Abstract: Disclosed herein are Raman probes that include: (a) a first optical fiber for receiving laser excitation light from a light source and transmitting the same; (b) a first filter for receiving light from the first optical fiber and adapted to pass the laser excitation light and to block spurious signals associated with the light; (c) a second filter for receiving light from the first filter and adapted to direct the light toward a specimen; and (d) focusing apparatus for receiving the light from the second filter, focusing the light on the specimen so as to generate the Raman signal, and returning the Raman signal to the second filter. The second filter is further configured so that when the second filter receives the Raman signal from the focusing apparatus, the second filter filters out unwanted laser excitation light before directing the Raman signal to a second optical fiber.

Abstract: A method of generating a design pattern for a spatial radiation modulator to encode two or more selected spectral components in one or more spectral ranges for the chemometric analysis of a group of analytes. The method includes obtaining a corresponding spectrum for each of the analytes, defining a set of initial spectral windows, constructing a chemometric matrix to relate concentrations of the analytes to intensities of the spectral components, deriving optimized spectral windows, and translating the center wavelength and the bandwidth of each of the optimized spectral windows into a corresponding optimized annular region on the modulator.

Abstract: A method and/or arrangement for the analysis of fluorescing samples in an image-generating microscope system, preferably a laser scanning microscope, wherein the sample is scanned point-by-point or line-by-line in at least one surface section and a dispersive splitting of the radiation coming from the sample is carried out during the scanning, wherein the split radiation is detected by at least one line of detector elements in a wavelength-dependent manner, a selection of two-dimensional or three-dimensional sample parts which correspond to pre-stored two-dimensional or three-dimensional geometric objects or the like is carried out based on the recorded and stored intensity distribution of at least one of these detection elements and/or at least one other detection element for the radiation reflected from the sample by image processing, and an analysis of the spectral signature and/or spatial spectral sequence is carried out for at least a portion of these sample regions with respect to the fluorescence marke

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-energy system that generates and/or forms images of targets/structures by applying Mueller matrix imaging principles and/or Stokes polarimetric parameter imaging principles to data obtained by the multi-energy system. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes at least one energy or light source to generate two or more Mueller matrix and/or Stokes polarization parameters images of a target/structure, and evaluates the Mueller matrix/Stokes polarization parameters multi-spectral difference(s) between the two or more images of the target/structure. As a result, high contrast, high specificity images can be obtained. Additional information can be obtained by and/or from the present invention through the application of image, Mueller matrix decomposition, and/or image reconstruction techniques that operate directly on the Mueller matrix and/or Stokes polarization parameters.

Abstract: In a method of measuring front to backside alignment error according to one embodiment, a transparent substrate has a plurality of marks on both the front and backside. The relative location of the marks on the front and backside of the substrate is determined to calculate the front to backside alignment error for the whole substrate. In a further embodiment, the substrate is rotated by 180° within the plane of the substrate and the front relative location of the marks is again determined.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a photosensor array with subrange cells that photosense within respective subranges of an energy range. An optical signal and the array move relative to each other, and, for segments of their relative movement, sets of subrange cells photosense within subranges that are different. For example, a scanning device can cause relative scanning movement. The optical signal can be produced by illuminating a two-dimensional object. The photosensed quantities for a part of the optical signal can be used to produce spectral information for the part.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for multi-spectral imaging. Light may be received at a multi-spectral optical module, which transmits a plurality of wavelength band portions of the received light, each having a pre-selected bandwidth between about two nanometers and about forty nanometers. The pre-selected bandwidths may be between about ten nanometers and about thirty nanometers. Each of the wavelength band portions may have the same pre-selected bandwidth, or may have different pre-selected bandwidths.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method and apparatus for obtaining a multimodal hyperspectral image of a sample for widefield spectral analysis. An apparatus according to one embodiment may include a plurality of optical lenses configured to interchangeably receive photons and focus the photons; a plurality of tunable filters positioned in a filter housing, each tunable filter selectively receiving the focused dispersed photons from one of the plurality of optical lenses, each tunable filter providing wavelength-selective filtered photons; a first optical camera and a second optical cameras for selectively receiving the wavelength-selective filtered photons from each of the plurality of tunable filters and combining said filtered photons to form a hyperspectral spatially accurate, wavelength-resolved image of the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the optimal colorant thicknesses for integral CIE color-matching filters is provided. According to a computational study, a four band filter of the present invention provides a best approximation to the CIE XYZ color-matching functions with the least cost.

Abstract: Gas purge systems and methods and a spectroscopic ellipsometer are disclosed. A purge gas system may include an input beam optics housing, a collection optics housing and a gas purge manifold. The input beam optics housing may include a first gas flow path between a first gas inlet and an aperture in a first nose cone proximate a measurement position. The collection optics housing may include a second gas flow path between a second gas inlet and an aperture in a second nose cone proximate the measurement position. The gas purge manifold may be disposed between the input beam optics housing and the collection optics housing. The gas purge manifold has a third gas flow path between a third gas inlet and an aperture in the gas manifold proximate the measurement position. The ellipsometer may include input beam optics in the input beam optics housing and collection optics in the collection optics housing.

Abstract: Methods for measuring a property of a sample material present at an interface of an emerging medium in a spectroscopic device include a sensor (10) featuring at least one dielectric member (14) disposed upon a entrant medium (12), with the dielectric member being of an optical thickness selected to produce an observable interference effect for an incident angle of light below the critical angle of total internal reflection at the interface with the dielectric member (14). The dielectric member (14) of the sensor device (10) may be modified and functionalized for binding of a sample analyte by disposing a sensing surface area (38, 40, 42) upon it. Moreover, an metal layer (18) may be added to an entrant medium (20) to produce a sensor (16) that generates observable optical phenomena both above (resonance) and below (interference) a given critical angle.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system has at least one light source operable to generate a source beam and a prism having a rear surface. A support block is disposed on the rear surface of the prism. The support block is formed with at least one sample well having a center and defines a substantially vertical rear cell surface having a center. The source beam is aimed at the sample well. A syringe filled with a membrane solution and having a needle with a distal end disposed in front of the sample well. The distal end is aimed at a point above the center of the rear cell surface. The syringe is operable to eject a stead stream of membrane solution from the needle onto the circular rear cell surface thereby forming a membrane defining at least a portion of a layer under test. The membrane has a substantially uniform thickness that covers substantially the entire rear cell surface. The system also includes a detector operable to detect light that is at least one of reflected and scattered by the layer under test.

Abstract: A pump beam irradiates the surface of a semiconductor sample through modulator while irradiating the surface with a probe beam so that a detector measures a light-modulated spectrum of the probe beam reflected from the surface of the semiconductor sample. Then, surface electric field strength is calculated from the period of Franz-Keldysh oscillations appearing in the light-modulated spectrum, and the surface recombination velocity and surface Fermi level are calculated based on a relation between the surface electric field strength and the probe beam power density.

Abstract: Two optical signals are autocorrelated by causing them to be incident on a metal surface, where they generate a second (or higher) harmonic signal. The resulting harmonic signal is detected by a photomultiplier tube or the like. The harmonic signal generation on the metal surface is phase-matched and dispersion free and can be performed over a wide range of wavelengths.

Abstract: In a dual etalon wavelength monitor, improved performance is obtained by identifying first and second dead zones where the first and second etalon signals respectively have significantly reduced sensitivity. When a measurement is in the first dead zone, only the second etalon signal is employed to determine wavelength. When a measurement is in the second dead zone, only the first etalon signal is employed to determine wavelength. When a measurement is in neither zone, both first and second etalon signals are employed to determine the wavelength.

Abstract: An improved condition testing system and method includes a structure including a semiconductor material with a target portion and a second portion. The target portion has a first feature when at least one of the following occurs: an external force is received by the second portion of the structure and an internal condition occurs in the target portion. The system and method further has a grating shaped and located to produce a first optical interference pattern when the target portion and the grating are exposed to non-invasive illumination and when the target portion has the first feature. Further implementations use a second grating spaced apart from the first grating.

Abstract: A scanning, self-referencing interferometer may include a scanning mechanism to scan a path length of a test beam portion of a laser beam. The scanning, self-referencing interferometer may also include a beam adjustment mechanism to control positioning of a centroid of a reference beam portion of the laser beam in the interferometer.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to determine the refractive index and/or compensation of the influence of the refractive index during interferometric length measurement with the aid of an interferometer (13, 13?) impinged upon by at least two measuring beams (v2, v3) having at least defined frequencies with an approximately harmonic ratio. Interferometric phases are evaluated for the at least two measuring beams (v2, v3) at the outlet of said interferometer. The interferometric phases corresponding to the harmonic ratio of the frequencies of the measuring beams (v2, v3) are multiplicated and at least one phase difference of the thus formed phase value is examined.

Abstract: In a workpiece process end point detection system, light is diffused and then light intensity or color is sensed. Optical noise is greatly reduced and more accurate end point detection can be made. A light emitter and a light sensor may be located within a workpiece process chamber. A housing around the light emitter and the light sensor seals out process fluids and also diffuses light passing through. The diffused light may be optically filtered before reaching the light sensor.

Abstract: An interfacial position measuring method for a substrate internally having a plurality of interfaces parallel to one another. A light-convergent line which has converged in only a one-axis direction out of parallel light having an optical axis vertical to the substrate surface is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the substrate surface, and the light-convergent line is made to intersect with the substrate. Out of reflected light of the light-convergent line reflected by the substrate, a position having a light intensity peak is taken as an interface, by which a plurality of interfaces inside the substrate can be measured simultaneously and high-speed interfacial position measurement can be achieved.

Abstract: A security font system and method are provided for generating traceable pages in an electronic document. The method comprises: accepting an electronic document; modifying font print instructions associated with selected characters; and, transmitting the document with the modified font print instructions to a destination. In some aspects, the method further comprises saving a record of the modified font print instructions. The font print instructions can be modified clandestinely. If a printed copy of the document with modified font instructions is created, the printed copy is identical to a printed copy of a document with no modified font print instructions, as the font modification can be made undetectable, or almost undetectable to the human eye. In other aspects, the method comprises: receiving an alleged copy of the electronic document with the modified font print instructions; and, comparing the modified font print instructions in the received document to the record.

Abstract: A paper cartridge of a printer including a cartridge body to load papers to be picked up, and a friction plate to provide a predetermined friction force to a front end of the papers picked up at the cartridge body. The friction plate is sloped at a predetermined angle in the body so that the friction plate can be moved by being pushed by the front end of the paper.

Abstract: A method of tracking a file processing status with a file name is provided by monitoring the file processing status of a computer readable file being processed, associating a present processing descriptor with a present processing status of the computer readable file, and manipulating the file name of the computer readable file so as to include the present processing descriptor.

Abstract: Allocation reading is started when an allocation origin image processing apparatus sends an allocation reading start alert. An image processing apparatus which received the allocation reading start alert, i.e., the allocation destination image processing apparatus, displays a continue reading specification key on its own display for user specification to continue reading by the allocation reading function. Continue reading is started by user operation of this continue reading specification key. That is, when a document image is read by the allocation destination image processing apparatus, the image data are transmitted to the allocation origin image processing apparatus. Then, the allocation origin image processing apparatus integrates the received image data with the image data read by the allocation origin image processing apparatus.

Abstract: In the past, a computer that processes data and an output apparatus that receives the processed data and outputs the same have managed the data differently. Therefore, it has been difficult to correctly grasp job information. According to this invention, logs are obtained from both of a computer that processes data and an output apparatus that outputs the processed data and merged to be managed. Therefore, job information can be managed collectively and correctly.

Abstract: A communication apparatus where transmission waiting time for an originating facsimile machine is shortened. A transmitter/receiver section of one of two communication control sections receives a transmission subscriber identification (TSI) signal from the originating facsimile machine. A determination new section extracts an international telephone number from the TSI signal and determines whether or not it coincides with a pre-stored international telephone number. If they coincide, the transmitter/receiver section receives an object signal in succession, otherwise the transmitter/receiver section ends the receiving operation without receiving the object signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing computer based printing, scanning and faxing. A computer device is used in a system configuration to describe a fax operation as a sequence of commands from a fax description language (FDL) forming a program unit, wherein the program unit may be constructed, transmitted and executed in a single operational step. The computer device is also used to configure, send and/or retrieve facsimile messages for fax jobs, wherein the fax job requests are sent through an existing print subsystem. Accordingly, a user may send a fax configuration or fax job send or retrieve request as a print job.

Abstract: The invention generates a page description language compliant data stream, that has been pre-designed and pre-processed to create unique and predictable page element ordering, overlay layout, and for splitting large page elements into multiple independent elements. In this way, multiple processors can be used to render the document without merging the data stream.

Abstract: An image processing system includes an image input unit having a plurality of image input channels; a parallel image data processing unit that receives image data from the image input channels of the image input unit, divides the image data received into a plurality of divided data, each divided data including data in a number that is less than a predetermined number, and processes in parallel the divided image data; and a sequential image data processing unit that sequentially processes the divided image data output from the image parallel data processing unit while switching the divided image data for the image input channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurately recognizing a language format of an input imaging data stream when no explicit language switch is present. A sniffer process is initiated when an imaging device receives an input imaging data stream. The sniffer process analyzes an initial sample of the input stream to determine the language format by enumerating through a set of language recognizers that are implemented as callback functions. The enumeration uses a dynamic heuristic approach to selecting the order in which to try the language recognizers. Each language recognizer has a sample size associated with it. For each language recognizer enumerated, the sniffer process pre-reads the associated sample size and invokes the associated callback function with the byte sample. The enumeration continues until a language recognizer acknowledges recognition of the language format or the set of language recognizers is exhausted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for managing files and mail attachments. A system for managing files received by a user as an attachment to an e-mail in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes: a system for detaching a file from an e-mail; a system for storing the detached file; a system for creating a system file link with the detached file that includes details relating to a storage location and an identity of the e-mail from which the file was detached; a system for re-establishing a link between the file and the e-mail in response to a request of the user to locate the e-mail; a system for monitoring a change in the location of the e-mail; and a system for updating the system file link with a new location of the e-mail in response to a change in the location of the e-mail.

Abstract: A system and method for flipping a media sheet. The novel system (10) includes a first mechanism (12) for receiving and holding a media sheet (16) and a second mechanism (118) for rotating the first mechanism (12) about an axis parallel to a transverse axis of the media sheet (16). In an illustrative embodiment, the first mechanism (12) is comprised of a predetermined number of slots (14), each slot (14) adapted to receive and hold a media sheet (16). Inversion of a media sheet (16) is accomplished by inputting a sheet (16) with a leading edge and a trailing edge into a slot at an input position (18), rotating the first mechanism (12) until the slot is at an output position (20), and outputting the sheet (16) with the former trailing edge now leading.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for color gamut inadequacy notification. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to accessing imaging data to be printed, identifying colors represented by the imaging data, comparing the identified colors with a color gamut of a printing device, and notifying the user if one or more of the identified colors is not included in the color gamut of the printing device.

Abstract: Image data of a color patch is created using a printer profile according to a color conversion method and the image output apparatus 3 prints and outputs the color patch on a storage medium using the image data of this color patch. The color of each color patch recorded on the above-described storage medium is measured using the colorimeter 20, and the matching accuracy calculation section 8 calculates the accuracy (CRI) of color matching using the measurement data of the measurement result. The matching accuracy decision section 9 compares the CRI and a present threshold TH, decides the quality of the accuracy of color matching and notifies the decision result.

Abstract: The present invention generates a color characterization model for performing transformation from a device-dependent color space of a color device to a device-independent color space. A first set of color measurement data is accessed corresponding to actual measurements of the color device, wherein the actual measurements define a measurement range in the device-dependent color space, and wherein the measurement data includes data point pairs, each data point pair having corresponding device-dependent values and device-independent values. Next, a second set of data point pairs is generated based on a predesignated set of device-dependent values outside the measurement range, by extrapolating device-independent values from the first set of color measurement data. The color characterization model is then determined based on both the first set of color measurement data and the generated second set of data point pairs.

Abstract: A printing specification method and printing specification device for specifying a spot color, which differs from process colors, as a substitution color, when setting the substitution color for a color plate of one of the process colors and performing printing processing. The printing specification method includes extracting spot colors from a spot color database, displaying a list of names of the extracted spot colors, and specifying a spot color corresponding to a name that has been selected from the list as the substitution color. The spot color database is based on color information which includes characteristic values, which specify the spot colors, and spot color names. The extraction is performed on the basis of a characteristic value which sets a reference point and of a tolerance range of this characteristic value.

Abstract: A method for processing image data that employs a stamp field that contains data representing a distance metric for use with a variety of error diffusion operations. The distance metric possesses distance-order preservation permitting the distance from a previous dot to be determined by incrementing the distance metric, without knowing precisely where the previous dot was printed.

Abstract: A method for generating a dither matrix for converting a gray scale image having N gray levels into a halftone image, which includes using a parametric filter to generate a dither halftone pattern for each gray level Gi>Gt, where N>2, Gt represents a transition gray level, the lightest gray level is G0, the darkest gray level is GN?1, and Gt?G0, the parametric filter based upon a desired spot profile function of the halftone image, and using the generated dither halftone pattern to generate the dither matrix.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for correcting defects, such as rounded corners and line end shortening, in patterns formed via photolithography are provided. Such defects are compensated for “post-rasterization” by manipulating the grayscale values of pixel maps.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is provided which allows a reading device fixed at a reading position to read images from a document while transporting the document. The apparatus includes a correcting unit adapted to perform correction processing associated with image reading performed by the reading device; a calculating unit adapted to calculate a time interval from one document to the next document that are being transported; a scheduling unit adapted to divide the correction processing into a plurality of steps and schedule the execution of the steps on the basis of the calculated time interval; and an executing unit adapted to sequentially execute the steps scheduled by the scheduling unit every time a document passes through the reading position.

Abstract: A multifunctional device that processes electronic data includes a processor that processes the electronic data, a memory that stores the electronic data, an alteration circuit that alters the structure of the electronic data and a controller that determines whether idle time exists when the electronic data is stored in the memory, and controls the alteration circuit to alter the electronic data when the controller determines that idle time exists. Moreover, a method of processing electronic data includes processing the electronic data, storing the electronic data, controlling the electronic data by determining whether idle time exists when the electronic data is stored and altering the electronic data when sufficient idle time exists.

Abstract: A color printing apparatus includes an image memory that stores input image data, an image data region extracting device that extracts an image data existing region in the image memory, a pattern data superposing device that superposes specified pattern data only on the image data stored in the image memory in accordance with a result of extraction performed by the image region extracting device, a data reordering device that reorders the image data in accordance with a printing manner, and a data launching device that launches data to an image formation system.

Abstract: A facsimile apparatus which is operatively connected to a central data processing apparatus includes a performance measuring mechanism, a memory, a data reading mechanism, and a data transfer mechanism. The performance measuring mechanism measures at least one performance related to facsimile operations. The memory that stores data of measurements on the at least one performance measured by the performance measuring mechanism. The data reading mechanism that receives a request for data transmission and that, in response to the request, reads the data of measurements on the at least one performance stored in the memory. The data transfer mechanism that transfers the data read by the data reading mechanism to the central data processing apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and a system for promoting scanning speed are provided. The method comprises steps of determining a transmission rate of a transit interface, adjusting system clock responsive to the transmission rate of the transit interface to change a data generated rate, and scanning an original to generate data at the rate controlled by the system clock. The key aspect of the present invention is by adjusting system clock to change the data generated rate corresponding to the transmission rate of the transit interface. Therefore, in response to the transmission rate of the transit interface, the system clock is adjusted to produce the data at a rate that can reduce the possibility of memory buffer full leading to the reduction in the time wasting on start-stop processes and therefore promote the scanning speed without requiring the increase in size of a memory buffer.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of reading an original image at high speed. And other object is to provide an image reading apparatus in which even when heat is generated at an inverter, reading operation is not influenced. In order to achieve these object, the image reading apparatus is comprised with a scanning means including, a light source for illuminating an original, an image pickup element for receiving reflected light from the original, a cabinet and an inverter provided at a vicinity of a side face of the cabinet in parallel with a direction of moving the light source for driving the light source, a communicating means provided at a vicinity of a side face of the cabinet opposed to the side face at the vicinity of the inverter and a cooling fan for cooling an interval between the inverter and the communicating means.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for scanning an image. The method includes determining a first side of the periphery of an original document while moving an image sensor, detecting first and second reference points representing first and second end points of the first side, scanning an image between the first and second reference points, and determining a second side of the original document opposite to the first side, wherein the scanning is stopped.

Abstract: There are provided a cam 23 which can be rotated by a releasing motor M4, a contact/separation lever 24 which is moved according to the rotation of the cam 23, a light shielding plate 25 and a cam position detecting sensor S7 which detect the rotational position of the cam, and a CPU circuit unit for controlling the rotation of the releasing motor based on the detecting operation by the light shielding plate and the cam position detecting sensor. The CPU circuit unit controls the rotation of the releasing motor M4 in such a manner that the cam is rotated reversely when a state detected by the light shielding plate and the cam position detecting sensor is not varied even if the releasing motor M4 is controlled to be rotated.

Abstract: Method embodiments herein print a test document using a multi-function printing device to produce a printed document. This printed document is examined in a first direction to determine a first skew of the printing device. The first skew comprises a combination of raster output scanner skew and media path skew. The printed document is also examined in a second direction to determine a second skew. However, this second skew only includes the media path skew of the printing device. Once these two skews are acquired, the method can subtract the media path skew from the first skew to calculate the raster output scanner skew of the printing device.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical element, preferably a security feature, wherein a film having a first embossed hologram in an embossing layer is provided, and a second embossed hologram is embossed into the same embossing layer such that the first embossed hologram is partly replaced with the second embossed hologram. The invention further relates to a method for producing an optical element wherein an embossable film provided with an embossed hologram is partly filled with printing lacquer, and a method for producing an optical element wherein hologram embossing is prevented by prior partial printing of the embossing film with curable printing lacquer. The invention relates further to optical features producible by the inventive methods, documents of value having an inventive optical feature and a numbering embosser for use in an inventive production method.

Abstract: An improved oscillation scan mirror assembly comprises a shaft, a holder having a bearing with a bearing surface supporting the holder on the shaft, a scan mirror secured to the holder. The holder and therefore the mirror are oscillatable around the shaft under an oscillating driving force, and bearing and the shaft is prevented from being tilt from each other. Preferably, a lateral retaining force is provided to constantly keep the bearing and the shaft in an aligned contact with each other. Since the relative tilting between bearing and the shaft is prevented, the vertical wobble or vibration of bearing, and therefore of the holder and the mirror, relative to the shaft is therefore suppressed.