Abstract: There are provided an image processing system and image processing method which can appropriately set whether to convert an original paper document into re-usable vector data before obtaining vector data from the paper document. An image scanning unit (110) scans a document to obtain image information, and a storage device (111) stores the image information. A data processing device (115) detects control information appended to the document from the image information and determines whether vectorization of the image information is permitted or inhibited. If the data processing device (115) determines that vectorization is permitted, it converts the image information into vector data; otherwise, it directly stores the image information in the storage device (111).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for characterizing the content of a digital image. A component of the method is the homogeneity measure, which calculates a value or values based on the local similarity of portions of a sample area. A further component is a means of optimally adjusting the shape and offset of the local sample area to improve the resulting measure. The homogeneity measure may be applied at a higher level to segment an image, by grouping together larger portions of an image whose sub-components are locally similar. A strongly homogeneous region is a contiguous region composed of elements exhibiting local homogeneity better than that of surrounding elements, and may be applied to identify the scale and other characteristics of a portion of an image. This may be used to facilitate algorithms that separate lighting and texturing information, and in identifying the composition of an image.

Abstract: A method of and system for identifying a target form for increased efficiency in an automated data capture process is described. Forms are scanned and stored as digitized images. Regions are defined on the form relative to corresponding reference points between the form and the digitized image. The regions are defined in areas that contain anticipated digitized data from data fields of the form. Digitized data is recognized through such means as optical character recognition (OCR) and the resulting string variable is compared in form to a plurality of formats expected for that data. Scoring systems are used to obtain a resultant score for a number of string variables which is compared to a predetermined confidence number. If said confidence number is reached, the form is flagged as a target form and used in the data capture process. A first step identification of certain graphical features can be added as an initial determination as to the source of the form.

Abstract: A video encoder/decoder with spatial scalable compression schemes using spatial sharpness enhancement techniques is disclosed. The video compression scheme introduces a number of various video enhancement techniques on the base layer. A picture analyzer is used to determine the best or the best mix of various video enhancement 5 techniques. The picture analyzer compares the selected mix of video enhancement techniques with the original full resolution input signal to determine for which of the pixels or groups of pixels a residual enhancement layer is required. Parameters defining the selected mix of video enhancement techniques are transmitted to the decoder layer so the same mix of video enhancement techniques can be used in the decoder layer.

Abstract: A system has an image store, a digital hashing unit, and a watermark encoder. A digital image hashing unit computes a hash value representative of a digital image in such a manner that visually similar images hash to the same hash value and visually distinct images hash to different values. The hash value is stored in an image hash table and is associated via the table with the original image. This image hash table can be used to index the image storage. A watermark encoder computes a watermark based on the hash value and a secret. Using both values renders the watermark resistant to BORE (Break Once, Run Everywhere) attacks because even if the global watermark secret is discovered, an attacker still needs the hash value of each image to successfully attack the image. The system can be configured to police the Internet to detect pirated copies. The system randomly collects images from remote Web sites and hashes the images using the same hashing function.

Abstract: An encoder compresses a set of still images and parameterizes (with effect parameters) additional images synthesized from the set of still images. A decoder decompresses the set of still images and synthesizes the additional images using the effect parameters.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing image data received in a block-interleaved format using an MCU buffer. A first minimum coded unit of the image data is stored in a first memory. The image data in the first minimum coded unit is grouped into pixels. The grouped image data is stored in a second memory as a second minimum coded unit of the image data. Preferably, the image data is converted from a first color format to a second color format. Further, the image is preferably dimensionally transformed.

Abstract: A method for block truncation-type compressed domain image processing. Image data is received. Block truncation compression (BTC) is performed on the image data to generate a compressed representation of the image data. The broken pixel representation is enhanced in a compressed domain.

Abstract: An image compressor of the present invention includes a difference calculating unit and a difference requantizing unit. The difference calculating unit calculates a predicted difference between a pixel value of image data and a predicted value (a calculated value of the pixel value predicted from known data). When a magnitude of the predicted difference exceeds a predefined threshold value, the difference requantizing unit applies the coarse quantization steps to requantize the predicted difference to keep a bit range to predetermined size. In this manner, compressed data, in which a bit length of the predicted difference for one pixel is adjusted to a fixed bit length, is generated.

Abstract: An image decoder including: a memory to store a reference image which is a previously decoded image; and a synthesizer to receive an encoded bitstream including information of I and P frames, and execute motion compensation by synthesizing a predicted image of a current frame using motion vector information included in the encoded bitstream and the reference image, wherein said motion compensation includes calculating intensity values at points where no pixels actually exist in the reference image by interpolation, wherein said interpolation is done according to information specifying a positive rounding method or a negative rounding method which is included in a header section of the encoded bitstream when the current frame is a P frame, and wherein information specifying a positive rounding method or a negative rounding method is not included in a header section of the encoded bitstream when the current frame is an I frame.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is adapted to a surveillance camera system, and a CPU included in the surveillance camera system divides a plurality of continuous screens of an image signal into a plurality of blocks by each screen, and detects a specific object, which is an object with movement, from a luminance change of a Y signal found by a movement detection circuit. In addition, the CPU specifies the block in which a movement of the object is detected, and sets the specified block as an area to be noticed by taking advantage of an ROI function of a JPEG 2000. Next, a JPEG 2000 CODEC is instructed to compress an image of a movement-detected block into a high quality image by an alarm compression rate, and compress the image of a movement-not-detected block by a normal compression rate having a higher compression rate than the alarm compression rate.

Abstract: An image data compression device includes: a quantization section which quantizes image data in unit of a frame; a FIFO buffer section in which quantized data for at least N frames (N is an integer larger than one) quantized by the quantization section is buffered; an encoded data generation section which reads the quantized data from the FIFO buffer section asynchronously from writing into the FIFO buffer section, and generates encoded data; and a rate control section which changes a data size of the encoded data by changing a quantization step of the quantization section by using the data size of the encoded data. The rate control section obtains an average data size by averaging the data sizes of the encoded data for N frames before a frame of the image data quantized by the quantization section, and changes the quantization step based on the average data size.

Abstract: The present technique addressably handles image data, which is decomposed and tessellated into a plurality of tessellated sub-band blocks. The tessellated sub-band blocks may be addressed by an array of indices, which identify specific data blocks of the image data by decomposition level and spatial coordinates of the tessellated sub-band blocks. Accordingly, a desired region of the image data at multiple resolutions can be identified and individually handled for storage, transmission, retrieval, and display. The desired region also can be reference marked based on the array of indices.

Abstract: Embedded block entropy coding with optimized truncation is useful for image compression schemes in conjunction, for example, with a Wavelet transform, so as to form a bit-stream which can be stored or transmitted with increased efficiency. In the arithmetic coding phase, several opportunities exist for minimizing complexity and improving compression and computational performance as compared to existing systems. One method involves bypassing the arithmetic coding procedure for certain lower significance bit-planes of each code-block. Then, the raw binary digits from these bit-planes can be interleaved into the arithmetically coded bit-stream. As a result, both the average number of arithmetically coded symbols and the maximum number of coding passes per code-block can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus receives a digital information signal, determines a probability signal from the digital information signal and at least one previously determined value of the probability signal, entropy encodes the digital information signal into a compressed digital information signal, in response to the probability signal, and transmits or records the compressed signal. Also, a data expansion apparatus receives the compressed signal and entropy decodes the compressed signal into a expanded replica of the digital information signal, in response to a second probability signal determined from the replica and at least one previously determined value of the second probability signal. Thus, complex division operations can be avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, data compression system, apparatus, and article of manufacture which reduce the error in transform equations in which constants are replaced by approximations. According to the invention transform constants are replaced with approximations which are a function of an integer and a floating point value. The transform equation is then performed with the integers in place of the constants. The floating point value may be applied either to the result of the equation or to the data to be processed by the transform equation before the equation is performed. Further the floating point value may be applied using a fixed precision version of the value or a fixed precision value into which the floating point value has been factored.

Abstract: A system for improving the quality of medical images depicts a list of sub-optimal image situations. For each sub-optimal image situation, a list of at least one possible reason for the sub-optimal image situation is provided, sorted by the probability. For each reason in the list, a list of at least one remedy for said reason is provided. By navigating these lists, an inexperienced user of an item of imaging equipment is guided to obtain an optimal quality image.

Abstract: A automatic image correcting circuit includes a plurality of image correcting blocks each of which has a sum data calculating unit calculating sum data based on gray-scale values of input image data and an image correcting unit correcting the input image data based on a statistical value, and a statistical value calculating unit that calculates the statistical value based on sum data outputted from the plurality of image correcting blocks.

Abstract: In an image processing method for carrying out an image quality correction for correcting an image quality on each of a plurality of images in an image group to obtain corrected images, an image processing method includes the steps of carrying out a temporary image quality correction for correcting an image quality on each images in the image group to obtain a temporarily corrected image. A characteristic value representing an image quality for each temporarily corrected image is calculated and a target characteristic value is calculated so that dispersion of each characteristic value to the target characteristic value is minimized on the basis of the characteristic value of each temporarily corrected image. A correction value of each of the plurality of images in the image group which corrects the characteristic value thereof to the target characteristic value is obtained, and the image is corrected with the correction value.

Abstract: A method for dynamic range adjustment of image data of a captured image by determining a white point of an image. The method also involves determining a black point of the image, classifying pixels of the image, and determining an offset value for a pixel of the image based on the determined black point of the image and the determined classification of the pixel. Dynamic range adjustment of the image data is performed using the determined offset value for the pixels of the image and the determined white point of the image.

Abstract: A method and interface for finding image intensities of an image on a computing device is provided. Finding these image intensities includes displaying an image on a display device having a range of intensities, identifying one or more regions of the image according to the intensity values in each of the one or more regions, categorizing each region as falling into one intensity zone category from a set of intensity zone categories according to the intensity value for each region and displaying the image on the display device with the regions and corresponding related intensity zone categories highlighted.

Abstract: An image correction method able to avoid error image. According to opposite properties of black and white, only the last few bits of the scanned digital signal are extracted for black correction, while only the first few bits of the scanned digital signal are extracted for white correction. Further, the most significant bit of the digital signal is 1 for white correction. Therefore, the unwanted LBB effect on the scanned image caused by dust or spot on the correction document is avoided. In addition, as only a few bits of the scanned digital signal are extracted, the requirement in memory capacity is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing shoot artifacts of an image signal includes a maximum gradient value calculation part to set a window of a predetermined size based on a current pixel of an input image signal and to calculate a maximum gradient value based on values of pixels in the window, a limit value calculation part to calculate a limit value corresponding to the maximum gradient value, a dilation amount calculation part to calculate a dilation amount corresponding to the current pixel based on the calculated limit value and a pixel difference between the current pixel neighboring pixels of the current pixel, and a pixel value conversion part to add a current pixel value to a value obtained by multiplying the calculated dilation amount by a predetermined gain value.

Abstract: Training sets consisting of pairs of input images and desired images can be used to produce maps intended for future use in transforming input images into final images. The maps, however, often have improper elements based on incomplete or noisy data. The noisy data and incomplete can be identified via statistics derived from the training set. The map can output a code value instead of a substitution for an improper element. An additional stage of image transformation can identify improper pixels having the code value and replace the code value with an analytic value that is more appropriate.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing instructions of a computer program which when executed by a computer results in performance of steps including inputting a first image and a second image from two cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on of the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, and determining a width and a height of the processing region on the basis of a position in the vertical direction on the second image.

Abstract: A system and associated methodology of detecting objects using multiple sets of object probability data relating to different respective expected object sizes relative to the image size. A list of locations in an image where an object has been detected is stored, the list defining a probability data set and a probability value for each detected object. Object locations in a set of object probability data as locations at which a local maximum probability value exceeds a threshold probability value are detected and, if that location is substantially similar to a location previously stored in the list, where the local maximum probability value exceeds that relating to the previously stored location. The storing is repeated successively in respect of each set of probability data.

Abstract: Provided is a coordinate conversion apparatus and method capable of removing an accumulation position error when output pixel coordinates are obtained from input image coordinates by using an inverse-mapping technique. In the coordinate conversion apparatus, an output-size register for storing a size of an outputted image, and an input-size register stores a size of an image inputted from an outside. An adder adds, among a quotient and a remainder from dividing the size of the image stored in the input-size register by the size of the image stored in the output-size register, the remainder to the size of the image stored in the input-size register. An accumulation register stores the added value calculated by the adder. A decode logic unit obtains a position between input samples from which an output pixel is re-sampled, by comparing an output value of the accumulation register with an output value of the output-size register.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is embodied in a number of machine-readable media having stored thereon sequences of instructions which, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform a number of actions. The actions include, for each of a plurality of image space coordinates of a camera image, retrieving 1) a corresponding camera position, and 2) corresponding object space coordinates on an object surface that is represented by the camera image. Then, for each of a plurality of height surfaces (chosen with respect to the object surface), a grid coordinate defined by an intersection between the height surface, and a line extending between the camera position and the object space coordinates, is determined. The determined grid coordinates are then associated with their corresponding image space coordinates. Finally, coefficients for a rational polynomial camera model are estimated by fitting rational polynomials to at least the grid coordinates and image space coordinates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for resizing an image using an inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT). A macro block of an original source image is enlarged to an arbitrary size using the inverse discrete cosine transform after the encoding type of the macro block is converted so that the macro block and the original source image have the same encoding type. Consequently, the original source image is always enlarged naturally in a digital video apparatus such as a digital broadcast receiver or an HD-TV.

Abstract: A system and method for processing financial information is provided. A client request may be received through an application program interface (API). A first set of data based on the client request may be retrieved through the API from a first information repository comprising information on debit transactions and credit transactions. The first set of results may be transmitted to the client application for display. A second client request based on the first set of results may be received through the API from the client application, and a second set of data may be retrieved through the API from a second information repository comprising information on credit transactions and component deposit items. The second set of results may be transmitted back to the client application for display.

Abstract: The image searching method extracts or recognizes specific information for an image that exists in the image and/or accompanies it, allows either the specific information itself or related information thereof to be appendant to image data for the image, stores the image data as well as either information appendant to the image data as accessory information in a database, designates at least a portion of the accessory information as a searching condition, searches through the database under the designated searching condition, determines a degree of agreement with the accessory information appendant to a selected image data and reads an image having the degree of agreement not lower than a predetermined value. The image processing method utilizes the image searching method. These methods are capable of efficient image detection or search using as a key specific information such as the shape of subjects.

Abstract: A facility for storing a text capture data structure for a particular user is described. The data structure comprises a number of entries. Each entry corresponds to a text capture operation performed by the user from a rendered document. Each entry contains information specifying the text captured in the text capture operation.

Abstract: Polarization dependent loss may be reduced by providing at least one dummy waveguide or at least one dummy metal structure. Polarization dependent loss may also be reduced by imposing a mechanical force on the OIC to exert mechanical stress thereby changing at least one of the birefringence and the optical axes of at least one waveguide. And polarization dependent loss may be reduced by forming a metal heater using a first set of metal deposition parameters; forming a conductive metal structure contacting the metal heater using a second set of metal deposition parameters; and selecting the first set of metal deposition parameters and the second set of metal deposition parameters to reduce stress.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical fiber mount with an optical fiber disposed thereon, and an optical demultiplexer having a slit defined in the optical fiber across an optical axis thereof, and an optical demultiplexing member inserted in the slit for demultiplexing a portion of an optical signal beam transmitted through the optical fiber, wherein the optical demultiplexer guides a demultiplexed optical signal beam from the optical demultiplexing member out of the optical fiber, an optical path changer for changing an optical path of the demultiplexed optical signal beam guided out of the optical fiber, a waveguide serving as a medium from which the demultiplexed optical signal beam is emitted to the optical path changer, and a filter disposed on a surface of the waveguide.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for etching a solid state material to create a surface relief pattern. A resist layer is formed on the surface of the solid state material. The photoresist layer is holographically patterned to form a patterned mask. The pattern is then transferred into the solid state material by a dry etching process. The invention is especially useful for forming optical nanostructures. In preferred embodiments, a direct write process, such as ebeam lithography, is used to define defects and functional elements, such as waveguides and cavities.

Abstract: An accurate and inexpensive integral micro-optical system for coupling and aligning optical fibers with other optical components, such as other optical fibers, diffusers, beam shapers, beam splitters, mirrors, or lenses is disclosed. The micro-optical coupler disclosed comprises one or more fiberport collimators and one or more microlens arrays, optically aligned during fabrication so that an optical fiber, or other source of light, was coupled to another optical fiber, or other light receiver, by simple inserting the optical source in one side of the micro-coupler and inserting the optical receiver in the other side of the micro-coupler. Often the fabrication process for this system can be done in a single lithography procedure. Since the optical axis of each component was aligned during the fabrication step, no subsequent alignment was required.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a waveguide assembly and an optical coupling element. The waveguide assembly includes a core, a cladding portion, and, preferably, at least two waveguide core fiducials, the at least two waveguide core fiducials and the core being lithographically formed substantially simultaneously in a substantially coplanar layer. The core and the at least two waveguide core fiducials are formed in a predetermined relationship with the cladding portion. The optical coupling element (for example, a lens array or mechanical transfer (MT) ferrule), includes an optical element and, preferably, at least two alignment features associated with the optical element, the at least two alignment features being mated with the at least two waveguide core fiducials to accurately position the optical element with respect to the core in an X-Y plane. A method of alignment is also provided.

Abstract: An optical power monitor comprising a pig-tail fiber and a GRIN lens opposed to each other with a spacing and each having an end face (angled face) angled with respect to the axis, being low on reflection loss and able to be easily assembled. The pig-tail fiber and the GRIN lens are fixed in respective sleeves having axial end faces adhered to each other. At least one of the pig-tail fiber and the GRIN lens has an arc-segmental end face directed in its axial direction at the tip of its angled face. The arc-segmental end face is positioned in the same plane as the axial end face of the sleeve of the one. The axis of the sleeve of the one is kept vertical to the axial end face of the sleeve of the one. It can be prevented that the axial tip of the other enters the sleeve of the one and comes into contact with an inner wall of the sleeve of the one. Therefore, the assembling man-hours needed to adjust their relative positions can be reduced, and the assembling yield can be improved.

Abstract: In accordance with one exemplary embodiment the invention provides a multi-parameter fiber optic sensing system with an aperiodic sapphire fiber grating as sensing element for simultaneous temperature, strain, NOx, CO, O2 and H2 gas detection. The exemplary sensing system includes an aperiodic fiber grating with an alternative refractive index modulation for such multi-function sensing and determination. Fabrication of such quasiperiodic grating structures can be made with point-by-point UV laser inscribing, diamond saw micromachining, and phase mask-based coating and chemical etching methods. In the exemplary embodiment, simultaneous detections on multi-parameter can be distributed, but not limited, in gas/steam turbine exhaust, in combustion and compressor, and in coal fired boilers etc.

Abstract: A grating assisted optical waveguide for use in free space optical detection is disclosed. High speed, high sensitivity, large field of view, and relaxed tolerance on alignment are enabled. The grating converts a free space incoming optical beam into guided mode. Converted optical signals propagate along the waveguide, and can be directed to an optical detector. As such, the optical intensity at the active area of the detector is increased significantly. A number of optical beam converter gratings for free space light collection can be used, including linear and ring structure gratings, chirped gratings, and multilayer gratings. Such a grating assisted optical waveguide can be used, for example, in a digital wireless multimedia system, where digital content is wirelessly transmitted from a source to a target destination, such as home-based video and audio entertainment systems.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a laser includes preparing an optical fiber including the optical fiber Bragg grating formed at a region thereof, and a ferrule provided with a cylindrical free space penetrating both ends thereof; applying a first thermal epoxy resin to a partial region of the outer cylindrical surface of the other region of the optical fiber, at which the optical fiber Bragg grating is not formed; inserting the optical fiber into the ferrule so that the region of the optical fiber at which the optical fiber Bragg grating is formed and the region of the optical fiber to which the first thermal epoxy resin is applied are located in the cylindrical free space of the ferrule; fixing the optical fiber to the ferrule by curing the first thermal epoxy resin; and optically coupling one end of the optical fiber, fixed to the ferrule, and a light source.

Abstract: A coupling-in device for light from a plurality of light sources (8) into an optical waveguide (1), the coupling-in device having a plurality of focussing optics (5) for the light from the various light sources (8).

Abstract: A laser spark distribution and ignition system that reduces the high power optical requirements for use in a laser ignition and distribution system allowing for the use of optical fibers for delivering the low peak energy pumping pulses to a laser amplifier or laser oscillator. An optical distributor distributes and delivers optical pumping energy from an optical pumping source to multiple combustion chambers incorporating laser oscillators or laser amplifiers for inducing a laser spark within a combustion chamber. The optical distributor preferably includes a single rotating mirror or lens which deflects the optical pumping energy from the axis of rotation and into a plurality of distinct optical fibers each connected to a respective laser media or amplifier coupled to an associated combustion chamber. The laser spark generators preferably produce a high peak power laser spark, from a single low power pulse.

Abstract: This invention relates to optical splitters, particularly to optical splitters for use in optical touch screens. The present invention provides an optical splitter for distributing light substantially equally from a multimode input waveguide to an array of output waveguides, via a slab region. The distribution of output waveguide widths is chosen to complement the intensity distribution in the slab region, which may or may not be substantially uniform. The invention also provides an optical splitter for distributing light substantially equally from an optical source to a plurality of waveguides, wherein said optical source directs a beam of light into a slab region. The distribution of waveguide widths is chosen to complement the intensity distribution in the slab region, which may or may not be substantially uniform. When used to distribute optical power in optical touch screens, the splitters of the present invention may be used in series and/or in parallel.

Abstract: A signal channelizer (10) includes an input waveguide (14) carrying an inputted signal (20) having a plurality of wavelengths. The input waveguide (14) has an input port (22) for receiving the inputted signal (20). A plurality of ring resonators (12) for wavelength selection are arranged in parallel and coupled along the input waveguide (14) for receiving the inputted signal (20) from the input waveguide (14). The plurality of ring resonators (12) passes a selected wavelength signal to their respective output end (56). An output waveguide (16) passes a desired signal from one or more ring resonators (12). The output waveguide (16) is tapped with couplers (46) for providing a desired signal to feed the output end (56). A detector (32) associated with the output end (56) of each ring resonators (12) produces the desired RF output signal (34) representative of the desired RF band.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable that sustains reduced increase in transmission loss and optical fiber breakage when subject to external pressure exerted thereon, comprises an aggregate of elements including central buffer filaments disposed in the center part of the optical fiber cable and a plurality of optical fibers disposed around the central buffer filaments, as well as circumferential strength filaments disposed around the outer periphery of the aggregate of elements, and a sheath covering the circumferential strength filaments.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber plate formed by arranging in mutually adjacent manner plural individual fiber plates of a same thickness so as to provide a light guiding plane larger in area than the light guiding plane of the individual one fiber plate, and a radiation image pickup apparatus utilizing such fiber plate, in which: each of the plural individual fiber plates is composed of a group of optical fibers having mutually parallel axes, and lateral faces of the plural individual fiber plates are mutually so bonded that the axes of the optical fibers thereof become mutually parallel.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating terahertz (THz) radiation are provided. The system includes a photonic crystal structure comprising at least one nonlinear material that enables optical rectification. The photonic crystal structure is configured to have the suitable transverse dispersion relations and enhanced density photonic states so as to allow THz radiation to be emitted efficiently when an optical or near infrared pulse travels through the nonlinear part of the photonic crystal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimode optical fibre having a refractive index profile, comprising a light-guiding core surrounded by one or more cladding layers. The present invention furthermore relates to an optical communication system comprising a transmitter, a receiver and a multimode optical fibre.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanometer-sized diameter silica fibers that exhibit high diameter uniformity and surface smoothness. The silica fibers can have diameters in a range of a about 20 nm to about 1000 nm. An exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention for generating such fibers utilizes a two-step process in which in an initial step a micrometer sized diameter silica preform fiber is generated, and in a second step, the silica preform is drawn while coupled to a support element to form a nanometer sized diameter silica fiber. The portion of the support element to which the preform is coupled is maintained at a temperature suitable for drawing the nansized fiber, and is preferably controlled to exhibit a temporally stable temperature profile.