is located on the array of optical microstructures opposite the substrate. Fresnel microstructures are located on the second side of the substrate. Related methods of forming and operating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially achromatic multiple element compensator system for use in wide spectral range (for example, 190-1700 nm) rotating compensator spectroscopic ellipsometer and/or polarimeter systems. Multiple total internal reflections enter retardance into an entered beam of electromagnetic radiation, and the elements are oriented to minimize changes in the net retardance vs. the input beam angle resulting from changes in the position and/or rotation of the system of elements.

Abstract: A polarizer of the invention comprises a film having a structure that includes: a matrix formed of an optically-transparent resin having a polyene structure; and minute domains dispersed in the matrix and/or fibers embedded in the matrix without forming voids. The polarizer has a high transmittance and a high degree of polarization.

Abstract: A dustproof lens assembly includes a holder and a barrel. The holder has an inner space, in which an image sensor is received. The holder and the barrel have connecting portions for engagement and a block portion is provided between the inner space and the connecting portions to block dust between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion out of the inner space of the holder and give the image sensor a clean environment.

Abstract: Anti-reflection film includes a transparent support, at least one optical functional layer overlaid on the support, and a low refractive index layer, overlaid on the optical functional layer, and having a lower refractive index than the optical functional layer. An anti-reflection film producing apparatus to produce this includes a coater for coating a surface of the optical functional layer with liquid for forming the low refractive index layer, to form a coating layer. A dryer promotes drying of the coating layer. A heater hardens the coating layer from the dryer at a first temperature level, and then hardens the coating layer at a second temperature level higher than the first temperature level, to form the low refractive index layer. Preferably, a difference between the first and second temperature levels is 1-50 deg. C. Also, ultraviolet rays are applied to the low refractive index layer after the hardening of the heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to the combination of lower transmittance etalons with higher transmittance filters, including use of a single circular polarizer with high efficiency and optical performance for its filtered polarization, to achieve necessary throughput of a narrow bandpass region. The lower transmittance etalons can be achieved by using lower transmittance solid-state etalon materials, or by control of the coatings on the etalon. Alternate configurations are described that reduce the optical assembly's footprint, and/or include additional filters to remove stray light. An innovative option to heat the etalon directly is disclosed to actively stabilize and maintain the etalon's bandpass.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide an antiglare light diffusing member that can satisfy both of external light reflection preventiveness and good contrast when being used for a display. The antiglare light diffusing member is made to be an antiglare light diffusing member having an antiglare light diffusing layer including a binder matrix and particles on a transparent base material, wherein the two types of surface roughness (Ra1, Ra2) of the antiglare light diffusing layer defined by JIS-B0601-1994 are in the following range: Ra1: in the range of 0.008-0.020 ?m Ra2: less than 0.200 ?m (Ra1: cutoff wavelength ?c of 0.008 mm, Ra2: cutoff wavelength ?c of 0.8 mm).

Abstract: A privacy screen mounting system, comprising a bezel having a recess for receiving a movable retention member therein, the retention member positionable from a retracted position to an extended position relative to a display screen to secure a privacy screen over the display screen.

Abstract: A hard-coated antiglare film is provided that has high hardness and excellent antiglare properties and can prevent white blur from occurring when viewed from oblique directions. The hard-coated antiglare film of the present invention includes a transparent plastic film substrate and a hard-coating antiglare layer that is formed of fine particles and a hard-coating resin on at least one surface of the transparent plastic film substrate. The hard-coating antiglare layer has a thickness of 15 to 30 ?m, the fine particles have a weight average particle size of 30 to 75% of a thickness of the hard-coating antiglare layer, in the unevenness of the hard-coating antiglare layer surface that is formed by the fine particles, an average tilt angle ?a is 1.0° to 2.0°, and an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra according to JIS B 0601 (1994 version) is 0.12 to 0.30 ?m.

Abstract: An imaging system and method are disclosed which includes a high power illumination source for providing a first illumination field at the surface of an illumination modulator, the illumination field is defocused at the surface of the illumination modulator reducing the power density at the illumination modulator. Subsequent to the illumination modulator an anamorphic optical element(s) is provided to refocus the illumination field at an image surface coincident with the focus of the illumination modulator at that image surface.

Abstract: When a spherical aberration generated on an optical recording medium is optically corrected, there has been a problem of irradiation power change of an output on an objective lens side due to a change of a signal level detected by a light quantity detector in response to the correction value.

Abstract: A food safe cup, having a substantially continuous cup sidewall consisting essentially of a lenticular sheet made of a food safe material and an image formed of food safe ink applied directly to the lenticular sheet.

Abstract: A lithography apparatus comprises variable lenses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating a light duct (14) of thermoplastic material, the duct comprising a light relay (26) constituted by a rectangular section bar for conveying light along its longitudinal axis (A-A?) referred to as a “first” axis, and provided at one of its ends both with a wall (28) that is inclined relative to said first axis, and with a lens (32), the axis of revolution (B-B?) of the lens being contained in a longitudinal plane of symmetry, said duct (14) presenting a given maximum height Hmax beyond the thickness of the lens and a given mean length Lmoy along its longitudinal axis (A-A?).

Abstract: A light-redirecting optical structure includes a first side and a second side, the first side including plurality of linear prisms having a visibly random shaped surface on the prisms and a plurality of cross-cut prisms on first side which are oriented at an angle such that it is greater than zero degrees but less than 180 degrees. A backlight wedge includes a stepped structure on a bottom side that decreases in size traversing the wedge away from a light source which is positioned at an end and having a visibly random shaped surface on said wedge.

Abstract: Lens aberration in an objective lens for recording and reproducing optical information, which is composed of a molded aspherical single lens, is inhibited while at the same time good lens productivity is attained. Also attained are excellent optical properties and high production efficiency in a mold processing step and a press molding step conducted to manufacture the lens. To this end there is provided an objective lens 1 having a convex aspherical surface formed at a first surface and a numerical aperture NA which satisfies the condition NA?0.8. It is preferable to have an aspherical surface also at the second surface.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a zoom lens includes a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, and an image-side lens unit in order from an object side to an image side. An interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit varies during zooming. The first lens unit includes an optical element having a positive refractive power and made of a solid material having an Abbe number (?d) and a relative partial dispersion (?gF) satisfying the following condition: 0.755<?gF?(?1.665×10?7·?d3+5.213×10?5·?d2?5.656×10?3·?d)<1.011. A focal length of the first lens unit (f1) and a focal length of the zoom lens at a telephoto end (ft) satisfy the following condition: 1.6<(ft/f1)2<5.6.

Abstract: A lens barrel drive apparatus which can be reduced in outside diameter to realize reduced diameter. A guide bar guides a lens along an optical axis. Hollow magnets are disposed on an outer peripheral side of the lens and have magnetized portions alternately magnetized to different poles in the circumferential direction. A cylindrical rotor is disposed rotatably with respect to the magnets, made of a soft magnetic material, and is comprised of magnetic pole portions opposed to the magnetized portions of the magnets. A coil energizes the magnetic pole portions of the rotor. A stator fixes the magnets and the coil. A conversion unit adapted to convert rotating movements of the rotor into forward and backward movements of the lens along the optical axis. The magnets have breaks formed along the optical axis, and the guide bar is disposed in the break of the magnets.

Abstract: A disclosed projection optical system for projecting and forming an enlarged image of an image displayed in a planar manner as an object includes: a lens system including, from an object side, at least a lens group providing telecentricity to an object space side, a lens group controlling divergence of angles of view, a diaphragm, a lens group converging the angles of view, and a lens group converging and subsequently enlarging the angles of view; and a catoptric system disposed on an image side relative to the lens system and including a mirror having negative power. Each lens group of the lens system and the mirror having negative power share an optical axis and the optical axis is shifted relative to a center of an object surface.