Abstract: When a user commands a microprocessor, using a remote control, to output information about a video and audio signal output device itself to a monitor device, the microprocessor superimposes, on video signals decoded by a decoder, video signals of a terminal connection information image for displaying, on the monitor device, color images corresponding to output signals from respective output terminals of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) in a VGA terminal or a BNC terminal so as to form and output combined video signals to the monitor device. Thus, e.g. if the monitor device has multiple video signal input terminals for inputting output signals from the respective output terminals of R, G and B, and if no signal is input from one of the input terminals, the user can confirm the input terminal, from which no signal is input, by just watching the screen of the monitor device without confirming the actual connection of the input terminals.

Abstract: A main operation unit (2) is connected to a control unit (4) which controls image processing units (5) to (9), the main control unit (2) includes a setting means for setting the image processing units (5) to (9) to which a sub operation means (3) is connected to the standard mode or the half-divide mode, the control unit (4) controls the image processing units (5) to (9) in response to instruction from the main operation unit (2) upon the standard mode, the control unit (4) controls the image processing units (5) to (9) in response to instruction from the main operation unit (2) upon the half-divided mode and the control unit (4) controls sub circuit blocks (5d) to (5f) within the image processing units (5) to (9) in response to instruction from the sub operation unit (3). Thus, the image switching apparatus can be composed of lesser circuits and such circuits can be used separately without waste as their uses are changed.

Abstract: The structure of an image-signal processing apparatus for performing gamma correction and edge enhancement of a image signal is simplified. An edge-correction-gain generation circuit generates a gain signal according to the level of a image signal that has passed through an A-LPF on the basis of a preset transfer characteristic function. An edge-signal generation circuit generates an edge signal corresponding to the edge of the image according to the quadratic differential signal of the image signal. The edge signal is multiplied by the gain signal in a multiplying circuit. An edge-enhanced-signal generation circuit outputs it as an edge enhanced signal. The image signal is subjected to gamma correction by a gamma correction circuit in a different system from the edge-enhanced-signal generation circuit. A combining circuit combines the gamma-corrected image signal with the edge enhanced signal from the edge-enhanced-signal generation circuit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional video composite signal demodulating method and system capable of inhibiting pseudo-color noises. The system has a two-dimensional luminance and chroma signal separator, a three-dimensional luminance and chroma signal separator, a luminance weighting device, a chroma weighting device and a band pass filter. The method applies the two-dimensional luminance and chroma signal separator to obtain a two-dimensional luminance and chroma signal of a pixel, next the three-dimensional luminance and chroma signal separator to determine the pixel still or not according to a two-dimensional luminance and chroma signal change between a current frame and its previous and following frames with respect to the pixel, and gives appropriate weights to luminance and chroma signals generated by the two-dimensional and the three-dimensional luminance and chroma signal separators respectively, thereby respectively adding and obtaining separated luminance and chroma signals of the pixel.

Abstract: We describe and claim a fuzzy logic based adaptive Y/C separation system and method. The fuzzy logic based adaptive Y/C separation system includes an adaptive Y/C separator to use fuzzy logic to separate chrominance data in a video signal, and a panel to display the chrominance data. The adaptive Y/C separator includes a plurality of filters, each to separate chrominance data in a video signal, and a blending circuit to use fuzzy logic to blend the chrominance data.

Abstract: A method of detecting a change in a sequence of video data fields generated from a progressive scan source includes receiving first and second interlaced fields of a corresponding progressive scan frame from a sequence of interlaced fields generated from progressive scan source. Pixel values corresponding to pixel positions of pixel lines of a first parity of the first field are weaved with pixel values corresponding to pixel positions of pixel lines of a second parity of the second field. For each pixel value corresponding to each pixel position of each pixel line of the second field after weaving, a check is performed for the corresponding pixel position for feathering due to motion. A number of detected pixel positions with feathering due to motion is counted and compared against a threshold.

Abstract: In a multi-directional antenna that is connected to a digital TV broadcast signal receiver, an RF amplifier in which its transmission gains are controlled is installed on the front of a tuner, a BER (BIT ERROR RATE) threshold is set as a reception determination standard to assess received images, and while auto-scanning, the amplification transmission gain level of the RF amplifier is controlled while changing in a phased manner to measure the BER value, and upon obtaining a BER value that is lower than the BER threshold, remaining scan and controlling transmission gains are stopped, and the receiving direction is determined. Thereby, by deleting scans in all directions in the adjustment of receiving directions for all channels, improving the reception sensitivity in a weak electric field, and determining the receiving direction by measuring and assessing the BER value, meaningless time for the direction adjustment can be saved, and the best reception condition can always be obtained quickly.

Abstract: An electro-optical device comprising a display drive system with the display timing related to the unit time t for writing-in a picture element and to the time F for writing-in one picture is disclosed. In the device, a gradated display corresponding to the ratio of the division can be obtained by time-sharing the signal during a write-in of time t without changing the time F.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is disclosed, in which a heat protection plate is formed between the LCD panel and the fluorescent lamps, to transmit the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps, and to reduce the heat generated in the fluorescent lamps being transmitted to the LCD panel, so that the LCD panel is less affected by the heat generated in the fluorescent lamps. The device includes an LCD panel displaying an image by controlling a transmitted light, a plurality of fluorescent lamps formed below the LCD panel at fixed intervals, and a heat protection plate formed between the LCD panel and the fluorescent lamps, to transmit the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps, and to prevent the heat generated in the fluorescent lamps from being transmitted to the LCD panel.

Abstract: According to the present invention, because a display panel is robustly held in a case, a narrow-frame and thin display device can be obtained even in the case where hook portions that hook the first substrate are enlarged. Moreover, a display device having raised assembly workability can be obtained in which, when the display panel is fit to the frame, the hook portions do not obstruct the insertion of the display panel.

Abstract: A new concept of the normally open LCD light switching element is proposed, which allows for the superior angular compensation for the light attenuation by using a single simple negative bireffingent c-plate compensation layer. The concept is based on the simultaneous use of highly angularly symmetric STN LC-configuration (preferably 180° twist) and maximal use of the single (preferably ordinary ray) light propagation mode. The solution is best suitable for various light switching applications like LCD automatic protective welding light filters, as well as for multi-segment large display panels, where it provides for excellent uniformity of the light-attenuation in the “dark” state.

Abstract: A color filter is provided with red, green and blue color filter segments. When chromaticity coordinates (x, y) in a chromaticity diagram of XYZ color specification system are measured with the color filter being sandwiched between two polarizers, a chromaticity (xp, yp) of parallel-transmitted light and a chromaticity (xc, yc) of orthogonal-transmitted light satisfy the following formula (1): ?xy=[(xp?xc)2+(yp?yc)2]1/2<0.130??(1) A liquid crystal display device is provided with such a color filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective or reflective/transmissive liquid crystal display having a light-reflecting layer and provides a low-cost light crystal display having high controllability of the thickness of a liquid crystal layer. The liquid crystal display has a wrinkly irregular layer having a wrinkly irregular surface formed such that it follows irregularity controlling structures on a glass substrate. The liquid crystal display also has a plurality of holding protrusions which are formed to protrude from an opposite glass substrate and which hold the two substrates so as to leave a predetermined gap between them. The holding protrusions which have substantially the same length are formed at predetermined intervals such that they contact the tops of convexes of the wrinkly irregular layer, which makes it possible to control the thickness of the liquid crystal layer into agreement with a design value easily.

Abstract: A TFT LCD that can reflect incident lights and a fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The TFT LCD comprises plural bumps in each subpixel. Each bump has a stacked structure, which is formed with the TFTs simultaneously. The bumps can reflect and scatter incident light so as to promote the reflection performance of the TFT LCD.

Abstract: A transflective liquid crystal display that includes a liquid crystal layer interposed between a pair of substrates facing each other and a transparent display area for transparent display and a reflecting display area for reflecting display within a single pixel area, wherein the liquid crystal layer is composed of a quasi-isotropic liquid crystal material that is optically isotropic when non-selected electric field is applied and is optically anisotropic when selected electric field is applied, the flexibility of which changing according to the electric field intensity, and the electric field intensity is supposed to be set smaller in the reflecting display area than in the transparent display area.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in-plane switching liquid crystal display. The in-plane switching liquid crystal display uses at least one A-plate and adjusts the optical axis direction and the retardation value of the A-plate, thereby improving the contrast characteristic at a front and at a predetermined inclination angle of the in-plane switching liquid crystal display while minimizing a color shift according to viewing angles in the black state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional display device, which can display a 3D image of higher quality than a conventional one by arranging a parallax barrier layer with higher positioning accuracy, and a method for fabricating such a display device. The three-dimensional display device 100 includes a first substrate 11, which is provided closer to the viewer and which is made of a transparent material, a second substrate 21 arranged so as to face the first substrate 11, a liquid crystal layer 30 provided between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 21, and a parallax barrier layer 12 provided on the surface of the first substrate so as to face the viewer. A polarizer 40 is further provided on the surface of the viewer-side substrate 10 that includes the parallax barrier layer 12 thereon.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device including vertical alignment layers formed on the substrates. The alignment layer having a polymer realizing vertical alignment is formed on the substrate an unpolarized ultraviolet light is then irradiated in the oblique direction at an angle not more than 45 degrees with respect to the surface of the alignment layer. The ultraviolet light has an exposure energy of 30 to 120 mJ/cm2 per percent of the polymer content realizing the vertical alignment of the alignment layer. The liquid crystal can thus align substantially vertically to the surface of the alignment layer, with a pretilt, and such an alignment is realized by the irradiation of the ultraviolet light, without rubbing.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes opening patterns in the electrodes or protrusions on the electrodes. The opening patterns or the protrusions have a pattern which controls the direction of the liquid crystal molecules. Thus the quality of the LCD can be improved.

Abstract: An IPS mode LCD device with improved light efficiency by changing a common electrode and a pixel electrode in shape includes first and second substrates facing each other, a plurality of gate and data lines crossing each other on the first substrate for defining a plurality of pixel regions, at least one common electrode formed on the pixel region, wherein the common electrode is formed in shape such that an upper surface area is different than a lower surface area, at least one pixel electrode positioned between each of the common electrode on the pixel region, wherein the pixel electrode is formed in shape such that an upper surface area different larger than a lower surface area, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An array substrate for use in an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines having a first direction on a substrate; a plurality of data lines having a second direction substantially perpendicular to the plurality of gate lines, wherein pairs of the gate and data lines define a pixel region; a common line in the first direction between the plurality of gate lines; a plurality of common electrodes extending from the common line in the pixel region, wherein the common electrodes have an arc shape; thin film transistors disposed at four corners of the pixel region near crossings of the gate and data lines; a capacitor electrode above a portion of the common electrodes, wherein the capacitor electrode is connected to a corresponding thin film transistor; and a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the capacitor electrode and disposed between the arc shape of the common electrodes, wherein the pixel electrodes are arc shaped, wherein the pixel region is divided into a

Abstract: An array substrate for use in an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines disposed in a first direction on a substrate; a plurality of data lines disposed in a second direction aslant the gate lines, wherein the gate and data lines have rounded portions and pairs of the gate and data lines define circular pixel regions; a common line disposed in the first direction between the pair of the gate lines; a circular common electrode connected to the common line; a thin film transistor disposed near each crossing of the gate and data lines; and a circular pixel electrode disposed in the circular pixel region, connected to the thin film transistor, and spaced apart from the circular common electrode.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a substrate; an external connecting terminal that is formed on the substrate; an insulating film that is formed on the external connecting terminal; an opening that is formed by removing a portion of the insulating film such that a portion of a surface of the external connecting terminal is exposed. The opening has an edge formed such that a portion extending in a rubbing direction has a curved shape when an alignment film formed on the insulating film is subjected to a rubbing process.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a lower pad electrode connected to a signal line of a liquid crystal display panel, one or more insulating layers formed on the lower pad electrode, a plurality of minute holes passing through the one or more insulating layers to expose a portion of the lower pad electrode, one or more main contact holes passing through the one or more insulating layers to expose another portion of the lower pad electrode, and an upper pad electrode electrically connected to the lower pad electrode via the minute holes and the one or more main contact holes. An area of the one or more main contact holes is larger than an area of each of the plurality of minute holes.

Abstract: A seal pattern on a substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of main seal patterns along first and second direction, a dummy seal pattern between the adjacent main seal patterns along the first direction, a first sub-seal pattern surrounding the plurality of main seal patterns, and a second sub-seal pattern at an exterior of the first sub-seal pattern, the second sub-seal pattern corresponding to a borderline between the adjacent main seal patterns along the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a liquid crystal display device, in which a pretilt angle and a tilt direction upon application of a voltage of liquid crystal molecules are controlled by using a polymer and is to provide a method for producing a liquid crystal display device that provides good display characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of manufacturing at least one device (2, 30, 48) defining a volume (8) for retaining a fluid or a sensitive material that is capable of changing its physical properties, particularly its optical properties, via the application of a voltage, or its electrical properties via stress or radiation, said device (2, 30, 48) including at least a first front substrate (4, 38, 56) and at least a second back substrate (6, 32, 50) maintained at a constant distance from each other, these two substrates (6, 32, 50; 4, 38, 56) being joined by a sealing joint (24, 46, 72) which defines the volume (8) for retaining the sensitive medium or fluid, said method being characterised in that it includes the steps of: structuring at least one wall (12, 44, 66), which defines via its inner lateral face the volume (8) for retaining the sensitive medium or fluid, on one of the substrates (6, 32, 50); joining the second substrate (4, 38, 56) to the first substrate (6, 32, 50); introducing a seal

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying a copy of an image sequence which is presented on a screen. At least one identifier distinct from the image sequence can be projected through the screen such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the image sequence. The identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time. A color and/or an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation can be measured. Based on the measured illumination and/or color, a projection brightness and/or color can be determined for the identifier. Also, a location on the screen through which the identifier should be projected can be determined.

Abstract: In the present invention, in the photolithography process in which a certain processing condition has been already set, a resist film on a substrate is exposed to light using a mask, which reduces only zero-order light of a light source at a predetermined light reduction rate and transmits the light, and then heated and developed so that the film on the substrate is reduced. Thereafter, the reduction in film thickness of the resist film is measured. The measured reduction in film thickness is then converted into a line width of a resist pattern on the already-set processing condition by a correlation function between the reduction in film thickness and the line width. Based on the converted line width, the temperature setting of the heating temperature at the time of heating after the exposure is performed. Consequently, the condition setting in the photolithography process is appropriately performed, resulting in improved uniformity of the line width of the resist pattern within the substrate.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus which exposes a substrate to a pattern of an original via a projection optical system, with a gap between the projection optical system and the substrate being filled with liquid. The apparatus includes a substrate stage, movable with respect to the projection optical system, which holds the substrate, a plate, movable with respect to the projection optical system, having a substantially flush surface with an exposed surface of the substrate held by the substrate stage, and an immersion unit configured to supply and to recover the liquid. Supply and recovery by the immersion unit are simultaneously executed while the plate opposes the projection optical system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immersion lithography method which illuminates a substrate positioned on a carrier. When a substrate is illuminated, an immersion fluid is introduced between a reproducing element and the substrate and the field depth or the resolution, or both, are adjusted by varying the distance in the direction of the beam between an illuminating reticule and the surface of the substrate along a direction of movement of the carrier.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a radiation system configured to provide a beam of radiation; a support configured to support a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern the beam according to the desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; and a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. A component of the lithographic projection apparatus is at least partially provided with a cap layer that includes aluminum nitride.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method to vary dimensions of a substrate supported by a chuck. The method includes applying compressive forces to the substrate with the actuator assembly while facilitating movement of the actuator assembly with respect to the substrate to minimize reactive forces generated in response to the compressive forces being sensed by the chuck.

Abstract: The present invention allows a reticle-carrying container 11 to be fastened in a reticle stocker 2 even if the reticle-carrying container 11 is wrongly oriented. The reticle-carrying container 11 includes an interior with an opening at one end for storing a reticle 12, a door 14 for covering and blocking the opening, and a seal material 15 for sealing the interior hermetically when the door 14 closes the pod 13. The reticle-carrying container 11 is provided with two sets of kinematic pin grooves 61 for positioning and fastening the reticle-carrying container 11, which are turned 180 degrees from each other on the outer surface of the door 14. Receiving parts 22 for receiving and holding the kinematic pin grooves 61 are arranged in the positions corresponding to the kinematic pin grooves 61 on the outer surface of the pod 13 so that the two sets of kinematic pin grooves 61 can be engaged with the pins in both orientations.

Abstract: Scannerless loss modulated flash color range imaging methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing three dimensional (3D) images of a target within a scene. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention comprise a light source providing at least three wavelengths (passbands) of illumination that are each loss modulated, phase delayed and simultaneously directed to illuminate the target. Phase delayed light backscattered from the target is spectrally filtered, demodulated and imaged by a planar detector array. Images of the intensity distributions for the selected wavelengths are obtained under modulated and unmodulated (dc) illumination of the target, and the information contained in the images combined to produce a 3D image of the target.

Abstract: Methods for grading gemstones, apparatus for grading gemstones, and systems that utilize such methods and apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: We present an optical probe arrangement that surrounds blood in a receptacle. It comprises LED's and light detector arranged to overcome the variations when the receptacle is translucent medical tubing and the like. Also, a signal processing algorithm is used to average signals from a plurality of light detectors, to further enhance results when measuring hematocrit. The invention makes it possible to add the feature of hematocrit measurement into dialysis system without major alterations to the dialysis machine or transport tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus having a disposable cytometer cartridge containing pumps, pressure chambers, reservoirs, flow sensors, flow channels, and microfluidic circuits with fluid operations on the cartridge. The circuits may include mesopumps and mesovalves embedded in the chip, card or cartridge. The apparatus may have multiple detecting, analyzing and identification capabilities of blood or other fluids of interest. The sample to be tested may be entered in the disposable microfluidic cartridge which in turn is insertable in a hand-holdable or portable cytometer instrument. This apparatus may have significant application in biological warfare agent detection, water analyses, environmental checks, hematology, and other clinical and research fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optically sensing characteristics of a blood flow provide a light source having a driver circuit that includes a source of constant current and a modulator that modulates the constant current at a selected carrier frequency for transmission to the light source. The systems and methods also include a light sensor for receiving light from the light source and producing a modulated output proportional to received light intensity. A receiver circuit including a bandpass filter is coupled to the light sensor to receive the modulated output and having a center frequency at or near the selected carrier frequency to eliminate frequency components above and below the selected carrier frequency.

Abstract: An image detection apparatus includes an interposer, an illumination light emitting element mounted on the interposer for emitting a light toward a surface of a finger tip, an optical sensor chip mounted on the interposer, the optical sensor chip including an alignment of light receiving elements, a light guide member including a bundle of optical fiber parts, the light guide member being mounted on the optical sensor chip, the light guide member including a contact surface to which the surface of the finger tip is contacted, the contact surface being situated opposite from a surface to which the optical sensor chip is mounted, and a synthetic resin mold part being integrally formed with the interposer, the synthetic resin mold part covering the illumination light emitting element and the optical sensor chip and surrounding the light guide member.

Abstract: A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, and includes a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. The laser delivery assembly further includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. Other embodiments use a fiber laser to generate a spark. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to create a spark in an engine. Yet other embodiments include collecting light from the spark or a flame resulting from the spark and conveying the light for diagnostics. Methods of using the spark delivery systems and diagnostic systems are provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses a spectroscopic sensor that is integrated with a mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone. The spectroscopic sensor is capable of measuring the optical spectra of a physical object for purposes of detection, identification, authentication, and real time monitoring. Through the mobile communication device, the obtained spectral information can be transmitted, distributed, collected, and shared by utilizing all the functions of the known or existing wireless communication networks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the remote analysis and identification of unknown compounds. A robotic arm positions a sensor on a surface. The sensor unit has a monitoring mechanism to monitor separation between the sensor unit and the surface when placed in contact with the surface to maintain the separation substantially constant. An illumination source illuminates the region of interest to produce scattered photons from an unknown compound. The scattered photons are collected by an optical system and delivered to a spectroscopic detector for analysis and identification. An algorithm is applied to the data generated by the spectroscopic detector to identify the unknown compound.

Abstract: A method is provided to perform an optimized setting of an optical detection device, with the detection device comprising a first and a second waveguide, each having an end face adapted for emitting and receiving light and facing each other in a distance d, and an envelope which at least partially envelopes said distance d and which is adapted for at least partially guiding light between the end sides. The method comprises measuring of a transmission characteristic between the waveguides, which transmission characteristic shows at least one of a minimum and a plateau and which is dependent on the distance d, and setting of the distance d to a working point on the distance d in the minimum or plateau, wherein the variation of the transmission around the working point is low, accordingly the derivation of the measured transmission characteristic is low.

Abstract: In a method for performing OTDR measurement in an optical transmission system including a first terminal station and a second terminal station, OTDR signal light is transmitted from an OTDR provided in the first terminal station to the second terminal station, in which the OTDR signal light is Raman amplified by using main signal light of the optical transmission system as pump light.

Abstract: Equipment for capturing the contour, markings, bores, millings and etchings of an ophthalmic lens or a template lens for glasses. Equipment for capturing the contour, markings, bores, millings and etchings of an ophthalmic lens or a template lens for glasses comprising lighting means (11) that produce a beam of parallel rays of light that can produce a projection, image capturing linear means (15), a translucent support (3) arranged between lighting means (11) and capturing means (15), and control means that digitalize and process the projection obtaining a flat representation of the contour, markings, bores, millings and etchings. The lens or template lens are placed on translucent support (3) and a high quality projection of the lens or template lens is formed on support (3) without having to prepare the lens or template lens beforehand by painting it or the like.

Abstract: A wafer surface inspection method and apparatus of high sensitivity, and free from performance degradation in terms of cleanliness, coordinate repeatability of foreign particles and the like. Gas for cooling is sprayed onto a laser irradiation position on the wafer surface to prevent an increase in temperature of the foreign particles and to suppress break-down of the foreign particles.

Abstract: Described herein is an optical probe (120) for use in characterizing surface defects in wafers, such as semiconductor wafers. The optical probe (120) detects laser light reflected from the surface (124) of the wafer (106) within various ranges of angles. Characteristics of defects in the surface (124) of the wafer (106) are determined based on the amount of reflected laser light detected in each of the ranges of angles. Additionally, a wafer characterization system (100) is described that includes the described optical probe (120).

Abstract: A measuring instrument for optical inspection of an object includes a light source for illuminating an object; a detector; an illuminating beam path extending from the light source to the object; a detection beam path extending from the object to the detector; an illuminating optics disposed in the illuminating beam path and/or an imaging optics disposed in the detection beam path for imaging the object onto the detector; a position evaluation device for determining a distance between two points of the object; and an optical device for imposing a profile of a continuously monotonic function on an intensity of light from the light source. The optical device is disposed in at least one of a pupil plane of the imaging optics, a pupil plane of the illuminating optics, and a plane in the illuminating or imaging beam path conjugate with the pupil plane of the imaging optics or the pupil plane of the illuminating optics.

Abstract: A defect inspection method and apparatus for a transparent plate material for detecting a bubble, a scratch, a foreign matter, and another defect existing on or in the transparent plate material including regarding a defect candidate as a defect, when the defect candidate is located in both first and second images, and regarding the defect candidate as a pseudo defect, when the defect candidate is located in only one of the first and second images.