Abstract: The present invention makes other devices on a network recognize a device that does not support the network compatible Plug and Play function as a device that supports the network compatible Plug and Play function, and makes that device serve as the device with the function. To this end, a proxy server searches for a printer which is present on the network and does not support any network compatible Plug and Play function, and registers information used to specify the found printer in a hard disk via a memory controller. Upon registration, the proxy server generates network compatible Plug and Play DeviceDEscription so as to behave as if it were a network compatible Plug and Play device. Upon reception of a network compatible Plug and Play search message from the network, the proxy server transmits the generated DeviceDEscription as a response message to indicate a UPnP device in place of the printer that does not support the network compatible Plug and Play device.

Abstract: A printer, system, method and computer program for printing, the printer comprising: a media database arranged to store print media data; a web service system arranged to implement a web service; and communication means for communicating data stored in the media database to a user via the web service. The printing supports media extensibility, and information relating to the printing media, such as color profiles, can be communicated between a user and the printer via a web service.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a thin-client machine, a management server configured to manage the thin-client machine, an image processing apparatus configured to process job information, and a job management apparatus configured to manage a processing result of the job information. In the data processing system, when the job information is processed according to an instruction from the thin-client machine, the job management apparatus receives the processing result of the job information and information for identifying image data related to the job information from the management server and manages the received processing result and the information for identifying the image data related to the job information as a job log.

Abstract: A printing device monitoring method includes sequentially registering, in a monitored device queue, printing devices to which print jobs are to be output, monitoring the printing devices in accordance with the order of registration in the monitored device queue, determining if predetermined conditions are satisfied (S1803), interrupting monitoring of a printing device on the basis of the determination (S1806), and re-registering, in the monitored device queue, the printing device whose monitoring was interrupted.

Abstract: For example, when a large number of printer objects is registered in a Windows® system, a large amount of resources is consumed. Thus, a single computer is not sufficient, so that a plurality of computers is used. This results in an increased cost. With an output port of a first printer object that is set to a spooler of an operating system, a plurality of second printer objects is associated. Specification of one of the second printer objects is associated with a print request to the first printer object, so that print-job data is output to a printer at an output destination associated with the specified second printer object.

Abstract: A computer readable recording medium storing a printing program for causing a computer included in a printing apparatus having a printing out section to execute a process, the process which includes storing apparatus information about the printing apparatus; generating a job execution ticket including the stored apparatus information on receiving a printing request from an external apparatus; sending the generated job execution ticket to the external apparatus; receiving from the external apparatus printing job in which a job execution ticket is embedded; determining whether apparatus information about printing apparatus included in the job execution ticket embedded in the received printing job is identical to the stored apparatus information; and sending to the printing out section, when the apparatus information are determined to be identical, the printing job in which the job execution ticket is embedded.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for printing, at a local printing device, a print job that was previously stored at a remote printing device. According to one aspect of the technique, a command is received through a console of a local printing device at which a particular print job is not stored. In response to the receipt of the command through the console of the local printing device, the particular print job is requested from a remote printing device at which the particular print job is stored. The particular print job, sent from the remote printing device, is received at the local printing device. The particular print job is printed at the local printing device.

Abstract: An image controller is provided which comprises a switching unit configured to change image data objects on the screen of a monitor in the following steps. The switching unit first assigns priorities to image data objects for display on the screen. The switching unit next compares the priorities between a first image data object during display on the screen and a second image data object to be next displayed thereon, and determine a length of switching time depending on the result of comparison. The switching unit then changes each display form (i.e., size, position, format, display time, transparency, or level of layers) of the first and second image data objects on the screen continuously or stepwise during the switching time.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an acceptance section; an edge detection section; and a screen processing section, wherein the edge detection section includes: a first edge determination section that subjects a pixel of interest to edge determination by reference to information about a density of the pixel of interest and information about densities of pixels around the pixel of interest determined by an edge detection window; and a second edge determination section that compares minimum density information among the information about densities of pixels determined by the edge detection window with a predetermined background threshold value, and that redetermines the pixel of interest, which is determined to belong to an edge portion by the first edge determination section, as belonging to anon-edge portion in cases where the minimum density is equal to or greater than the background threshold value.

Abstract: A test strip for the determination of an analyte, such as glucose, in a body fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) includes a substrate with a working surface for receiving the body fluid sample and a reverse surface that is in opposition to the working surface. The test strip also includes a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on either of the working and reverse surfaces with the permutative grey scale calibration pattern including more than one grey scale region. Moreover, the scale regions of the test strip define a grey scale permutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of the test strip.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus includes a quantization threshold value to convert input image data of an N value to output image data of an M value based on random dither processing. A flag to designate addition of a non-periodic component to a quantization threshold value can be set for each quantization threshold value and a threshold value that has a non-periodic component is added to the quantization threshold value based on a relation between a large and a small quantization threshold value in different threshold value levels with respect to any target pixel in the quantization threshold value.

Abstract: A method for increasing the resolution of confocal images acquired through an image guide whereof the distal end is associated with an optical head for focusing the laser beam emitted by the image guide in an observation object. For a given position of the optical head, the method includes the following steps: producing a plurality of acquisitions through the image guide, each acquisition being produced for a specific spatial shift of the distal end of the guide image relative to the optical head which remains stationary; transforming the data of each acquisition into a point cloud; registering each scatter plot relative to a point cloud taken as reference; superimposing the thus registered point clouds; and reconstructing a final image from the superimposition. Advantageously, a controlled piezoelectric tube is used arranged about the distal end of the image guide to shift the latter.

Abstract: An image enhancing method includes: (A) classifying a plurality of target frames that are to be output into at least one group based on a predetermined criterion, the target frames being determined from among a plurality of frames constituting a file; and (B) performing image enhancement on the target frames belonging to a particular group, uniformly under a condition that is associated with the particular group.

Abstract: A method for providing a self-designed image on a clock surface includes the steps necessary to form the image on the clock surface. The user chooses any kind of image he/she likes to be printed on the clock surface. After the image is chosen, the image is digitized and processed to have a dimension the same as that of the clock surface. A piece of paper having seams formed on a top side and adhesive on the other side is prepared. Then the processed image is printed on top of the piece of paper. The piece of paper is processed to remove or cut-off the additional parts at the seams to leave only the image-printed portion. Due to the adhesive on the back of the paper, the user is able to attach the piece of paper on the clock surface to complete the method.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains registration information associated with an information processing apparatus at a transmission destination to which an image read by an image reader is to be transmitted. Based on the registration information, the image processing apparatus determines whether the information processing apparatus requires executing image rotation at the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: An image editing device which includes: display means for displaying an image having a plurality of pixel value regions including an attention region; setting means for setting a graphic passing through the attention region and at least one region different from the attention region on the image; and control means for judging which of the regions contains the ending-point of the graphic which has been set, executing extension or deletion of the attention region according to the graphic and the judgment result, and causing the display means to display the region extended or deleted as a new attention region.

Abstract: An MFP includes a scanner to read an image, and a printer to form the image on a sheet, in which the scanner includes a document table on which a document as an image reading object is placed, a platen cover that holds the document to the document table, a carriage that moves along the document table, a document size detecting element that detects a size of the document at a position in front of an image reading start position of the document in an image reading direction, and a control device that detects the document size based on an output of the document size detecting element. According to the MFP, it is possible to realize shortening of an image reading time while reduction in thickness of the apparatus and reduction in cost are kept.

Abstract: A technique is provided for adding an annotation to a document described in a markup language. Upon acquisition of a document described in a markup language, a document processing apparatus 100 displays the document content. In a case of reception of an instruction from a user to add an annotation to the document, an annotation unit 70 displays the annotation. In this case, the annotation is removed before the document is stored.

Abstract: An image reading device is provided equipped with a first light source provided at the same side of a pickup device with respect to a manuscript table and a second light source provided at the opposite side of the pickup device with respect to the manuscript table. The image recording device includes a light shielding member provided at a first position at which light introduced to the manuscript table from the second light source is shielded or a second position different from the first position in a selectable manner, a coupling mechanism for coupling a light source moving mechanism for moving the second light source and a pickup device moving mechanism for moving the pickup device so as to be able to be engaged by a single driving source, and a blocking member provided to the light shielding member so as to block the coupling provided by the coupling mechanism when the light shielding member is provided at the first position.

Abstract: An image formation device is provided with an image formation section, an image acquisition section, a paper supply cassette and a support body. The image formation section forms images at a recording medium and is supported at a base surface. The image acquisition section is disposed at an upper side of the image formation section. The paper supply cassette is disposed at a lower side of the image formation section and can be drawn out to a near side. The support body supports the image acquisition section at the base surface and forms a cassette cavity which is capable of accommodating a far side of the paper supply cassette.

Abstract: The image pick-up apparatus for microscopes according to the present invention is constituted such that an image pick-up apparatus is used as a calibration tool, and a predetermined image-for-calibration displayed on a display screen of a desired display apparatus is photographed. By referring to chromaticity information-for-calibration obtained by photographing mentioned above and chromaticity information of a display part itself, adjustment of color comparison can be carried out much simply.

Abstract: Color adjusting apparatus and method for a light source. A reflector of a required color is added to a light source of a scan module, a plating film of the required color is formed on a lens, or the lens is dyed with the required color. Or alternatively, the color of the light source is directly changed into the required color. As a result, the inconsistent intensities for the light in the primary color, red, green and blue output from the charge-coupled device caused by different brightness of the light source, different wavelength transmission of the lens, and different light sensitivity of the charge-coupled device is improved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image holding member, a toner image forming unit, a color forming information applying unit, a transfer unit, a fixing unit and a color forming unit, the color forming information applying unit exposing a toner image formed on a surface of the image holding member from a back surface side of the image holding member, light transmitted through the image holding member applying color forming information to the toner image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image data correcting unit, an image forming unit, a setting designation unit, a color conversion information storing unit and an adjusting screen displaying unit. The image data correcting unit is configured to correct image data based on color conversion information. The image forming unit forms an image corresponding to the corrected image data on a recording medium. The setting designating unit is configured to designate one of a plurality of the setting modes contained in setting information to form the image. The color conversion information storing unit stores the color conversion information for each of the setting modes. The adjusting screen displaying unit is configured to display an adjusting screen on a display screen, which is used for adjusting the color conversion information applied to form the image, if the color conversion information corresponding to the designated setting mode is in a predetermined condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system comprising a fluid chamber 1 and a birefringent part. The fluid chamber comprises first and second fluids 10, 12 having different indices of refraction, the interface between the fluids forming a meniscus 14. The birefringent part is capable of varying characteristics of a first radiation beam 3b and a second radiation beam 3c, the first and second radiation beams having different polarisations. Variation in the configuration of the meniscus causes variation in the characteristics of the first radiation beam and the second radiation beam. Variation in the configuration of the meniscus may be controlled by electrowetting.

Abstract: A method and system for providing multi-color holographic optical traps and patterns. The method and system employs a laser beam which interacts with a diffractive optical element with a hologram and for optics which acts to selectively pass or attenuate different light color wavelengths and to position the particular color light at selected different locations to form the different color holographic optical trap patterns and to use these patterns for various commercial purposes.

Abstract: An inspection system may be configured to inspect objects, such as semiconductor wafers, using narrow-pulse broadband illumination. The illumination may be obtained in some embodiments using a laser configured to emit light into a material having a spectral broadening effect. The inspection system can include various filters which may be selectively placed in the illumination and/or imaging path in order to tune the spectrum of light impinging on the wafer and the light that is detected. The filters may include selectable filters, fixed filters, and filters whose characteristics can be adjusted in-place. In some embodiments, filters may be used to match the illumination/detection spectra of different tools. Additionally, the broadband illumination may be tuned between inspections and/or during inspections for best results. The system may support Fourier filtering whereby light, related to repetitive features of the object and in one or more wavelength sub-bands of the illumination, may be filtered.

Abstract: An optical deflector comprises a vibration system and a driver. The vibration system includes a first oscillatory moving element having a reflecting surface, a second oscillatory moving element, and a support. The first and second oscillatory moving elements are resiliently supported respectively by first and second torsion springs to be able to torsionally vibrate about an oscillation axis with respect to the second oscillatory moving element and to the support. The vibration system has natural oscillation modes with different frequencies about the oscillation axis. The first and/or second torsion spring has torsion leaf portions torsionally deformed about torsion axes parallel to the oscillation axis. One end of each torsion leaf portion is coupled to an end of another through a connecting portion, and the other end is coupled to one of the first and the second oscillatory moving elements and the support directly or through a connecting portion.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. A deflector deflects a light emitted from a light source. A first optical system leads the light emitted from the light source to the deflector. A second optical system includes at least one optical element, and leads the light deflected by the deflector onto a surface to be scanned. The first enclosure holds the light source, the deflector, and the first optical system, and the second enclosure holds the at least one optical element included in the second optical system.

Abstract: A modulating corner-cube retroreflector for remote communications is disclosed. The modulating corner-cube retroreflector includes a solid retroreflector with a front surface and three mutually perpendicular surfaces: a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. A first thin membrane is disposed relative to at least one of the three mutually perpendicular surfaces and covers at least a portion of the surface. A modulator is included that is adapted to cause the thin membrane to vibrate. The corner-cube retroreflector is configured to receive an incident beam of light from a source along a first path and is configured to return a reflected beam of light back towards the source along a second path that is substantially parallel to the first path. The first thin membrane is configured to substantially frustrate total internal reflection of the incident beam of light when the first thin membrane is moved relative to at least one surface of the retroreflector.

Abstract: The optical scanning apparatus has a first light source, a second light source disposed in a side-by-side relationship with the first light source in a sub-scanning direction, a deflector deflecting respectively a first light beam outgoing from the first light source and a second light beam outgoing from the second light source, and scanning over different scanned surfaces with the light beams, a first optical member provided in a first optical path between the first light source and the deflector, wherein the first light beam outgoing from the first light source passes through, a second optical member provided in a second optical path between the second light source and the deflector, wherein the second light beam outgoing from the second light source passes through, disposed beside the first optical member in the sub-scanning direction, the second optical member having the same optical characteristic as the first optical member, a holding member that holds a side face of the optical member and a side face o

Abstract: A shutter unit capable of preventing the scattering of the laser beam upon closing the optical path of the laser beam and capable of being miniaturized, and a laser processing device employing such a shutter unit. In a shutter unit 1, when the optical path of the laser beam L is opened, a rotating member 57 is rotated around an axis line ?, and an opening 61 is positioned on an optical axis ? so as to pass the laser beam L therethrough. Meanwhile, when the optical path of the laser beam L is closed, the rotating member 57 is rotated and a reflective surface 62 is positioned on the optical axis ? so as to reflect the laser beam L. Here, since the reflected laser beam L is absorbed by an optical absorption member 63, it is possible to prevent the scattering of the laser beam L when the optical path of the laser beam L is closed.

Abstract: The invention provides flash imaging devices that include an optical change component that undergoes a change in response to an applied stimulus, a substrate and a stimulus element. Also provided are articles that include the subject devices, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing thin surface layers. An acoustic wave generating laser beam is amplitude modulated with continuous wave modulation of a frequency in the megahertz to gigahertz range and an optical system directs the modulated radiation to a surface of a thin surface layer. This in turn causes an acoustic wave that is sensed and analyzed to provide an indication of properties of thin surface layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing speckles appearing in a laser beam. The method includes the steps of splitting the laser beam into two polarized light modes perpendicular to each other; modifying the phase of at least one of the two polarized light modes, and combining the two polarized light modes into a single laser beam outputted. The method is performed by using an apparatus that includes a light source to generate a laser beam, a polarization split filter to split the laser beam into two polarized light modes perpendicular to each other and then re-combine said two polarized light modes, and a multi-angle reflection mirror to reflect one of the two polarized light modes to the polarization split filter, wherein the polarization split filter is inserted in the multi-angle reflection mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a digital micromirror device includes a hinge layer that is disposed outwardly from a substrate. The hinge layer including a hinge that is capable of at least partially supporting a micromirror that is disposed outwardly from the hinge. In one particular embodiment, the hinge and the substrate are separated by a first air gap. The device also including a first hinge support that is disposed outwardly from the substrate and inwardly from at least a portion of the hinge layer. The first hinge support being capable of transmitting a voltage to the hinge. At least a portion of the hinge support coupled to at least the portion of the hinge layer. In one particular embodiment, the first hinge support is formed in a process step that is different than a process step that forms the hinge layer.

Abstract: A smooth picture device includes an optical element, a holder, a flexible member, a base and an actuator. The holder supports the optical element. At least one portion of the holder is coupled to the flexible member. The base supports the flexible member. The actuator is coupled to the holder and actuates the holder to vibrate.

Abstract: An electronic ink panel comprises an electronic ink layer, a first substrate and a second substrate. The electronic ink layer includes first to third particles responding to voltages in different level ranges. The first substrate has a first electrode facing one surface of the electronic ink layer. The second substrate has a plurality of second electrode patterns of a size of a pixel region. The second substrate faces the other surface of the electronic ink layer.

Abstract: An optical system and method are presented to produce a desired illuminating light pattern. The system comprises a light source system configured and operable to produce structured light in the form of a plurality of spatially separated light beams; and a beam shaping arrangement. The beam shaping arrangement is configured as a diffractive optical unit configured and operable to carry out at least one of the following: (i) combining an array of the spatially separated light beams into a single light beam thereby significantly increasing intensity of the illuminating light; (ii) affecting intensity profile of the light beam to provide the illuminating light of a substantially rectangular uniform intensity profile.

Abstract: Optical Fourier transform is executed over a wide time range. A quadratic function type optical pulse generator (7) generates a control light pulse of a shape expressed by a quadratic function or a parabola according to a clock signal based on a signal light pulse from an optical coupler (1). The signal light pulse inputted is multiplexed by a multiplexer (9) with the control light pulse optically delayed by an optical delay element (8) so that the timing is matched with the signal light pulse, and introduced into an optical Kerr medium (10). In the optical Kerr medium (10), the signal light pulse inputted by the mutual phase modulation between the signal light pulse and the control light pulse is subjected to a linear phase modulation (frequency chirp) over the entire pulse or a wide time range.

Abstract: A metallic nano-particle surrounded by an amplifying medium results in a boundary condition that creates a singularity in the particle's dynamic polarizability at the localized surface plasmon resonance and at a critical value of the gain is disclosed. The boundary condition may be time dependent due to excitation by a sub-picosecond laser pulse and couples to the electromagnetic vacuum resulting in photon emission in an analogue of the Unruh Effect. The vacuum emission from 2-D nanostructures embedded in high gain laser dyes predicts energies nearly two orders of magnitude larger than the spontaneous emission background. The vacuum radiation is may have a unique dependence on the excitation.

Abstract: By writing non-linear chirp into fiber Bragg gratings, greater control over dispersion compensation in chirped pulse amplification (CPA) systems is obtained, such that, for example, the dispersion profile of the fiber Bragg grating and a bulk compressor may be matched. An iterative method of writing the fiber grating can reduce the group delay ripple to very low levels; and adaptive control of the fiber grating dispersion profile can further reduce these levels, while in addition offering greater acceptable yield in the manufacture of such gratings. Fiber Bragg gratings may be designed so as to provide customized pulse shapes optimized for various end uses, such as micromachining, for example, and may also be used to counteract gain-narrowing in a downstream amplifier.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for amplifying a light pulse (S) in an optical fiber (1), wherein a Raman pump signal (RPS) having a lower wavelength than the light pulse (S) is transmitted at a selected interval of time after the light pulse (S) into an end (IA) of an optical fiber(1), with dispersion such that the Raman pump signal (RPS) travels faster through the fiber(1) than the light pulse(S) and reaches and enhances the light pulse (S) after the light pulse has travelled along a selected distance (d1) through the fiber, wherein the Raman pump signal (RPS) is ramped in a substantially linear manner such that the amplification increases with the distance along which the light pulse has travelled along the length of the fiber from A1=S1+RPSmin at a distance d1 to A2=S+RPSmax at a distance d2>d1 from said end (IA) of the fiber 1 and such that the Raman gain increase is substantially similar to the fiber losses of the amplified signal.

Abstract: An optical amplifier is included within a fiber optic transmission system for driving a fiber optic towed decoy system. The optical amplifier boosts the optical power of a laser on board the driving system and compensates for link loss within the driving system and link loss associated with a blind connection between the driving system and the towed decoy. The optical amplifier may be an erbium doped fiber amplifier and may be run in a saturation mode. The result is a towed decoy system capable of operating more consistently across a range of platforms and in some cases less stringent gain requirements on towed decoy components.

Abstract: An optical attenuator is included within an aircraft decoy driver system for driving a fiber optic towed decoy system to compensate for variability in the fiber optic connection to the towed decoy system. The attenuator is controlled by a control signal from the towed decoy system and adjusts the link gain based on this feedback control signal to compensate for link loss, which is highly variable and may include losses as a function of cable, connectors and splices, and to maintain a relatively constant gain. To ensure the broadest range of performance, a higher power laser can be used to drive an external Mach Zhender Modulator or an erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) prior to the optical attenuator. The result is a fiber optic towed decoy system that is adaptable to various platforms and design configurations without degradation in performance of the towed decoy system.

Abstract: A near-infrared ray shielding film which has high adhesion between layers, is substantially transparent, can shield a wide near-infrared region at a high level and is free from electromagnetic interference. This near-infrared ray shielding film is a multi-layer laminated film consisting of a first laminated film portion and a second laminated film portion, each consisting of first layers and second layers alternated with each other, and the average thickness of all the layers of the second laminated film portion is 1.05 to 1.6 times the average thickness of all the layers of the first laminated film portion.

Abstract: A photolithography reduction projection catadioptric objective includes a first optical group including an even number of at least four mirrors, and a second at least substantially dioptric optical group more imageward than the first optical group including a number of lenses for providing image reduction. The first optical group provides compensative axial colour correction for the second optical group.

Abstract: A screen for a trade show or like environment that is lightweight, flexible and compactible. The screen may be patterned to include a plurality of ridges extending from a top to a bottom thereof that serve to reflect projected light into a larger field of view. The screen may be concave about a horizontal axis of otherwise arranged to reflect projected light toward a desired audience. Various releasable, biased mechanisms for attaching a flexible screen member to a disassembleable frame structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved visual communication panel provided with a visual side (3) and a back side (4) and which mainly consists of a support (2) onto which is provided at least on the visual side (3) an enamelled metal (5), characterised in that the support (2) is provided on at least one of the above-mentioned order to prevent deformations.

Abstract: A device for the magnified viewing of an object, from which object rays originate, includes a lens system (1) for collecting object rays. In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes: a display (2) from which display rays (14) originate, and; a left eyepiece (3) and a right eyepiece (3), via which a left-eye and right-eye beam (5 and 6) of visual field rays are projected into the left and right eye of a user of the device. According to this inventive embodiment, an optical component (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) is provided with a physical ray distributing surface (12) on which a beam of collected object rays (13) and a beam of display rays (14) can be superimposed and can be divided up into the left-eye beam and right-eye beam (5, 6) of the visual field rays. This enables a reduction in losses of display rays and object rays.