Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining an absolute angle and torque with an optical detection module, in which the absolute angle and the torque are determined on the basis of measurements including marked waveforms at both ends of a torsion bar, relative rotation angles at both ends of the torsion bar, and revolutions per minute of the torsion bar measured with the aid of the revolution number measurement unit.

Abstract: The present invention features a system to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The system senses relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is related to a circuit pattern inspection apparatus for detecting a gradual changing of defect expanding over a large area of the semiconductor wafer. In order to detect a gradual changing of a defect related condition expanding over a large area of the semiconductor wafer, comparison is made between dies on a wafer that are separated from each other by a distance of at least one die width. For example, when a value according to a difference between such dies exceeds a pre-determined value, an existence of the gradual changing can be confirmed.

Abstract: Defects on a wafer (26) can be detected using bright-field and/or dark-field illumination. The radiation incident onto the wafer (26) has, in this context, a substantial influence on the reliability of the measurement results. To improve the reliability of the measurement results, the wafer (26) is illuminated with an illumination device (12), adjustment of the illumination device (12), in particular its brightness and frequency, being accomplished in consideration of read-out stored illumination setpoints. These illumination setpoints are determined by way of a previous reference measurement.

Abstract: An optical test head comprises a laser source for providing a laser beam. The laser beam passes through a cylindrical lens for modifying the shape of the beam and a spherical lens for concentrating the beam onto a workpiece (typically a magnetic disk platter). The cylindrical lens both a) elongates the laser beam along the radial direction of the platter (by reducing the effective numerical aperture in the radial direction); and b) causes the beam to be out of focus in the radial direction (although the beam is typically in focus in the circumferential direction). The size of the beam in the radial direction is substantially insensitive to the position of the cylindrical lens.

Abstract: A method is described that adjusts the position of a item and sets a tilt angle for each of a plurality of micro-mirrors of a digital micro-mirror device. The setting of the tilt angles is to establish a filter within the optical channel of an inspection tool that inspects the item. The filter is to reduce noise received at an optical detection device. The tilt angle settings are a function of the position. The method also includes comparing information from the optical detection device that describes an inspected region of the item's surface against an expected version of the information.

Abstract: A system for high-speed inspection is provided. The system includes a digital camera focused on an inspection location and generating image data. An array of light emitting diodes generates light beams, and one or two lenses collimate the light beams. The angle of incidence of the collimated light on an item at the inspection location is greater than approximately 50 degrees, such as to avoid flashing which can be created by coating on the inspection item or other surface effects. The collimating lenses have a center hole and the digital camera is focused on the inspection location through the center hole.

Abstract: The method for detecting faults in transparent material includes irradiating a definite partial volume in the material with a first radiation source and coupling light into the material from a second source so that its optical path in the partial volume extends in the interior of the material. A fault in the partial volume is detected by light scattering, bright field absorption, and/or deflection of light of the first radiation source by the fault. The apparatus for detecting faults includes a first radiation source for illuminating a definite partial volume of the material, a detector for detecting light from this partial volume, and a second radiation source. The second radiation source is arranged in relation to the material so that the associated optical path in the partial volume passes exclusively in the interior of the material.

Abstract: An optical interrogation system and method are described herein that can interrogate a two-dimensional (2D) array of optical sensors (e.g., grating coupled waveguide sensors) located in a 2D specimen plate (e.g., microplate).

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: A method and a system for optical measuring in a structure having a pattern in the form of spaced-apart parallel elongated regions of optical properties different from that of spaces between said regions. The system comprises a broadband illuminator (8) for generating incident radiation, a spectrophotometer arrangement (30) for detecting a spectral response of the structure to the incident radiation, and an optical arrangement (2) for directing the incident light to the structure and collecting the response of the structure, said optical arrangement (2) comprising a numerical aperture (32) selectively limiting the range of at least one of light incidence or collecting angles in direction substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of said elongated regions of the pattern.

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 instrument system for detecting a biochemical interaction on a biosensor. The system includes an array of detection locations comprises a light source for generating collimated white light. A beam splitter directs the collimated white light towards a surface of a sensor corresponding to the detector locations. A detection system includes an imaging spectrometer receiving the reflected light and generating an image of the reflected light.

Abstract: An optical processor includes a light source (20), a grating device (23), a first lens (24), a reflector (25), a second lens (26), an array of mirror cells (28), a color wheel (29), and a third lens (30). The light source is for generating a number of light beams. The grating device is for reflecting and dispersing the generated light beams. The first lens is for imaging the reflected and dispersed light beams. The reflector is for reflecting the imaged light beams. The second lens is for correcting any aberration of the reflected light beams. The array of mirror cells is for reflecting the light beams received from the second lens. The color wheel is for coloring the reflected light beams. The third lens is for projecting the colored light beams onto a display.

Abstract: A particle detection apparatus and a detection method used therefor, which can detect dust, pollen and smoke particles at a high sensitivity with a sufficiently simple configuration. A particle detection apparatus has a light source and a detection device for detecting light from the light source, and detects particles floating in the air at a position through which the light passes. The apparatus further has an airflow generation/control device capable of controlling an airflow of the air present in the light passing position so as to keep the airflow constant or nearly zero, and an image sensor is used as a photodetector of the detection device. Predefined particles are identified from image information including a moving speed, a size and a shape of a moving object detected by the image sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, front to back side alignment optics are used to project a mark on the back side of a substrate. The front to back side alignment optics are arranged such that the image projected into the image window of the front to back side alignment optics is a translational replica of the mark on the back side of the substrate. One potential advantage of such an arrangement is that any slight inaccuracies in the location of the optical axis do not result in inaccuracies in the image of the substrate mark. The translational replica image can be used for alignment of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and classifying foreign material in an inspection lot of textile fibers that is moved lengthwise. The aim of the invention is to allow for the simultaneous inspection of the inspection lot with regard to a plurality of properties and to allow for the detection of a foreign material and for its classification in a simple manner while taking due consideration of all properties measured. According to the invention, values for deviations of these properties from a standard are detected and stored for at least two properties that are influenced by the foreign material. The values for the deviations are eliminated according to a predetermined rule except for the values of one property. A value for the deviation and a value for the length of the deviation on the inspection lot resulting from the values of the remaining property is detected and the foreign material is classified according to this deviation and length.

Abstract: An optical system for use in measurements in a sample comprising a light source (102) operable to produce an incident light beam propagating in a certain direction towards the sample (S) through an illumination channel (IC), a detector unit (104) for collecting light coming from the sample through a detection channel (DC), and generating data indicative of the collected light, a light directing assembly (106) operable to direct the incident beam onto a certain location on the sample's plane with a plurality of incident angles, and to direct light returned from the illuminated location to the detector unit (104), the light directing assembly (106) comprising a plurality of beam deflector elements (108 A-D), at least one of the deflector elements being movable and position of said at least one movable deflector element defining one of the selected incident angles.

Abstract: Novel spectroscopy techniques using entangled photons are disclosed. In one technique, entangled photons are directed to a sample of interest, while the photons with which they are entangled are resolved according to frequency. The photons transmitted by or reflected from the sample and the frequency-resolved photons are detected. Such detection may be by way of an electronic coincidence counter or a biphoton sensitive material, which absorbs entangled photons while allowing other photon pairs to pass. Detection information is used to derive spectroscopic properties of the sample. In another technique, a Fourier transform spectroscopy technique using entangled photons is disclosed. Entangled photons are directed to a sample, while the photons with which they are entangled are directed to a Michelson interferometer. The photons transmitted by or reflected from the sample and the photons leaving the Michelson interferometer are detected.

Abstract: A wavemeter and method for measuring bandwidth for a high repetition rate gas discharge laser having an output laser bean comprising a pulsed output of greater than or equal to 15 mJ per pulse, sub-nanometer bandwidth tuning range pulses having a femptometer bandwidth precision and tens of femptometers bandwidth accuracy range, for measuring bandwidth on a pulse to pulse basis at pulse repetition rates of 4000 Hz and above, is disclosed which may comprise a focusing lens having a focal length; an optical interferometer creating an interference fringe pattern; an optical detection means positioned at the focal length from the focusing lens; and a bandwidth calculator calculating bandwidth from the position of interference fringes in the interference fringe pattern incident on the optical detection means, defining a DID and a DOD, the respective distances between a pair of first fringe borders and between a pair of second fringe borders in the interference pattern on an axis of the interference pattern, and acc

Abstract: Integrated spectroscopy systems are disclosed. In some examples, integrated tunable detectors, using one or multiple Fabry-Perot tunable filters, are provided. Other examples use integrated tunable sources. The tunable source combines one or multiple diodes, such as superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLED), and a Fabry Perot tunable filter or etalon. The advantages associated with the use of the tunable etalon are that it can be small, relatively low power consumption device. For example, newer microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) implementations of these devices make them the size of a chip. This increases their robustness and also their performance. In some examples, an isolator, amplifier, and/or reference system is further provided integrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving measurements from an interferometer transducer (22) uses a broad band light beam (19A), reflected from the transducer (22), and compares it with the amplitudes of narrow band beams, derived from the reflected broad band light beam (19A), by filters (23A-23D) on different frequencies. The narrow band light beams and the broad band light beam (19A) are measured on photo detectors (22A, 21B-21E). Microprocessor (57) compares outputs of the photo detectors to interpret phase differences between signals (25, 27, 29) from the narrow band beams. A periodically operable shutter and a single photo detector (21) can also be used. Other embodiments modulate (12) the light source (10) to produce very short broad band pulses of light (36, 40) which are reflected from the transducer (22).

Abstract: An optical system includes a photolithography system, a low coherence interferometer, and a detector. The photolithography system is configured to illuminate a portion of an object with a light pattern and has a reference surface. The low coherence interferometer has a reference optical path and a measurement optical path. Light that passes along the reference optical path reflects at least once from the reference surface and light that passes along the measurement optical path reflects at least once from the object. The detector is configured to detect a low coherence interference signal including light that has passed along the reference optical path and light that has passed along the measurement optical path. The low coherence interference signal is indicative of a spatial relationship between the reference surface and the object.

Abstract: An absolute distance measuring device based on laser interferometry may combine coarse, intermediate, and highest resolution measurement techniques to find the absolute distance to a sample surface with high resolution. The device may provide at least two laser wavelengths simultaneously, to allow reduction or elimination of certain common-mode error components, including dynamic error components. The device may scan at least one of the laser wavelengths over a relatively narrow range and may use quadrature detectors to provide enough signal data to allow certain self-corrections to be performed on the resulting scanned signals and measurements. A novel tunable laser and/or quadrature detector may provide advantages in combination with the device.

Abstract: A stage apparatus including a stage capable of moving an object, first and second measurement units adapted to measure a displacement of the stage in a predetermined direction based on a variation of an optical path length of measurement light, which are arranged so as to have an overlap area to simultaneously measure a stage position while the stage is being moved, a switching unit to switch measurement by the first measurement unit to measurement by the second measurement unit by delivering a measurement value from the first measurement unit to the second measurement unit in the overlap area, and a correction unit, in the stage position upon switching by the switching unit, to correct a wavelength variation of the measurement light based on the measurement value delivered from the first measurement unit to the second measurement unit.

Abstract: A sensing system and method for biomolecular sensing. The system includes: a receptor for the at least one target, the receptor including a substrate and a transparent coating on the substrate having front and back surfaces; a light source positioned to direct at least a portion of light from the light source toward the coating on the receptor; and a detector positioned to capture the light reflected from the front and back surfaces of the coating, the detector identifying presence of at least one target based on a change in the interference pattern of captured light.

Abstract: A system for measuring a profile of an object comprising a source creating a beam of electromagnetic energy. An electromagnetic beam receiver spaced from the source for processing an output signal proportional to the girth of the object being measured. A platform for providing rotational and vertical movement of the object being measured causing the object to obstruct a portion of the electromagnetic beam generated by the source. A processor for processing the output signal from the electromagnetic beam receiver to form a composite profile of the object measured.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment of the invention includes determining a map of a second part of a substrate belonging to a group of substrates. The method includes measuring a first part of at least one substrate belonging to the group to create an average profile map or average height map and computing a map of the second part of the substrate belonging to the group, based on the average profile map or the average height map. The computed map is stored for use during a later determination of a height or tilt of a substrate from the group.

Abstract: A laser index device is connected to a main shaft of machine and includes a lens unit for generating a laser beam which is refracted via a prism to produce a laser mark on the product so as to guide the user to move an inspection device to inspect the produce. An image processing device is located above the lens unit and display the image on a display device. A machining display unit displays movement of tool to machine the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the position of a ferrule of a laser module. The apparatus comprises an XYZ stage, a base, a receiving portion and a laser displacement meter (LDM). The XYZ stage is used for moving in three-dimensional directions. The base has a first slot by which the base is detachably connected to the XYZ stage. The receiving portion is fixed to the base and has a second slot. The laser displacement meter is used for measuring the distance between the ferrule and the laser displacement meter. The laser displacement meter is detachably connected to the receiving portion in the second slot. Whereby, the quantitative measurement and correction to the effect of the postweld-shift (PWS) on the fiber alignment shifts in laser-welded laser module packaging is achieved. Therefore, the reliable laser modules with high yield and high performance used in low-cost lightwave transmission systems may be developed and fabricated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the photoelectric measurement of an essentially planar measurement original includes a photoelectric scanner and a positioning arrangement for the two dimensional movement of the scanner over the measurement original positioned on a supporting surface and the positioning at defined measurement locations on the measurement original. The positioning arrangement is constructed as a type of SCARA robot and includes a stationary base, a first and a second movable robot arm and a positioning control. The first robot arm is mounted on the stationary base for rotation by a motor about a first axis of rotation perpendicular to the supporting surface. The second robot arm is mounted at the free end of the first robot arm for rotation by a motor about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the supporting surface and carries the scanner, and the positioning control is constructed for rotation of the two robot arms according to externally supplied positioning commands.

Abstract: A printer includes a local non-volatile memory for storing at least one print job; and a control system, including at least one processor and an encryption algorithm. When a print job is sent to the printer and designated for printing at a later time, the print job is assigned a key identification number (KEY) and then encrypted by the processor based on the encryption algorithm and the KEY. The encrypted print job is then stored in the local non-volatile memory as a secured print job, while the KEY associated with the encrypted print job is erased from the printer.

Abstract: The present invention is a printing method of recording an image by forming ink dots on a print medium in one of a plurality of print modes. The method determines the reduction pattern in response to the selected print mode selected from the plurality of print modes, which represents reduction of the ink amount for forming ink dots on a border area of a specific type image area represented by the dot data.

Abstract: The invention seeks to display the setting of a spoken language, which is used in a printer, in such a manner that the setting can be understood irrespective of set values. Messages indicative of settable items as well as settings are stored in a language message map. Both the message and the setting regarding a language setting among the settable items are expressed in the English language and stored. When a status print is performed, messages concerning the items that have been set and the corresponding settings are read out of the language message map and are printed.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of operating in a stable condition and in an efficient manner by omitting automatic adjustment in the case where there is no necessity of carrying out the automatic adjustment when the image forming apparatus returns from a power-saving mode to a normal mode. A CPU shifts the operation mode of the image forming apparatus to a power-saving mode in which power consumption is saved. The CPU detects at least one of a status of the image forming apparatus before the operation mode is shifted to the power-saving mode and a status of the image forming apparatus in the power-saving mode. The CPU determines the contents of a return process executed when the operation mode returns to a normal mode from the power-saving mode, according to the detected status of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Print data is input from a computer, and a main translator of an image processing apparatus analyzes the print data, and performs an output data process. In addition, a sub-translator analyzes the print data, performs an external reference data obtaining process through a network, holds the obtained external reference data in a storage device, and manages the data in a resource management table. When the main translator requires the external reference data, it performs the output data process using the external reference data managed in the resource management table. Thus, the output data process and the external resource pre-reading process are simultaneously performed, thereby improving the throughput of the entire system.

Abstract: A print system which can improve searching performance and operability at the time of using boxes of a printing apparatus is provided. In a host, as a box dialog for designating the box serving as an input destination of a print job in accordance with the operation of the user, one of a box dialog including a list of box information regarding a plurality of boxes of a printer and a box dialog including a list of box information regarding the box used as an input destination of the print job is selected and displayed onto a display unit. The box serving as an input destination of the print job is designated on the displayed box dialog in accordance with the operation of the user.

Abstract: A process capability judging means (11) of the communication device (1) analyzes the subject information and it judges whether it is possible or not to process the information by this communication device so as to present to the user. A destination deciding means (12) decides a destination information processor. And a transferring means (13) transfers the subject information to the terminal (2) in the destination deciding means (12). In the terminal (2) a translating means (23) translates the received information into the form the communication device (1) is able to process and a returning means (24) returns the translated information to the communication device (1).

Abstract: When a facsimile data is received, a control unit causes the content of the facsimile data to be displayed on a display. The control unit causes a recording unit to print the content of the facsimile data on a recording sheet when a “Print” key is pressed down with the facsimile data displayed on the display while causing a forwarding method selection screen to be displayed on the display when a “To Forward” key is pressed down. The control unit causes a display urging the selection of the E-mail transmission of the received facsimile data, the transmission thereof to another computer and the transmission thereof to another facsimile apparatus to be displayed in the forwarding method selection screen on the display, and the facsimile data is forwarded by a forwarding method corresponding to the instruction given from an operator.

Abstract: A method of configuring a printer for vacation periods is provided. The printer is connected to a network server and the method comprises switching the printer between a first operative mode, in which the network server transmits print data to the printer and the printer prints documents, and a second operative mode, in which the printer does not print documents and the network server stores data relating to pending print jobs which have not been printed. When the mode changes from the second mode to the first mode the network server retrieves or generates an electronic summary of the pending print jobs and causes the printer to print a printed summary corresponding to the electronic summary.

Abstract: When print data is stored as index data, a dedicated FIFO memory is interposed between a data processing circuit before index expansion, and an index expansion circuit, and temporarily stores the index data. The stored index data is read out by specifying a portion required for the process of a printhead, thus improving the memory access efficiency and throughput.

Abstract: Techniques for estimating an average background value and an average foreground value of an image data formed by a plurality of pixels by selecting a first plurality of pixels forming a first calculation window from the plurality of pixels, determining at least first, second and third statistical moments for the first plurality of pixels, and determining at least one of average background value and average foreground value using the at least first, second and third statistical moments determined for the first plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A printing control system where poor printing does not occur on a recording medium is provided. A printing system 1 is constituted by connecting a printing apparatus 2 and a personal computer 3 by a connecting cable 4 of 100 base T. Determination is made as to whether disposition of information data to be disposed to an IC card C serving as a recording medium is appropriate based upon disposition position information of the information data to be disposed to the IC card C and inherent attribute information which is set depending on a type of the information data. On the basis of this determination result, printing processing for information data is controlled. Poor printing to the IC card C is prevented beforehand.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having: image forming means for visualizing image data read out by image reading means and forming it onto transfer materials; post-processing means for executing a post-process including a stapling process, a folding process, and/or a sorting process in order to execute a book-binding process to the transfer materials on which the image data has been formed; and a trimmer for executing a trimming process to a bundle of the transfer materials subjected to the binding process by the post-processing means, wherein when the trimming process by the trimmer is executed, the image forming means sets a non-image forming area including a processing portion to which the trimming process is executed and a valid image forming area excluding the non-image forming area onto the transfer material and forms the image data read out by the image reading means into the valid image forming area of the transfer material.

Abstract: Techniques are described for preparing halftone bitmap images for printing on inkjet printers. The techniques may involve exclusive use of low-density inks to reproduce highlight colors and means for reducing the amount of ink applied to the page within “solid” areas while maintaining complete coverage of these areas. The techniques may rely on the high addressability and larger ink palette of recent inkjet printers. For example, some inkjet printers offer seven ink channels: low and high density inks for the cyan, magenta, and black channels, and a single high-density yellow ink. In one embodiment, halftone dots within a bitmap image are separated into perimeter data and core data. The perimeter data is then associated with a low-density ink channel and the core data is associated with a high-density ink channel.

Abstract: A logo generating system and method allow a user to specify colors and adjust an image according to the particular printing purpose. Source data of image elements with two or more colors is obtained and displayed so that the user can view an image of the source data while freely adjusting the colors of the logo data according to the colors that can be used by the printer. The source data is processed and output according to the input parameters as the colors are assigned. An image of the data processed according to the color assignments is also displayed so that the user can adjust the color assignments while viewing the effect on the actual data.

Abstract: In order to achieve to adjust saturation of an image without leading to a deterioration in image quality, there is provided an image processing device and method in which a conversion data has a conversion characteristic which suppresses a change in saturation in a visible image for pixels belonging to a predetermined color region, and in order to achieve that changes in image quality which accompany conversion of gradation of an image data can be accurately corrected, there is provided an image processing device and method in which one of reconverting the image data which is converted or controlling a conversion characteristic is performed, such that changes in a ratio of a difference, of each of color components, with respect to gray of each pixel of the image data, which changes accompany conversion of the gradation of the image data, are corrected.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus inputs photographic image data containing dot-matrix pixels and converts the input pixels according to predetermined correspondence relationship information, so as to produce processed image data. A correspondence relationship holding unit of the apparatus holds correspondence relationship information, including a plurality of correspondence relationships, for the conversion, and applicable object information. The applicable object information includes, for each correspondence relationship, a respective condition. A correspondence relationship judging unit judges, for each of the input pixels, indicating whether a given pixel meets the condition of any of the correspondence relationships. An image data converting unit performs a conversion operation on the pixels of the input image data to produce processed image data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with a detector for detecting a dot image portion or a non-dot image portion from a binarized image data representing an image, and an image processing section for carrying out a different image processing with respect to the binarized image data depending on a detection result of the detector.

Abstract: In a image processing apparatus executing an error diffusion process, normal error diffusion process is performed when an input pixel value is not “0”. When the input value is “0” (white pixel), “0” is automatically output, error memory of the pixel is reset, and calculation and distribution of the error are not performed. Accordingly, the speed of processing of the image processing apparatus can be improved. Further, by setting smaller the threshold value in error diffusion, the influence caused by resetting of the error memory and delay in generating a dot can be prevented.

Abstract: A novel image forming apparatus which makes gray-scale by performing at least one of operations including a manipulation of a plurality of dots arranged in a form of matrix, a single-dot-based density adjustment, or a single-dot-based size adjustment, includes a dot status detector and a density adjuster. The dot status detector detects an occurrence in which a dot exists at a focus dot position and no dot exists at positions immediately adjacent to the focus dot position in the main scanning direction. The density adjuster adjusts a writing level of the dot at the focus dot position so as to make the gray-scale smooth when the dot status detector detects the occurrence.