Abstract: In an implementation of printing system calibration, a printing system includes a print unit and a calibration system. The calibration system has a learning mode operable to receive a master calibration page containing color value indicia, and measure the color value indicia to determine target color values each corresponding to a color value indicia. The calibration system can utilize a target color value to calibrate the print unit.

Abstract: A method and system for constructing a color gamut allows the determination of the boundaries of the color gamut in color space for a color reproduction system having N-colorants. A forward model characterizing the color reproduction system is established and used to map a plurality of inkvectors from colorant space into color space. The color gamut is constructed by determining which of the mapped inkvectors define the boundaries of the color gamut in color space.

Abstract: A method for embedding a digital watermark includes a step of inputting digital watermark information; a step of inputting an image; a step of dividing the image into a plurality of areas; a step of ordering the plurality of areas according to a predetermined ordering criterion; a step of embedding the digital watermark information over the plurality of areas that have been ordered; and a step of outputting an image with the digital watermark information embedded therein.

Abstract: A facsimile network includes a plurality of nodes (10)-(14) which are disposed at different locations in the world. An originating fax machine (16) is associated with one of the nodes (10) for transmitting a fax over a local public telephone network (PSTN) (18). When the node (10) receives the fax transmission in the normal transmission mode, it then converts it to a digitized compressed and encrypted image which is transmitted over a primary network (24), such as the Internet, to a destination node (14) by a predetermined route. The node (14) then decompresses and de-encrypts the image and converts it to a facsimile image for transmission to a destination fax (20) in a normal mode over a local PSTN (22). A node (12) operates as a central node which can also receive the transmission for routing directly to the fax or for directing via another network link to the node (14).

Abstract: A multiple-background device for a scanner and a calibration device utilizing the same principle are disclosed. The multiple-background device includes a shaft, a low-reflectance portion and a high-reflectance portion are formed along the length of the shaft. Thereby the shaft can provide various background colors, and the optical module can acquire a plurality of scan lines by means of rotating the shaft for image calibration.

Abstract: A light-source mechanism for an optical scanner includes a chassis, a lamp, a lamp holder and a buffering device between the chassis and the lamp holder. If the buffering device is subjected to an external force of impact and vibration, the buffering device may effectively absorb the influence of the external force, such that the lamp generally will not be damaged.

Abstract: An original feeding apparatus includes a sheet feeding tray for stacking an original; a feeding device for feeding the original stacked on the sheet feeding tray one at a time; a transport roller for receiving the original from the feeding means at a predetermined nipping position and transporting the original along an outer surface of the roller; a drive device for driving the transport roller; and a detection device for detecting that a predetermined fixed position on the outer surface of the transport roller matches the nipping position. The transport roller can be controlled such that the transport roller receives a leading edge of the original fed from the feeding means at the fixed position, i.e. an original transport starting position.

Abstract: Even when a color difference diffusion (CD) method which allows high-speed color separation is used, it is difficult to attain preferred color reproduction corresponding to various user's requirements using a small-scale circuit. Hence, a color converter color-converts input image data using a 3D table selected from a plurality of 3D tables, and an interpolation process. A quantization processor obtains error-corrected data by adding error data to the color-converted image data. A dot pattern is selected based on the error-corrected data. The selected dot pattern is output to a print section. The error data is obtained by calculating the difference between a predetermined value corresponding to the dot pattern, and the error-corrected data. The error data is diffused to surrounding pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus for writing and reading holograms, comprising a spatial light modulator (SLM) operable in phase mode, having a plurality of pixels for generating an object beam that overlaps with a reference beam; a holographic recording medium (HRM) in the path of the object beam; and a first lens element disposed in the path of the object beam between the SLM and the HRM; wherein the HRM is disposed at or near the Fourier transform plane of the first lens element.

Abstract: A beam processing system comprises a rotary disk mounted thereon with processing objects, a controller for controlling a reciprocating drive mechanism, and a beam width measuring unit for measuring a beam width of a processing beam. The controller sets an inner and an outer overscan position depending on a measured value of the beam width. The controller, based on the number of rotation of the rotary disk per unit time, a scan speed and the number of reciprocating scan times, a reversal start timing of the rotary disk at at least one of the inner and the outer overscan positions, and the measured value, controls the reciprocating drive mechanism so as to ensure an overlap region between a last and a current processing beam irradiation region on each of the processing objects, the overlap region overlapping at least half of the last processing beam irradiation region.

Abstract: An optical beam scanning device is configured from a deflecting unit that has a function to support a deflecting member and a light source, including an exposing semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, a first f? lens and a second f? lens, and strictly regulate their position relative to each other; and a support member that has a function to support a mirror, a second cylindrical lens and a AD sensor along with the deflecting unit, and appropriately position them relative to a photoreceptor drum; and a housing that has a function to cover the outer portion of the deflecting unit and the support member, along with strengthening the support member.

Abstract: An optical pattern generator includes one or more multi-faceted rotating optical elements that introduce an offset that is rotation insensitive. The component that generates the offset is rotationally symmetric around the rotational axis of the optical element. Thus, as the optical element rotates, the effect of the offset component does not change. In addition, rotating optical elements may be designed to counteract unwanted optical effects of each other.

Abstract: An optical scanner has light source units spaced from each other along a first direction and having optical axes parallel to each other. Positions from which the light beams are emitted are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance at least along a predetermined direction. The optical scanner also includes a deflection unit that deflects the light beams together and scans the light beams along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The optical scanner also has imaging units that form an image with each of the light beams on a surface and a housing unit that holds the light source units, the deflection units, and the imaging units.

Abstract: A micromirror array 110 fabricated on a semiconductor substrate 11. The array 110 is comprised of four operating layers 12, 13, 14, 15. An addressing layer 12 is fabricated on the substrate. A raised electrode layer 13 is spaced above the addressing layer by an air gap. A hinge layer 14 is spaced above the raised electrode layer 13 by another air gap. A mirror layer 15 is spaced over the hinge layer 14 by a third air gap.

Abstract: A micromirror unit is provided which includes a frame, a mirror forming base upon which a mirror surface is formed, and a torsion connector which includes a first end connected to the mirror forming base and a second end connected to the frame. The torsion connector defines a rotation axis about which the mirror forming base is rotated relative to the frame. The torsion connector has a width measured in a direction which is parallel to the mirror surface and perpendicular to the rotation axis. The width of the torsion connector is relatively great at the first end. The width becomes gradually smaller from the first end toward the second end.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of an electrooptical device comprises depositing a colloid system of anisometric particles onto at least one electrode and/or onto at least one substrate and/or onto at least one layer of an isotropic or anisotropic material to form at least one layer of an electrooptical material, externally aligning the colloid system to form a preferred alignment of the colloid system particles, drying the colloid system, and forming at least one electrode and/or at least one layer of an isotropic or anisotropic material on at least a portion of the layer of the electrooptical material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochromic device comprising: (a) a first electrode; (b) a second electrode; (c) an electrochromic material; and (d) a gel polymer electrolyte containing an ionic liquid. A method for manufacturing the same is also disclosed. The electrochromic device uses a gel polymer electrolyte comprising an ionic liquid. Therefore, there is no problem related with electrolyte leakage. Additionally, it is possible to manufacture electrochromic devices by using plastic materials, because the ionic liquid gel polymer electrolyte permits structural deformation with ease. Further, because the electrochromic device uses an ionic liquid, it is possible to minimize side reactions between constitutional elements of an electrochromic device and electrolyte.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprises an array of micromirror devices each of which has a reflective and deflectable mirror plates. The mirror plates are moved between an ON and OFF state during operation, wherein the OFF state is a state wherein the mirror plate is not parallel to the substrate on which the mirror plate is formed. The micromirror device may have an ON state stopper for limiting the rotation of the mirror plate at the ON state angle, but does not have an OFF state stopper. The non-zero OFF state is achieved by attaching the mirror plate to a deformable hinge held by a hinge support that is curved at the natural resting state.

Abstract: A discretely controlled micromirror array lens (DCMAL) consists of many discretely controlled micromirrors (DCMs) and actuating components. The actuating components control the positions of DCMs electrostatically. The optical efficiency of the DCMAL is increased by locating a mechanical structure upholding DCMs and the actuating components under DCMs to increase an effective reflective area. The known microelectronics technologies can remove the loss in effective reflective area due to electrode pads and wires. The lens can correct aberrations by controlling DCMs independently. Independent control of each DCM is possible by known microelectronics technologies. The DCM array can also form a lens with arbitrary shape and/or size, or a lens array comprising the lenses with arbitrary shape and/or size.

Abstract: A two-phase electrophoretic medium comprises a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase. The discontinuous phase comprises a plurality of droplets, each of which comprises a suspending fluid and at least one particle disposed within the suspending fluid and capable of moving through the fluid upon application of an electric field to the electrophoretic medium. The continuous phase surrounds and encapsulates the discontinuous phase. To reduce the humidity sensitivity of the medium, a non-ionizable or crystalline polymer may be used as the continuous phase.

Abstract: In electrophoretic media, it is advantageous to use pigment particles having about 1 to 15 per cent by weight of a polymer chemically bonded to, or cross-linked around, the pigment particles. The polymer desirably has a branched chain structure with side chains extending from a main chain. Charged or chargeable groups can be incorporated into the polymer or can be bonded to the particles separately from the polymer. The polymer-coated particles can be prepared by first attaching a polymerizable or polymerization-initiating group to the particle and then reacting the particle with one or more polymerizable monomers or oligomers.

Abstract: A particle-movement display device includes a front-side first substrate and a rear-side second substrate disposed opposite to each other with a spacing therebetween, a partition wall, disposed between the first and second substrates, for partitioning the spacing into a plurality of sections, and charged particles disposed in each of the sections. A first electrode is disposed on a surface of the first substrate in each section, and a second electrode is disposed on a surface of the second substrate in each section. The first electrode in each section has a lattice-like shape, a pitch of which is smaller than a pitch of the partition wall.

Abstract: A line scanned display system includes at least three different colors of illumination provided by one or more light sources, and at least one directional illumination optical system for directing the three different colors of illumination. Also in the system is a bilinear array, having two linear arrays of light modulating devices, situated on a common substrate for receiving and modulating two different colors of illumination at any one time that are obtained from the three different colors of illumination. Finally, a lens for creating line images of the two linear arrays on a screen and a scanning mirror for scanning the line images across the screen to form an area image complete the system.

Abstract: An optical switching device contains an active stage coupled to a passive stage. The index of refraction in the active stage is variable to change the entry direction of a light beam into the passive stage, which has a fixed index of refraction. Because the light beam can enter the passive stage at different angles, the exit direction of the light beam from the passive stage can be changed. The resulting optical switch allows switching without any mechanical components.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: A demodulator includes: a Michelson interferometer having: a half-mirror which splits an optical signal, emits a first split light to a first optical path, and emits a second split light to a second optical path; a first reflector which reflects the first split light to the half-mirror; and a second reflector which reflects the second split light to the half-mirror, wherein the half-mirror recombines the first split light and the second split light, and emits a recombined optical signal while splitting the recombined optical signal; and an balanced optical detector which receives the recombined optical signals from the Michelson interferometer, and generates a demodulated signal based on the two recombined optical signals. The length difference between the first optical path and the second optical path is set so that the second split light has a delay time equal to a one-bit period, with respect to the first split light.

Abstract: An optical, multi-channel, Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) receiver demodulates multiple Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) channels using at least one interferometer. This distributes expense of the interferometer(s) over all channels of an optical signal, allowing for deployment of cost-effective, scalable, wideband, WDM DPSK systems. For example, for an 80 channel WDM link, the receiver uses a single interferometer instead of eighty interferometers and associated stabilization hardware, dramatically reducing size, weight, power, and cost. The receiver is architecturally compatible with existing interferometer technologies so previous development and qualification efforts can be leveraged. This allows for expedited technology insertion into existing optical communications networks, including terrestrial and space-based optical networks.

Abstract: A method of adjusting Raman gain in an optical amplifier assembly (1a). The method comprises inputting a plurality (N) of optical signals (OS) on different wavelength channels to a backward-pumped Raman active medium (4a) pumped by means of a Raman pump source (5). The proposed method is characterized in that a slope with respect to time in a quantity representative of a respective amplified optical signal (OS?) on at least one existing/surviving channel is determined in case of channel add/drop, and in that the Raman pump source (5) is tuned depending on said change. In this way, fast and reliable Raman pump tuning can be achieved even in an optical amplifier assembly (1a) and an optical transmission system, respectively, which suffer from channel adds/drops.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for Raman amplification and dispersion compensation. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dispersion compensating device includes a dispersion compensating fiber having a dispersion more negative than about ?50 ps/nm/km over a wavelength range of about 1555 nm to about 1615 nm; a Raman gain fiber having a dispersion more positive than about ?40 ps/nm/km over a wavelength range of about 1555 nm to about 1615 nm; and a pump source operatively coupled to the dispersion compensating fiber and the Raman gain fiber, the pump source operating at a pump wavelength, wherein the dispersion compensating fiber has a Raman Figure of Merit at the pump wavelength, and wherein the Raman gain fiber has a Raman Figure of Merit at least about equivalent to the Raman Figure of Merit of the dispersion compensating fiber, and wherein the dispersion compensating fiber and the Raman gain fiber are arranged in series between the input and the output of the device.

Abstract: An optical system includes a plurality of optical elements having finite refractive power and an electronic imaging device disposed at an image side of the optical system. At least one of the plurality of optical elements is made of resin, and an infrared-cut coating is applied to at least one face of the optical element that is made of resin.

Abstract: A microscope including an optical unit and a collimator. The collimator is arranged preceding or following the optical unit in a beam path of the optical system. The optical unit imposes a predetermined longitudinal chromatic aberration on a beam supplied to a beam path and the beam impinges on the collimator as a diverging beam or a parallel beam and is converted by the collimator into a parallel beam or a converging beam. The collimator includes at least one lens as well as a curved mirror which folds the beam path such that the supplied beam passes twice through the lens.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a varifocal lens unit including a plurality of movable lens groups, and a prism disposed on an image side of the varifocal lens unit. The prism has an incident plane into which a light flux from the varifocal lens unit enters, and an exit plane from which the light flux is emitted toward an image plane, the exit plane capable of being inclined with respect to an optical axis, the exit plane inclined in accordance with a following conditional expression “?=?f×?/[Bf(n?1)]”, where ?: an angle formed by a normal of the exit plane and the optical axis, f: a focus distance of a whole lens system, ?: a turning angle of a lens system, Bf: a distance from the exit plane of the prism to the image plane along the optical axis, and n: a refraction index of the prism.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source, a light guide disposed on one side of the light source, a reflector disposed under the light guide, a lower diffuser disposed on the light guide, and a brightness enhancement film, which is disposed on the lower diffuser and includes a main part and several prism structures disposed side by side on a main part plane of the main part. Each prism structure includes first to third triangular prisms. The second triangular prism is adjacent to one side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to a base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle. The third triangular prism is adjacent to another side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to another base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle.

Abstract: A compound-eye imaging device comprises: an optical lens array with integrated optical lenses; a stop member for shielding unnecessary ambient light from entering the optical lenses; a photodetector array formed of a semiconductor substrate and placed at a predetermined distance from the optical lens array for imaging images formed by the optical lenses; a light shielding block placed between the two arrays; and an optical filter for transmitting light from the optical lenses in a specific wavelength range. The optical filter is a part of, and integral with, the photodetector array. The optical filter can be a deposited film formed by depositing silicon oxide and titanium oxide on a glass plate provided for protecting a surface of, and integrally formed on, the semiconductor substrate. This enables to easily omit an optical filter separately provided between the two arrays, thereby reducing the thickness of the imaging device.

Abstract: A color-splitting optical element is disclosed that includes a first prism having a first transmissive curved outer side, a second transmissive curved outer side and an inner side. The color-splitting optical element also includes a second prism having a first transmissive curved outer side, a second side and an inner side. A dichroic element is disposed between the inner side of the first prism and the inner side of the second prism. The first transmissive curved outer side of the first prism is disposed generally opposite the first transmissive curved outer side of the second prism along a first direction and the second transmissive curved outer side of the first prism is disposed generally opposite the second side of the second prism along a second direction. Also disclosed are optical systems utilizing such color-splitting optical elements.

Abstract: An optical system and a projection system incorporating same are disclosed. The optical system includes a light source that is capable of emitting light. The emitted light includes one or more substantially collimated discrete light beams. The optical system further includes a lenslet array for receiving and transmitting the emitted light. Each discrete light beam in the emitted light has an intensity full width at half maximum (FWHM) at the lenslet array that covers at least a portion of a plurality of lenslets in the lenslet array. The optical system further includes an optical element for receiving the transmitted light from an input face of the optical element. The optical element homogenizes the received light and transmits the homogenized light from an output face of the optical element.

Abstract: An image detection method includes steps of transferring image information in which, information of an object image on a sample (object plane) is transferred to a detection plane (image plane) of an imaging element via an optical system which includes a negative refraction lens formed of a material exhibiting negative refraction, detecting image in which, image-plane image information transferred to the detection plane (image plane) of the imaging device is detected optically, and calculation processing in which, for the image-plane image information which is detected, information of the object image is calculated by performing a calculation processing based on optical characteristics of the optical system.

Abstract: A projection optical system for projecting, while enlarging, an image formed on an image formation surface onto an image projection surface from an oblique direction relative thereto has at least three optically powered reflective surfaces and a refractive lens surface having a non-rotation-symmetric free-form curved surface and disposed between the first and second reflective surfaces as counted from the image formation surface side.

Abstract: An exemplary composite lens includes a main body and an embedding member. The main body has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The main body has an optical axis associated therewith. The embedding member is disposed in the main body between the first surface and the second surface. A main plane of the embedding member is perpendicular to the optical axis of the main body. A refractive index of a material of the embedding member is higher than that of the main body. The composite lenses can be made thinner. A method for manufacturing the composite lens is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to optics comprising adjustable optical elements and, if desired, lenses of fixed focal lens. By use of an appropriate controller for the adjustable optical elements, characteristics of the optics can be advantageously varied. For this purpose, systems are provided which are suitable for use as surgical stereo-microscope, objective, ocular or zoom. A zoomable imaging optics comprises lenses and of variable optical power, which are oppositely controlled by means of a controller to change an imaging ratio, so that the optical power of the one lens is increased and the optical power of the other lens is decreased. Moreover, the imaging optics may comprise still further assemblies of fixed optical power.

Abstract: Disclosed is a zoom lens, which includes, in sequence from an object side to an image side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, a positive fourth lens group, a fifth lens group, a negative sixth lens group and a positive lens group. The first, third, fifth and seventh lens groups are fixed. When the zoom lens is made to zoom from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the second and fourth lens groups move toward the third lens group, while the sixth lens group moves toward the seventh lens group. The absolute value of the ratio of the focal distance of the second lens group to that of the sixth lens group is within a range between 0.1 and 0.5.

Abstract: There is disclosed a zoom lens system including, in order from an object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power, and further including an aperture stop S disposed between the second lens unit and the third lens unit, during zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, a space between the lens units is changed, the first lens unit includes a single lens having a negative refractive power, a reflective optical element having a reflective surface which reflects an optical path and a sub unit having a positive refractive power, and the zoom lens system satisfies predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A focusing lens for an LED is provided.

Abstract: The multi-wavelength lens for condensing a plurality of kinds of monochromatic light by refraction is disclosed. The lens comprises a common use area for all monochromatic light on at least one lens surface, the area sectioned into a plurality of aspherical zones each of which having a different refractive power; and step portions, each of which formed between adjacent aspherical zones of the plurality of aspherical zones and having a step height Dj (j=1,2,3,4, and so on, in order of closeness to a lens optical axis) in a direction parallel to the lens optical axis. At least half of the step portions satisfy a following formula when a minimum value and a maximum value of Aij for each wavelength ?i are MIN(Aij) and MAX(Aij), respectively: MAX(Aij)/MIN(Aij)<3 where, Aij=absolute(Bij?mij), Bij=(absolute(Dj))*(ni?1)/?i?C, ni is a refractive index of a lens for a wavelength ?i, mij is an integral number closest to Bij, and C is a corrective term.

Abstract: An obstacle-detectable mobile robotic device includes a frame body capable of traveling on a surface, a control circuit mounted to the frame body for controlling the traveling manner and direction of the frame body, and a detection system mounted to the frame body and electrically connected with the control circuit. The detection system has an optical emitter, an optical receiver, and a reflector. The optical emitter emits the light onto the surface, and the light is reflected onto the reflector and then to the optical receiver to be received by the optical receiver. A receiving area generated by the optical receiver on the reflector never overlaps the surface. Accordingly, the obstacle-detectable mobile robotic device can effectively avoid ambient light pollution to have preferable detection potency.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a large-aperture-ratio internal focusing telephoto lens applicable to a wider photographing area by equipping a vibration reduction function capable to satisfactorily correct a camera shake and the like with securing superb optical performance. The large-aperture-ratio internal focusing telephoto lens includes, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power. The second lens group G2 is moved along an optical axis upon changing focus from infinity to a close-range object. The first lens group G1 has at least two cemented lenses and satisfies a given conditional expression. Either one of the cemented lens satisfies a given conditional expression.

Abstract: A wide-angle lens system includes a negative front lens group and a positive rear lens group, in this order from the object. The negative front lens group includes a negative first sub-lens group and a positive second sub-lens group, in this order from the object. The positive rear lens group includes cemented lens elements having a positive lens element, a negative lens element and a positive lens element. The wide-angle lens system satisfies the following conditions: ?0.8<fla/flb<?0.2??(1) 0.7<f/fR<1.1??(2) wherein fla designates the focal length of the negative first sub-lens group; flb designates the focal length of the positive second sub-lens group; f designates the focal length of the entire wide-angle lens system; and fR designates the focal length of the positive rear lens group.

Abstract: An infrared laser light source spreader has a first biconvex lens, a biconcave lens, a convex-concave lens, and a second biconvex lens. Light from an infrared laser light source is emitted incident to the first biconvex lens, spreads and exits to be incident on the biconcave lens, is further spread and inverted by the biconcave lens, exits to be incident on the convex-concave lens, which collimates the light, and becomes incident on the second biconvex lens, which spreads the light further.

Abstract: A ratio of a length of resin flow-in to a radius of an optical component is not larger than 0.25, and gas is blown directly against a laser irradiated part radially and diagonally downward from an upside position corresponding to a center of the optical component. A laser line beam having longer sides extending in a direction along an inner wall is cast by a laser radiation device while being moved in the direction of the longer sides.

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