Abstract: A method for detecting an inappropriate video connection in an information handling system (“IHS”) that includes an integrated video controller, the integrated video controller operable to be coupled to a display device, is provided. The method includes determining if an add-in video controller is coupled to the IHS, the add-in video controller operable to be coupled to the display device. The method also includes determining whether the display device is coupled to the integrated video controller or the add-in video controller. The method further includes providing a notification that the display device is inappropriately coupled to the IHS if it was determined that both the add-in video controller is coupled to the IHS and the display device is coupled to the integrated video controller.

Abstract: An efficient graphics pipeline with a pixel cache and data pre-fetching. By combining the use of a pixel cache in the graphics pipeline and the pre-fetching of data into the pixel cache, the graphics pipeline of the present invention is able to take best advantage of the high bandwidth of the memory system while effectively masking the latency of the memory system. More particularly, advantageous reuse of pixel data is enabled by caching, which when combined with pre-fetching masks the memory latency and delivers high throughput. As such, the present invention provides a novel and superior graphics pipeline over the prior art in terms of more efficient data access and much greater throughput. In one embodiment, the present invention is practiced within a computer system having a processor for issuing commands; a memory sub-system for storing information including graphics data; and a graphics sub-system for processing the graphics data according to the commands from the processor.

Abstract: A “mesostructure renderer” uses pre-computed multi-dimensional “generalized displacement maps” (GDM) to provide real-time rendering of general non-height-field mesostructures on both open and closed surfaces of arbitrary geometry. In general, the GDM represents the distance to solid mesostructure along any ray cast from any point within a volumetric sample. Given the pre-computed GDM, the mesostructure renderer then computes mesostructure visibility jointly in object space and texture space, thereby enabling both control of texture distortion and efficient computation of texture coordinates and shadowing. Further, in one embodiment, the mesostructure renderer uses the GDM to render mesostructures with either local or global illumination as a per-pixel process using conventional computer graphics hardware to accelerate the real-time rendering of the mesostructures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying volume data on an arbitrary three-dimensional polygonal surface are disclosed. For each polygon in the polygonal surface, a two-dimensional texture tile is created and these texture tiles are combined to form texture atlases. Each texture atlas is allocated a specific amount of memory in a texture cache. Each polygon in the polygonal surface may be scan-converted and the resulting texels may be placed in the texture cache. Voxels that do not intersect any polygon in the polygonal surface may not be scan-converted. This method may result in reduced use of texture cache.

Abstract: A system and method for performing viewport clipping for multiple viewports using a pipeline. The pixel address coordinates are compared against boundaries of a first viewport window. The results of this comparison, along with the pixel address coordinates, are registered and passed on to the next pipeline stage. There, the pixel address coordinates are compared against the boundaries of a second viewport window. The comparison results are combined with those passed from the previous stage, and the results are again registered. This scheme is repeated until the pixel has been tested against all the viewport window boundaries, with the intermediate results being combined into a single result indicative of whether the pixel is to be passed to the subsequent stages of the graphics pipeline or clipped.

Abstract: A graphics integrated circuit chip is used in a set-top box for controlling a television display. The graphics chip processes analog video input, digital video input, and graphics input. The chip includes a single polyphase filter that preferably provides both anti-flutter filtering and scaling of graphics. Anti-flutter filtering may help reduce display flicker due to the interlaced nature of television displays. The scaling of graphics may be used to convert the normally square pixel aspect ratio of graphics to the normally rectangular pixel aspect ratio of video.

Abstract: A first adding circuit sums an input image signal of a target pixel and a value that is derived by multiplying respective display errors of three pixels, which are before the target pixel by one line, by weighting factors. A gradation candidate converter converts the gradation of the summed image signal to a plurality of available gradation candidates that are convertible when an error of the immediate left pixel is added. A delaying circuit delays the summed image signal. A second adding circuit sums the delayed image signal and a value that is derived by multiplying the error generated in the immediate left pixel by a weighting factor. A gradation selector selects a gradation closest to the gradation of the image signal to which the error is added from a plurality of gradation candidates, and outputs it as an image signal of the target pixel. A differencing circuit determines a display error of the target pixel.

Abstract: The recording sheet is virtually divided into a recording area and an unrecording area in a main scan direction. Unrecording area printing heat energy is Esi calculated by subtracting printing heat energy Epi for a line to be printed from maximum printing heat energy Epmax for printing each line in the recording area. Common printing heat energy is calculated by dividing the unrecording area printing heat energy Esi by the number of the heating elements in the unrecording area. Virtual image data for each heating element is obtained by counting backward from the common printing heat energy. A recording sheet is printed based on the virtual image data and the real image data. Total printing heat energy is kept constant in each line, and there occurs no printing heat energy fluctuation on printing. Transport load fluctuation due to the printing heat energy fluctuation is suppressed to prevent an uneven density.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and adjusting the calibration for an image processing apparatus entails imaging a calibration target to create an image using the image processing apparatus and scanning the image into host software to create an exposure calibration curve. Control strips are imaged to create control strip images on order to obtain a calibrated density history for the control strips using the control strip images. The control strip images are scanned into the host software to obtain a scanned density history for each control strip and thereby form a density history for the control strips. A deviation history is calculated by comparing the scanned density history to the calibrated density history for each control strip. The deviation history is monitored to ensure that the deviation history is within the operating specifications for the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A printing system includes first and second marking engines which are operatively connected to each other for printing images onto print media. A print media transport system collects printed media from the marking engines. The print media transport system includes a common paper path which receives printed media from the first and second marking engines. A sensor element is associated with the common paper path for measuring an image quality parameter of printed media traveling thereon and generating a control signal therefrom. An image quality controller is in communication with the sensor element for adjusting image quality parameters in at least one of the first marking engine and second marking engine based on the control signal to reduce a variation in an image quality characteristic of printed images produced by the first and second marking engines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a protective device for safeguarding a hazardous area and a method for checking the functional reliability of such a device. The protective device has an image recording unit with an image sensor which includes a large number of light-sensitive pixels. During operation, the image recording unit records an object image. The image sensor is also supplied with a defined test image in order to check the functional reliability, wherein the test image recorded by the image sensor is compared with a defined expectation. According to one aspect of the invention, the object image is specifically made dynamic by means of a testing device and the modified object image is used as the test image.

Abstract: A method for demultiplexing digital video data which originates from multiple sources in which the multiplexed images are not indexed nor is there identification information provided to differentiate sources. The sources are generally cameras which may be stationary cameras or moving cameras that rotate as are commonly used in the surveillance industry. A first set of digital video data representative of a first image is retrieved from a memory source or from a video tape. The first set of digital video data is stored to a memory location associated with a first source. The first set of video data is also identified as representative video data of the first source. A second set of digital video data representative of a current image is then retrieved. A difference ratio is calculated using the representative digital video data and the current set of digital video data.

Abstract: A computer especially suitable for use as a video-based security system includes video inputs, a processor and a network connection. The video inputs are each configured to receive an electronic video signal from a video camera. The processor operates on a digital representation of the electronic video signals from the video inputs. When the computer detects motion in the electronic video signals it generates a compressed representation of the video signal that includes the motion. The compressed representation is transmitted through the network connection.

Abstract: An information recording device in which low-noise and clear image or audio information can be recorded by stopping the generation of a carrier in an oscillation section of wireless communication device during an imaging or sound recording process.

Abstract: Image signals outputted from a CCD to an image signal processing circuit, which performs A/D conversion, YC signal processing to convert the image signals into video signals of NTSC or the like and outputs video signals after D/A conversion. A microcomputer receives the video signals from the image signal processing circuit and determines a brightness level of the video signals. An EEPROM stores a data table showing the relationship between a correction amount and the brightness level, and the microcomputer obtains the correction amount from the EEPROM. The microcomputer corrects the video signals according to the correction amount before the D/A conversion, and the image signal processing circuit outputs the corrected video signals to a displaying device controlling circuit, and a displaying device displays an image.

Abstract: An image capturing device generates a picture handle for designating a picture file and transmits the picture handle to a picture display device. When an alias corresponding to the picture handle is recorded in a file in a storage medium, the image capturing device transmits the alias. The picture display device displays the received picture handle. By using the picture display device, a user selects a picture handle included in a list and inputs an alias corresponding to the selected picture handle. The input alias is transmitted from the picture display device and is recorded in a file in a storage medium loaded into the image capturing device.

Abstract: An imaging device that is activated quickly and prevents deterioration of an image signal. The imaging device includes a boosting circuit for boosting an input voltage to generate a boosted voltage. A solid state imaging device receives the boosted voltage and generates the image signal. A clock signal generation unit is connected to the boosting circuit to determine a timing for generating the image signal in correspondence with a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal and to generate a boosting clock signal for operating the boosting circuit. The clock signal generation unit continuously generates the boosting clock signal during a predetermined period in which the imaging operation starts and, after the predetermined period, generates the boosting clock signal during at least part of a blanking period of the vertical synchronization signal and the horizontal synchronization signal.

Abstract: A camera support structure of a video presenter includes a first support rod having one end portion rotatably installed with respect to a main body of the video presenter, a second support rod rotatably extended from the other end portion of the first support rod, a first joint portion maintaining the first support rod rotatable with respect to the main body of the video presenter, a second joint portion maintaining the first support rod and the second support rod rotatable between 0° through 180° with respect to each other and elastically supporting the first support rod and the second support rod with respect to each other, and a third joint portion maintaining a camera rotatable with respect to the other end portion of the second support rod and elastically supporting the second support rod and the camera with respect to each other.

Abstract: When a time code signal corresponding to an image signal, to which a format conversion changing the number of frames per second is executed, is transmitted, information indicating a frame position where image data is changed through the format conversion in the image signal is attached to the time code signal to be transmitted. Alternatively, information indicating a synchronous state between frame conversion cycles in the format conversion and time code progression is attached to the time code signal. In the foregoing manner, a relationship between the frame position and the time code can be accurately grasped. Further, a secondary conversion (inverse conversion) is accurately executed to the image signal by means of the time code signal.

Abstract: An image display apparatus has a hold-type display panel composed of a matrix of pixels each holding an electric signal for a predetermined period. In the image display apparatus, an intermediate value detector provides an intermediate value signal from adjacent two frames of a video signal having a first frame frequency (60 Hz), a multiplier multiplies the intermediate value signal by a coefficient that is smaller than 1, and an interpolator inserts the coefficient-multiplied intermediate value signal into the adjacent two frames of the video signal to provide a video signal having a second frame frequency (120 Hz). According to the video signal of the second frame frequency, an image is displayed on the hold-type display panel.

Abstract: An adaptive circuit and method for separating luminance and chrominance components from a composite video signal by deriving three input lines from the composite video signal, determining whether any luminance similarity exists among the three input lines, and then selectively enabling a component filter based on any luminance similarity. If no luminance similarity exists among all three of the input lines, then a subtractive comb filter is enabled to maintain high vertical luminance resolution. If luminance similarity exists among all three of the input lines, then an additive comb filter is enabled. The additive comb filter performs three-line averaging when a high degree of similarity exists among all three consecutive input lines to minimize cross-chroma artifacts on lines that are similar.

Abstract: A receiver of analogue video signal having means for analogue video signal conversion has a receiving block (201) for receiving a first analogue video signal, a conversion block (202) for conversion of the first analogue signal into a digital signal, a buffer controller (203) of frame buffers, a video coder (204) for transforming the digital signal into an analogue signal of a second format, a receiver (205) for displaying the analogue signal of a second format and a processor (206) for data processing and controlling the receiving block, the conversion block, the buffer controller, the video coder and the receiver. The buffers controller (203) has three modules, namely, buffers (203b) linked together, a decoding frame controller (203a) and a displaying frame controller (203c). Certain frames in this device will be omitted when the output frames frequency is lower than the input frequency and displayed more than once when the output frames frequency is higher than the input frequency.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device which performs image display by controlling a liquid crystal layer by a lateral electric field that is parallel with a substrate, the lateral electric field is formed by a black matrix and a pixel electrode. That is, a common electrode and a black matrix are commonized which are separately provided conventionally. Further, a storage capacitor is formed in an area where the black matrix and a pixel line coextend with a third interlayer insulating film interposed in between. Since the storage capacitor is formed by using all the area where a thin-film transistor is covered with the black matrix, sufficient capacitance can be secured even if the widths of electrodes and wiring lines are reduced in the future.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel having front and rear surfaces, a printed circuit board for driving the liquid crystal panel, and an optical waveguide for illuminating the front surface of the liquid crystal panel, the optical waveguide including first and second planes, and a thick side and a thin side, wherein the second plane is inclined with respect to the first plane, wherein the liquid crystal panel is inclined with respect to the first plane of the optical waveguide, wherein the second plane of the optical waveguide faces the liquid crystal panel, wherein a space portion having a size based on the difference between the thickness of the thick side and the thin side is situated at the thin side of the optical waveguide, and wherein at least a portion of the printed circuit board is disposed in the space portion.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a backlight unit having a lamp, wherein the lamp includes opposing ends and electrodes at respective ones of the opposing ends; at least one thermoelectric device operably proximate to the lamp; and a liquid crystal (LC) panel over the backlight unit. Each thermoelectric device includes a hot junction disposed near the lamp; a cold junction spaced apart from the hot junction and disposed farther from the lamp than the hot junction; two different thermoelectric materials between the hot and cold junctions, wherein the two different thermoelectric materials are spaced from each other and wherein opposing ends of each of the different thermoelectric materials contact the hot and cold junctions; and first and second wires connected to respective ones of the two different thermoelectric materials.

Abstract: A display device includes a color filter substrate having a flat upper surface. The color filter substrate of the display device includes a transparent substrate, a color filter layer provided on the transparent substrate and having a plurality of color filters arranged so that gaps are formed between the color filters, a light shielding layer having a plurality of light shielding portions disposed in the gaps between the plurality of color filters, and a light-transmitting resin layer having a plurality of light-transmitting resin portions respectively disposed on the plurality of first light shielding portions on the substrate side of the same. The upper surfaces of the plurality of first light shielding portions and the plurality of color filters form a substantially flat surface.

Abstract: A reflective liquid crystal display includes a linear polarizer for converting natural light into linearly polarized light; a retardation film for converting the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light; a liquid crystal layer for varying the phase of the light differently depending on the presence or absence of an electric field; a cholesteric liquid crystal color filter for selectively reflecting light received from the liquid crystal layer; and a black background for absorbing light passing through the color filter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid crystal display device comprising an array substrate, an counter substrate, and a liquid crystal layer which is held between the array substrate and the counter substrate and whose liquid crystal molecular arrangement is divided into a plurality of pixel areas controlled by the array substrate and opposite substrate. The array substrate includes a reflective pixel electrode for scattering a light incident via the counter substrate and liquid crystal layer. The reflective pixel electrode has a reflective surface in which a first undulation having a gradual inclined surface disposed in each pixel area and a second undulation having a plurality of convex portions as main scattering portions disposed in each pixel area are superimposed.

Abstract: An LCD device in an LCD projector includes a TFT substrate, a counter substrate, an LC layer sandwiched between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate, and a pair of compensation substrates attached onto the outer surfaces of the TFT substrate and the counter substrate far from the LC layer. The compensation substrate has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for compensating the retardation caused by a temperature rise of the TFT substrate and the counter substrate due to irradiation thereof by a light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing line of a liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof, by which domain failure (alignment failure) can be previously repaired by a mother substrate unit by adding a step of cooling a thermoset substrate rapidly prior to cutting. The present invention includes a vacuum alignment equipment assembling a first mother substrate having either liquid crystals dropped thereon or a sealant formed thereon and a second mother substrate having either the sealant formed thereon or the liquid crystals therein, a UV-sealant hardener performing UV-hardening on the sealant of the assembled substrates, a thermosetter thermosetting the UV-hardened substrates, a rapid cooler rapidly cooling the thermoset substrates, and a cutter cutting the rapidly cooled substrates into a plurality of unit liquid crystal display panels.

Abstract: The mutually associated structure patterns, which are provided on one mask, or a plurality of masks for a double or multiple exposure can be received by the mask substrate holder. The mask substrate holder has two receiving stations one for each of the masks. Alternatively, both structure patterns for the double exposure are formed on one mask. The substrate holder has one receiving station. The substrate holder, is displaced from the section including first structure pattern to the second, between the two exposure operations, without the masks having to be loaded or unloaded, and realigned.

Abstract: In a lithographic apparatus, a measurement of the position of an object in an ambient space by an object position measuring system which is influenced by pressure variations in the ambient space, is corrected by an accurate measurement of the pressure in the ambient space. A pressure difference is measured between a pressure in a reference pressure volume and an ambient pressure in an ambient space. An absolute pressure in the reference pressure volume is added to the pressure difference to determine a change of pressure in the ambient space. Alternatively, the pressure difference is integrated over time and a determined change of pressure in the reference pressure volume is added to the pressure difference to determine a change of pressure in the ambient space.

Abstract: The projection system of a lithographic apparatus has a plurality of pupil planes and at least two irises provided in respective pupil planes each optimized to provide a high degree of NA uniformity over a respective NA range so that a high degree of NA uniformity can be provided over a wide range of NA settings.

Abstract: A moveable member is provided which extends the top surface of a substrate table, in plan, beyond a bumper which protects the substrate table during collision. The moveable member may be retracted to a retracted position in which it no longer extends beyond the bumper. In this way it is possible to move two substrate tables together and to allow the retractable member to pass under a liquid supply system which normally provides liquid between the projection system and a substrate without turning off of the liquid supply system.

Abstract: An identification apparatus that keeps the conditions for imaging uniform among successive identifications and requires a user to perform only a series of simple maneuvers. An identification apparatus comprising a guide member, a light source, and an imaging unit. The guide member includes a pattern or a structure that inspires a user to position his/her finger thereon or to approach his/her specific finger region thereto. A contact member such as a button switch is preferably located at a position in the guide member at which a fingertip is to be positioned. An optical opening is formed at a position coincident with a position at which a portion of a finger to be imaged for identification should be placed. The light source radiates near-infrared light through the portion of the finger to be imaged. The imaging means acquires an image of the finger, and the apparatus compares the image to previously registered images.

Abstract: A device and method of optical fiber condition monitoring in optical networks is described. The front end of each branch of the optical network is installed with an optical filter that can filter an optical signal with a different wavelength. Optical signals of different wavelengths enter each of the branches in sequence for analysis, so that the condition of each branch on the optical network can be determined. This solves the problem of interference among the branches when monitoring the optical fiber condition on an optical network.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring a fiber optic network between a managed location and a remote location. In a particular embodiment of the method the monitoring wavelength signal is separated from the communication wavelength signal at the remote location and coupled on to the optical fiber carrying a communication wavelength signal from the remote location. In a particular embodiment of the system, the system includes a first optical filter for coupling a selected monitoring wavelength signal on to an optical fiber carrying a communication wavelength signal between the managed location and the remote location and a second optical filter at the managed location for recovering a permanently separated monitoring wavelength signal sent to the managed location from the remote location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising illuminating a microstructured prism, or linear array of prisms of a prism sheet with an incident beam. The method further comprises making measurements of the refracted image of the beam on a measuring device to measure the distance disposed on an opposing side of the prism sheet from the side that the light beam is incident upon. Measurement of two angles of the refracted images of the beam on the ruled scale, measured twice, illuminating the sample at different angles are used in an equation to simultaneously provide the apex angle, the skew angle and the refractive index of the prism sheet.

Abstract: A self-surveying laser transmitter comprising a laser transmitter configured to generate at least one rotating laser beam and a radio positioning system integrated with the laser transmitter. The radio positioning system is configured to obtain the precise coordinate measurements of the laser transmitter. by utilizing the differential corrections transmitted from the Base Station by using the wireless communication link.

Abstract: A method of augmenting a mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) by using a stationary fan laser transmitter. A rover comprises the mobile radio positioning system (Mobile_RADPS) integrated with a mobile laser detector. The stationary fan laser transmitter is integrated with a stationary radio positioning system (Stationary_RADPS). The method comprises the following steps: (A)generating a single sloping fan beam by the stationary fan laser transmitter; (B) detecting the single sloping fan beam generated by the stationary fan laser transmitter by using the mobile laser detector; and (C) timing the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location and using the timing of the fan laser beam strike at the rover's location to improve an accuracy in determination of position coordinates of the rover.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a material body by a scattered light observation system which observes a gel state or a gel-formable sol state material body illuminated with a coherent light through a two dimensional image recognizing means, including measuring a gel state or a change in sol-gel state of said material body using a light section formed on an image forming surface or conditions of a speckle pattern.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for inspecting a wafer surface, a wafer is loaded into a chamber. An incident light including a first light for sensing a vertical position of the wafer and a second light for inspecting the wafer surface is irradiated onto the wafer. The first light is reflected on an inspection region or a next inspection region of the wafer and is detected to control a wafer position. The second light is scattered on the inspection region and is detected to inspect the wafer surface of the inspection region. Position information of a wafer is examined and a position of the wafer is adjusted before inspecting a surface of inspection region of a wafer so as to enable accurate inspection of the wafer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pattern inspection apparatus which easily and highly accurately detects a profile error (deviation) of at least one pattern having a cross section with projections and recesses. The inspection apparatus for the pattern 32 is for detecting the profile error of the pattern having a cross section with a projection and a recess. This inspection apparatus includes a plate 30 on which a pattern is mounted, light sources 40, 42 and 44 which can change angles of illuminating light emitted onto the pattern, within a range of 15 to 75 degrees with reference to the top surface of the pattern, and photodetectors 52 and 54 which can receive reflected light from the pattern at an angle within a range of 15 to 75 degrees with reference to the top surface of the pattern. The inspection apparatus is characterized by that the profile error of the pattern is detected based on an amount of the reflected light from an edge between the top surface and the side surface of each of the patterns.

Abstract: Photons emitted from a sample responsive to being excited by laser pulses are directed through a prism onto a photomultiplier tube having several spaced-apart anodes. The prism alters the path of each photon as a function of its wavelength so that the wavelength determines the anode to which the photon is directed. Taps of first and second delay lines that are coupled to respective alternating anodes. When an anode receives the photon, it generates a pulse that propagates through the delay line in opposite directions from its associated tap. A timer determines first and second times from the laser pulse to the pulse reaching the first and second ends of the delay line. The difference between the first and second times corresponds to the wavelength of the emitted photon and the sum of the first and second times corresponds to the emission delay of the emitted photon.

Abstract: A method for the substantially complete detection and measurement of all particles, within a predetermined size, range, contained in an injectable solution comprising the steps of: a) rotation of the container causes substantially all of the particles in the injectable solution in the container to be set in motion; b) uniformly illuminating the background around the container with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said particles, with detectors having a depth of focus of detection in a specified volume of the container. Wherein the detectors are positioned, relative to the container whereby the optical path and field of view allows the sensor sufficient focus to view substantially all of the bottom interior surface of the container and substantially all of the solution volume within the container.

Abstract: The apparatus, system and method of the present invention provide a three-dimensional polarimeter probe having a coupler for coupling three components of an electromagnetic field that fluctuates in three-dimensions and an emitter for re-emitting a radiation corresponding to said three components. The radiation includes a polarized and an unpolarized component of said electromagnetic field and is used to determine the elements of a field-field correlation martix. In an embodiment, the system includes a detector located a distance from said probe for sensing said re-emitted radiation from said probe and a processor for determining a polarized and an unpolarized component of said electromagnetic field evaluating the polarized component to produce said polarimetry of said three-dimensional optical field.

Abstract: A method for determining the optical retardation and birefringence values of an anisotropic material utilizing a Fourier transform near infrared spectrophotometer operated in at least a portion of the range of wavenumbers between about 4,000 to about 10,000 cm?1.

Abstract: A method of measuring a position of a mark in a chamber in which a pressure inside the chamber is different from a pressure outside the chamber. The method includes a first detection step of detecting a reference mark fixedly disposed in the chamber, through a window arranged on the chamber, using a detector disposed outside the chamber, a second detection step of detecting the mark movable with respect to the reference mark in the chamber through the window using the detector, and a calculation step of calculating a position of the mark with respect to the reference mark based on detection results of the first and second detection steps, so as to suppress a detection error caused by at least one of deformations of the chamber and the window, in which at least one deformation is due to a difference between the pressure inside the chamber and the pressure outside the chamber.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus of the kind having a sample manipulation head with associated positioning system mounted above the main bed of the apparatus, as used for picking of cells, in particular animal cells, or for other biological or chemical applications. An imaging station is arranged on the main bed where a sample container containing a sample can be placed in an object position. According to the invention, both excitation and collection optical sub-systems are mounted under the main bed of the apparatus for performing spectroscopic analysis on a sample at the imaging station. The integration is based on a reflection mode optical solution, which allows all the optical components to be mounted under the main bed of the apparatus. Consequently, ancillary software driven or manual processes can be carried on with whether or not spectroscopic measurements are being made.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring at least a thickness of a strip of material extending between two oppositely facing surfaces comprising a frame having an opening for receiving the material and a transport device coupled to the frame and movable transverse to the material. First and second distance-measuring sensors are coupled to the device for synchronous movement across the frame transverse to the material, each positioned proximate one of the surfaces of the material when it is within the frame opening. The system further includes a gauge block having two oppositely facing surfaces and a known thickness therebetween. The gauge block is coupled to the device for movement with the sensors across the frame and is movable between a measuring position wherein the gauge block is positioned between the sensors and a stowed position wherein the gauge block is positioned out from between the sensors.