Abstract: An image processing device for processing an input image so as to reproduce a halftone, includes: a matrix setting section for setting a threshold matrix having a plurality of elements arranged in M columns×N rows, at least two threshold values being stored in each of the elements; an element specifying section for specifying a corresponding element of the threshold matrix in accordance with a position of a pixel in the input image; and a multilevel signal generating section for fetching the threshold values from the specified element and for generating a multilevel signal by transforming an input pixel value to one of multiple levels in accordance with the fetched threshold values; wherein the multilevel signal generating section outputs a constant value Doutmin as the multilevel signal when a first condition that the input pixel value is smaller than or not larger than a minimum value of the threshold values, is satisfied; the multilevel signal generating section outputs a constant value Doutmax when a seco

Abstract: A method for selecting a halftoning mode to be applied to regions within an image. The method operates on received image data to identify low-level regions within the received image data. The low-level regions are defined and separated by edges. Pixels that are not separated by edges are considered to belong to the same region. After the regions have been identified, low-level image attributes for the image data within each region are compiled. A halftoning method suited for the image data within the region can be selected based upon low-level image attributes.

Abstract: A scan method comprising a sensing photo module applicable in a scan apparatus for scanning a document is disclosed. The sensing photo module is equipped with photo sensors parallel to each other and detects the photo signal at every collection distance. The photo sensors extend horizontally and are positioned a line distance between the adjacent photo sensors. Under low operating resolution, the vertical resolution is increased by making the line ratio an integer, in order to solve the problem of color-quality loss due to a non-integer line ratio.

Abstract: In a simultaneous double-sided document reading, this invention controls by software the document reading order to store image data in a single image storage device in the same order as a document page sequence. The copying apparatus has a reader unit, a printer unit, a controller unit and a document supply control unit. The controller unit has a reader memory, an encoder and a decoder. The reader memory temporarily stores at least two pages of uncompressed image data read from the document by the reader unit. The encoder compresses the image data stored in the reader memory. The compressed image memory stores a plurality of pages of image data compressed by the encoder. The decoder analyzes (expands) the compressed image data stored in the compressed image memory and maps it on the page memory.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a document having a plurality of pages includes scanning a first page in the document at a first scanning speed, the first scanning speed being one of a color speed and a monochromatic speed, and determining if the first page is color or monochrome based on a result of the scan of the first page. If the first speed is the monochromatic speed and the first page is determined to be color, or if the first speed is the color speed and the first page is determined to be monochrome, then the first page is rescanned at a second scanning speed, the second scanning speed being the other of a color speed and a monochromatic speed.

Abstract: An image scanner of the present invention corrects a lens position when a lens moving signal for moving a lens is obtained by extracting a luminance signal from an image signal output from a CCD sensor and an object is dislocated from a focus position of the lens at an optional position.

Abstract: Stopping and starting the movement of media in a scanner before completion of scanning can generate artifacts in the display of the scanned image. These artifacts arise from measurements made during the deceleration of the media before stopping and the acceleration of the media after starting. By scanning the regions that pass the optical sensor during deceleration and acceleration of the media while the media is moving relative to the optical sensor at a substantially constant speed, the degree to which artifacts are produced is reduced. The scanning of the sections of the media corresponding to the deceleration and acceleration distances of the media can be done by moving the optical sensor while the media is stationary, or, by moving the media while the optical sensor is stationary.

Abstract: Even if the color of a print sheet to be actually used for printing is lighter than the color of a sheet according to a given standard printing profile, a printer outputs a proof on a dedicated sheet where the difference between the sheet colors has been corrected. Specifically, after input image data are converted to colorimetric data by a printing profile, the difference between the sheet colors is corrected by one-dimensional LUTs. Input/output gradients (straight lines) incorporated in the one-dimensional LUTs are represented by X?/X0, Y?/Y0, Z?/Z0 where X?, Y?, Z? indicate colorimetric values of the color of the print sheet to be actually used for printing and X0, Y0, Z0 indicate colorimetric values of the color of a standard print sheet used to generate the print profile. The difference between the sheet color according to the standard printing profile and the sheet color to be actually used for printing thus becomes corrected.

Abstract: An optical recording medium which comprises a holographic recording layer on which information is recorded by means of holography, a light shield member fixed to at least one of main surfaces of the holographic recording layer, a control electrode for controlling a light transmission state of the light shield member, wherein, the light shield member has a plurality of pixels obtained by dividing the light shield member on a recording unit region basis, and the light transmission state can be controlled pixel by pixel.

Abstract: An optical arrangement for deflecting a light beam includes first and second deflection devices, and a coupling mirror. The first deflection device is rotatable about a first axis using a first rotary drive, and includes two mirrors disposed non-rotatably with respect to each other in an angular position so as to rotate jointly about the first axis. The second deflection device is rotatable about a second axis using a second rotary drive, and includes a third mirror. The coupling mirror deflects the light beam onto the first or second mirror at an angle greater than 45° relative to the surface of the mirror. The first and second axes are perpendicular to each other. The first and a second mirrors rotate jointly about the first axis so that the light beam rotates about a center of rotation located on the second axis.

Abstract: Laser light, emitted from a laser light source, is formed into a converged light ray by a condensing lens, and deflected by a resonance mirror. The laser light is converged on a photosensitive member through a scanning lens including one negative lens, and has at least one nonaxisymmetric face that provides the same power in the vicinity of the light axis in both of a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction. Even when a deflection angle in the resonance mirror is small, it is possible to shorten a distance from the resonance mirror to the photosensitive member, which is required for providing a desired scanning width and to effectively carry out image-face curvature correction and groove-shaped aberration correction within a sub-scanning cross section and to reduce the size of a unit including the resonance mirror and the scanning lens.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.

Abstract: In an optical modulation device (10) having an electrical/optical interaction region (11), an electrical signal line (3) is connected to an electrical signal input terminal (2a), another electrical signal line (4a) is connected to an electrical signal output terminal (2b), and a reflection control circuit (5) is connected to the other electrical signal line (4a). This reflection control circuit (5) is an impedance element which positively reflects an output electrical signal from the interaction region (11) of the optical modulation device (10). This makes it possible to raise the upper-limiting frequency at which the E/O (Electrical-to-Optical) response characteristic can be improved, and improve the flatness of the frequency characteristic of the E/O response without deteriorating the absolute value of the E/O response.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a dynamic optical tag communication system is provided which includes high and low index CCR, both having a modulator, such as TCFP-MQWs on a first side of the CCR configured to modulate in a first temperature range, and a modulator on a second side of the CCR to modulate in a second temperature range. In some embodiments another high index CCR having corresponding first and second temperature range modulators is provided. In some embodiments, a CCR may have three modulators, such as MQWs, one configured to modulate in a first temperature range, another to modulate in a second temperature range, and yet another to modulate in a third temperature range. In some embodiments, a dynamic optical tag communication system has CCRs which include a high index CCR having a DDG modulator and a low index CCR having a DDG modulator.

Abstract: An interferometric modulator array is integrated with collapsible cavity MEMS electrical switches. The electrical switches may have similar physical geometry as the display elements. The switches may form row or column select functions for the display.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for evaluating the quality of microelectromechanical devices having deformable and deflectable members using resonation techniques. Specifically, product quality characterized in terms of uniformity of the deformable and deflectable elements is inspected with an optical resonance mapping mechanism on a wafer-level.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning a micromirror array to the micromirror package and the micromirror package to a display system. One embodiment provides a method of forming and utilizing a package that exposes regions of an alignment reference plane. The device within the package is mounted on the reference plane such that the exposed regions allow precise alignment with the device in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. Alignment surfaces formed in a display system or other system contact the reference plane at the exposed regions to position the packaged device relative to other components of the system. One embodiment of the package 400 taught has laminated layers forming the package substrate 402 and providing a precision reference plane 416 relative to the position of the micromirror device 404. The package may be formed by laminating several layers of material in sheets to form several package substrates simultaneously.

Abstract: A deformable mirror, in which the distance between an electrode substrate and a membrane can be accurately maintained and which can be produced at a low material cost, is provided. The deformable mirror comprises: an electrode substrate 11 having a plurality of electrodes (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e) formed on a surface of the electrode substrate; a silicon membrane 13 having a counter electrode opposed to the plurality of electrodes formed on the electrode substrate 11; a reflection section 15 provided on the side of the silicon membrane 13 opposite the counter electrode; and a support plate 19 integrally bonded to the electrode substrate 11 for restraining the displacements of the plurality of electrodes which adversely affect the deformation of the silicon membrane 13, in which a plurality of layers of wiring patterns (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e) for supplying drive voltages to the plurality of electrodes are formed in the electrode substrate 11.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mirror device with anti-reflective coating layer. The method of the invention comprises: (a) forming an anti-reflective metal film on a first surface of a mirror material to be a mirror device; (b) defining a plurality of mirror units from the mirror device, each mirror unit having a mirror layer and an anti-reflective metal film unit, the anti-reflective metal film unit formed on a first surface of the mirror layer; and (c) defining an anti-reflective coating layer from the anti-reflective metal film unit, the anti-reflective coating layer formed on edges of the first surface of the mirror layer. According to the invention, the anti-reflective coating layer on the mirror layer can shield a bright area caused by fringe effect so as to minimize the bad influence of the fringe effect. In manufacture, the method of the invention follows the semiconductor manufacturing process, and has high precision and simple process.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image in an electrophoretic display device includes charging each of the sets of differently colored particles to have a different charge through application of an electric field to the display fluid or the device, and then applying an electric field to selected ones of the multiplicity of reservoirs to effect movement of one or more of the differently colored sets of particles in the display fluid therein to display a desired color derived from among the sets of differently colored particles. The colors are shown by way of the particle set or sets moved to be closet to the viewing side conductive substrate of the device.

Abstract: A multimode fiber receiver includes a multimode collimator, a multimode fiber optic amplifier and a detector. The collimator receives incoming signals and provides the signals to the amplifier. The amplifier includes plural amplification stages, a limiter, a tunable narrow band filter and a microcontroller. The amplification stages each include a gain element and a noise filter. The limiter receives the amplified signals and limits the energy of those signals. The optical signals subsequently traverse the narrow band filter including an adjustable pass band to provide desired signals to the detector. The microcontroller measures the energy of the incoming and output signals to control the limiter, amplification stages and/or narrow band filter in order to produce signals within the dynamic range of a particular application. The multimode fiber optic amplifier and/or receiver of the present invention is preferably utilized within an optical communication unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductor materials for optical communications. In one embodiment, an optical device includes an optical waveguide device fabricated using a III-nitride semiconductor material. The III-nitride semiconductor material provides for an electrically controllable refractive index. The optical waveguide device provides for high speed optical communications in an infrared wavelength region. In one embodiment, an optical amplifier is provided using optical coatings at the facet ends of a waveguide formed of erbium-doped III-nitride semiconductor materials.

Abstract: An optical element includes a light absorbing medium formed of a transparent material and light absorbing elements encapsulated within the transparent material. The light absorbing elements have an ultraviolet (UV) light-dependent absorption characteristic and UV light is applied to the light absorbing medium to change the attenuation of the light absorbing medium to a desired attenuation. UV light is applied to the light absorbing medium in a controlled manner to change the attenuation of the light absorbing medium from an initial attenuation to the desired attenuation. The application of UV light to the light absorbing medium can cause the light absorbing elements encapsulated within the light absorbing medium to degrade such that the amount of light absorbed by the light absorbing medium is reduced. Reducing the amount of light that is absorbed effectively reduces the attenuation of the light absorbing medium.

Abstract: A microscope system has a stage on which an observation sample, including an observation object and a transparent member, is to be placed. An objective lens is placed to face the observation sample placed on the stage, and a focusing unit moves at least one of the stage and the objective lens to perform a focusing operation. An autofocus unit controls a focusing driving unit by a so-called Through-the-Lens: TTL system. After autofocus is performed for the transparent member by the autofocus unit, the focusing driving unit makes at least one of the stage and the objective lens move by a predetermined constant amount.

Abstract: A transmission illumination apparatus for a microscope has an optically transparent sample mount plate on which a sample is mounted, a surface light source that projects substantially uniform illumination light toward the sample mount plate, and a light orientation member that restricts diffusion of the illumination light in relation to at least one direction.

Abstract: An optical microscope includes a light source which irradiates a sample with illuminating light. A mirror, which has a variable reflection surface, reflects the illuminating light. A correction table stores plural data of plural shapes of the reflection surface which correspond to changes in a focal position and an aberration. A controller selects, from the plural data stored in the correction table, data of one of the shapes of the reflection surface that is suitable for correcting the focal position and the aberration. And the controller controls the mirror so that the reflection surface forms the shape corresponding to the selected data.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed which comprises several parts, such as a stand, a stage, a nose piece and several elements used to operate the microscope. At least one of these parts is provided with the ceramic layer on its surface.

Abstract: A projection screen comprises a red-reflecting particle layer, green-reflecting particle layer and blue-reflecting particle layer sequentially stacked on a substrate. In each particle layer, particles are accumulated by eleven cycles in a regularly alignment such as close packed structure. Diameter of red reflecting particles is approximately 280 nm, diameter of green-reflecting particles is approximately 235 nm, and diameter of blue-reflecting particles is approximately 212 nm. Each particles layer is accumulated by self-organized technique. The substrate used here can absorb light of wavelengths other than those of red, green and blue three primary colors.

Abstract: There is provided a light diffusing member for a transmission screen that has a satisfactory surface protective effect while maintaining excellent light diffusing effect and antireflective effect. The light diffusing member for a transmission screen comprises a hard coat layer provided on a surface of a substrate having a single-layer or multilayer structure, wherein fine particles are contained in the substrate and the hard coat layer, and the average particle diameter of the fine particles contained in the hard coat layer is 5 to 15 ?m, the hard coat layer has a thickness satisfying a requirement represented by formula (d?2)?t?d wherein t represents the thickness of the hard coat layer, ?m; and d represents the average particle diameter of the fine particles, ?m, and a part of the fine particles is projected on the surface of the hard coat layer to constitute concaves and convexes.

Abstract: A compatible optical pick-up apparatus, which records to and/or reproduce from both digital versatile disc (DVD)-type optical disks and compact disc (CD)-type optical disks for improving a signal regeneration capacity and a tracking capacity in operation at a high temperature. A polarized hologram of the optical pick-up apparatus is divided into six diffraction regions. The rays of a first light diffracted at the first and second diffraction regions are separately received by divided parts of a first bisected light-receiving portion of a photodetector.

Abstract: A microlens substrate for an opposed substrate for use in a liquid crystal panel is provided.

Abstract: A display device for displaying information is provided with an optical system for guiding the light of the display device to the eye, the optical system having, in the order in the proceeding direction of the light, an entrance face for receiving the light, a curved face for totally reflecting the light and a reflecting face concave to the eye side and adapted to reflect the light toward the eye. The reflected light is transmitted by the curved face and reaches the eye. Thus there is obtained a compact display device with satisfactorily suppressed aberrations.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed, including: an optical deflecting array including a plurality of optical deflecting devices arranged in a two-dimensional array, each of optical deflecting devices displacing a member having an optical reflection area and deflecting light, so that an incoming light flux entering the optical reflection area is deflected to a reflection direction being changed, a light source illuminating the optical deflecting array, and a projection lens projecting reflected light from the optical deflecting array based on color information. Each of the optical deflecting devices deflects light to two-axis directions, incoming light fluxes having different colors enter each of the optical deflecting devices from two directions respectively corresponding to two deflection axes, and are reflected by each of the optical deflecting devices based on the color information; and each of reflected light fluxes is led to the projection lens for a respective arbitrary time.

Abstract: A collimating device and a transflector for use in a system having a backlight is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the application, the collimating device and the transflector each include an immersing layer, a reflecting layer, and an optical element layer formed from a plurality of three-dimensional, optical elements. Each optical element is tapered such that a small area end has a horizontal plane cross-sectional area that is less than that of a wide area end. The optical elements of the collimating device are tapered towards the backlight and the optical elements of the transflector are tapered away from the backlight. The reflecting layer has apertures which correspond to the position and shape of the light input ends of the optical elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a specimen are provided. The apparatus comprises a primary illumination source, a catadioptric objective exhibiting central obscuration that directs light energy received from the primary illumination source at a substantially normal angle toward the specimen, and an optical device, such as a prism or reflective surface, positioned within the central obscuration resulting from the catadioptric objective for receiving further illumination from a secondary illumination source and diverting the further illumination to the specimen. The method comprises illuminating a surface of the specimen at a variety of angles using a primary illumination source, illuminating the surface using a secondary illumination source, the illuminating by the secondary illumination source occurring at a substantially normal angle of incidence; and imaging all reflected, scattered, and diffracted light energy received from the surface onto a detector.

Abstract: An optical scanning lens used in a scanning and imaging optical system in which a beam deflected by a light deflector is condensed on or in the vicinity of a surface to be scanned. The optical scanning lens is formed through plastic mold, and a distribution of the refractive indexes ?n(x) inside of the optical scanning lens has a local maximum within a range through which the beam passes through the lens.

Abstract: An improved lens barrel and related methods are provided. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel includes a housing comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter. A first lens element having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the first section is enclosed by the first section of the housing. A second lens element is provided having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter of the second section.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens having a refractive optical element and a diffractive optical element is provided. The cylindrical lens can be fabricated cost effectively and precisely, and optical aberrations and defects in semiconductor diode laser arrangements can be corrected. The diffractive optical element can include various segments.

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

Abstract: An imaging lens is provided and includes, in order from an object side of the imaging lens: a first lens of a positive lens; a second lens of a negative lens; a third lens of a bi-aspheric lens that has an image-side surface having an extreme point at a position other than an optical axis of the imaging lens; and a fourth lens of a bi-aspheric lens that has an object-side surface having an extreme point at a position other than the optical axis. The imaging lens satisfies Conditional Expressions specified in the specification.

Abstract: A card-shaped pocket magnifier device includes a magnifying lens having a pair of opposite optical surfaces. A housing disposed in a recess in the lens, or within a card-shaped envelope of the device, encloses LEDs, a battery and a switch connected by an electrical circuit. The LEDs direct light both edgewise into the lens, for illuminating the lens itself, and away from the lens to illuminate the field of view.

Abstract: An optical element holding structure, having: an optical element including an optical section having optical function, an outer peripheral portion which is positioned at the outer peripheral side of the optical section and a mounting portion which protrudes from the outer peripheral portion in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis; and a lens barrel holding the optical element inside.

Abstract: A direction-turning device for the lens of a camera phone is contained in a chamber extending between the front and rear sides of the camera phone, the chamber having front and rear openings each covered with a transparent window. The direction turning device includes a lens base fitted in the chamber having a lens in a sidewall of the lens base for shooting pictures, and a driving unit able to activate the lens base to rotate to let the lens to face toward the front side or the rear side of the phone through the transparent windows. Therefore, the invention is totally hidden in the chamber and able to optionally shift the lens to face toward the front side of the phone for self-shooting or the rear side of the phone for shooting normally.

Abstract: A holding system for holding an optical element. The holding system includes a ring-like inner holding member disposed at an outer periphery of the optical element, for supporting the optical element by use of at least a pair of pieces, and a ring-like outer holding member disposed at an outer periphery of the inner holding member and connected to the inner holding member at plural points. The inner holding member has at least a pair of driving units with an actuator, for supporting the optical element through the actuators.

Abstract: A lens barrel is provided which has a compact inner lens mechanism and is able to be manufactured in a small size at low cost. In the lens barrel according to the present invention, a number of shafts can be reduced by making a guiding shaft to be a common guiding shaft. In addition, a guiding shaft is formed only within a moving range of a zoom movable member, and a coil unit is disposed in a space positioned behind the guiding shaft, hence the whole lens barrel can be made compact. On the other hand, since the guiding shaft and a guiding shaft are formed separately, a sleeve section of the zoom movable member and a sleeve section of a focus movable member are made to have sufficient lengths, and also a sufficient length for sliding the respective movable members can be obtained.

Abstract: A zoom lens driving apparatus achieves the object of driving multiple lens groups by a single motor and low production cost. When a first lens group, which includes a first lens, moves along guide rods, a leading cam of a leading member drives a leading pin of a follower, so that the follower moves a guide pin, and moves a second lens group, which includes a second lens, along the guide rods. The relative distance between the first lens group and the second lens group is controlled by the leading cam.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a rotatable data storage disk, a transducer, an actuator, and a controller. The transducer is configured to read and write data on the disk. The actuator is configured to position the transducer relative to defined portions of the disk. The controller is configured to determine how many times data has been written to the defined portions of the disk. The controller is also configured to refresh data residing at a particular one of the defined portions of the disk when the number of times data has been written to the particular defined portion of the disk satisfies a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic recording media including servo zones having magnetic or nonmagnetic patterns which are utilized as servo signals including burst marks of a burst section adapted to detect off-track deviation, and data zones, in which the burst marks of the burst section in each of the servo zones are formed of an isolated nonmagnetic material surrounded by a magnetic material.

Abstract: A disc drive system, such as a magnetic or optical recording and/or playback system, for low-data rate applications implements one or more circuit operations, such as read signal detection and related servo functions, as software-based digital signal processing steps in a dedicated software-based processor. The drive system incorporates increased buffering, modified input sample processing techniques, multiplexing of processing functions, and modified automatic gain control techniques to allow circuit operations to be performed with software-based digital signal processing techniques.

Abstract: A suspension arm for an optical transducer comprises a load beam, a slider coupled to the load beam by a gimbal assembly and including an optical transducer positioned adjacent to an end of the slider facing a pivot point of the suspension arm, and an optical fiber for transmitting light toward the transducer, wherein an end of the optical fiber is positioned adjacent to the transducer such that light emitted from the fiber passes directly to the transducer. Disc drives that include the suspension arm, and a method of transmitting light to an optical transducer, are also included.