Abstract: A sensor device including a source for electromagnetic radiation, a receiver and a control device, the control device being designed for emitting electromagnetic radiation by means of the source and for determining a distance that is covered by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source from a reflection surface of an object to the receiver, doing so by evaluating a propagation time of the radiation or a phase of an oscillation modulated onto the radiation. According to the invention, the control device provides an economy mode in which the power of the source is lower in a prescribed time interval by comparison with a normal object detection mode, means being provided to ensure switching back into the normal object detection mode in the event of a predefined object situation.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical flow meter for measuring fluid flow through a pipe which obviates the need for the flow to be seeded with foreign particles. The meter comprises a fiber optic Sagnac interferometer with optical path crossing the flowing fluid. The interferometer measures velocity of the fluid by measuring the phase difference between the two beams propagating in the optical path in opposite directions. Light, which is deflected by the fluid, is collected by optical means at both sides of the optical path for calculation, the scintillating statistics and compensation for light intensity.

Abstract: A system and method for determining macromolecule crystallization conditions by measuring the polarization anisotropy of a fluorescent probe attached to the macromolecule in solution as a function of a variation in crystallization conditions. In one exemplary embodiment, the concentration of the macromolecule material is varied and the polarization anisotropy as a function of concentration gives an indication of the proximity to crystallization conditions. A pulse illumination system with time gated detection is disclosed to isolate fluorescence response from excitation to reduce noise due to scattered and reflected light. A microassay system is disclosed to allow a complete 96 condition screen with less than 1 micro-liter of solution.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus for viewing a surface of a gemstone comprising an adjustable platform with a surface adapted to receive the gemstone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a viewing axis along which the gemstone is viewed, a light source to emit light substantially parallel to the viewing axis, and an adjustment mechanism having misalignment indicators, arranged to provide three or more visually distinguishable zones around the viewing axis. The adjustment mechanism also has three or more adjustment indicators positioned relative to the platform and the misalignment indicators, where the adjustment indicators are associated with the visually distinguishable zones such that an image viewed along the viewing axis of one of the zones reflected from the surface of the gemstone provides an indication of which way to adjust the platform relative to the viewing axis to make the surface of the gemstone perpendicular to the viewing axis.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus and method a method for performing modulation spectroscopy measurement of a sample comprising: delivering an incident probe beam to a sample at a known spot; modulating reflectance of the probe beam with a pump beam which periodically forms a pump beam spot on the sample coincident with the probe beam spot; and monitoring a reflected probe beam with a detector: wherein the incident probe and pump beams are collinear; and wherein the incident beams are directed to be collinear by reflecting a beam from a facet of an optical waveguide transmitting the other beam.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an electric-field-enhancement structure is disclosed. The electric-field-enhancement structure includes a substrate and an ordered arrangement of dielectric particles having at least two adjacent dielectric particles spaced from each other a controlled distance. The controlled distance is selected so that when a resonance mode is excited in each of the at least two adjacent dielectric particles responsive to excitation electromagnetic radiation, each of the resonance modes interacts with each other to result in an enhanced electric field between the at least two adjacent dielectric particles. Other aspects of the present invention are electric-field-enhancement apparatuses that utilize the described electric-field-enhancement structures, and methods of enhancing an electric field between adjacent dielectric particles.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for coherent imaging. The system of the present invention includes a light source adapted to provide coherent light to illuminate a sample resulting in optically mixed coherent signals and a detector adapted to receive the optically mixed coherent signals and produce an output signal in response thereto. The optically mixed coherent signals will be a set of sum and difference frequency combinations of the frequencies in the coherent light. A processor is connected to the detector and adapted to ratio a selected two of the optically mixed coherent signals in response to the output signal received by the detector and to generate an image in response to the ratioed optically mixed coherent signals, which can be displayed for a user.

Abstract: A measured fluorescence amount and a previously set threshold value ?1 are compared and when the measured fluorescence amount exceeds the threshold value ?1, a message such as “curing reaction completion” is issued. Note that when this “curing reaction completion” is issued, an irradiation end instruction is given to a light source part from a curing reaction detector, and irradiation of a curing ultraviolet ray is stopped. Along with the stop of the curing ultraviolet ray, the irradiation of an exciting ultraviolet ray is also stopped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle operation support system and an associated method of improving a driver's visibility. The vehicle may be equipped with at least one UV light which irradiates the ambient environment with UV radiation. In some examples, the direction or the intensity of UV radiation may be changed in response to vehicle and environment variables.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectroscopy apparatus includes an excitation optical system, a fluorescence detector, a signal processor, and a computer. The excitation optical system alternately applies light beams with different wavelengths or different intensities to a specific region of a sample at shifted times. The fluorescence detector detects fluorescence generated from the sample. The signal processor performs signal processing for a signal detected by the fluorescence detector. The computer performs correlation analysis on a signal generated by the signal processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for remote laser-based detection of a analyte in a remote target region; comprising a reference container for housing a reference substance identical with the analyte; a laser unit which constituted to emit a laser beam of a tuneable wavelength towards the target region to be analysed and along a reference path which passes through the reference container for detecting the reference substance; a laser control means constituted to control wavelength of the laser beam during detection periods such that the laser wavelength is changed to allow detection of an optical absorption profile of the analyte during detection periods; an analytical detection unit which detects light from the target region and generates analytical signals during the detection periods, a reference detection unit which detects laser light passed through the reference container and generates reference signals during the detection periods; and an analysing means constituted to analyse the similarity of the analytical and reference s

Abstract: A vibration detection device includes: a light source emitting a laser beam; an interferometer including a vibrating body and a reflecting body both capable of reflecting the laser beam, a polarizing beam splitter splitting a laser beam emitted from the light source into beams traveling along first and second optical paths, a first ¼ wave plate arranged between the polarizing beam splitter and the vibrating body in the first optical path, and a second ¼ wave plate arranged between the polarizing beam splitter and the reflecting body in the second optical path, the interferometer causing interference between a reflected beam reflected by the vibrating body and a reference beam reflected by the reflecting body to form a interference pattern; and a detection means quantizing the vibration of the vibrating body on the basis of the formed interference pattern to detect the vibration.

Abstract: A linear position array detector system is provided which imparts light energy to a surface of a specimen, such as a semiconductor wafer, receives light energy from the specimen surface and monitors deviation of the retro or reflected beam from that expected to map the contours on the specimen surface. The retro beam will, with ideal optical alignment, return along the same path as the incident beam if and only if the surface is normal to the beam. The system has a measurement device or sensor within the path of the retro or reflected beam to measure deviation of the retro beam from expected. The sensor is preferably a multiple element array of detector-diodes aligned in a linear fashion. A unique weighting and summing scheme is provided which increases the mechanical dynamic range while preserving sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously specifying the wavelength dispersion and nonlinear coefficient of an optical fiber. Pulsed probe light and pulsed pump light are first caused to enter an optical fiber to be measured. Then, the power oscillation of the back-scattered light of the probe light or idler light generated within the optical fiber is measured. Next, the instantaneous frequency of the measured power oscillation is obtained, and the dependency of the instantaneous frequency relative to the power oscillation of the pump light in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber is obtained. Thereafter, a rate of change in the longitudinal direction between phase-mismatching conditions and nonlinear coefficient of the optical fiber is obtained from the dependency of the instantaneous frequency. And based on the rate of change, the longitudinal wavelength-dispersion distribution and longitudinal nonlinear-coefficient distribution of the optical fiber are simultaneously specified.

Abstract: Some optical communications networks include one ingress fiber, an n-way signal coupler, and n egress fibers, where each fiber may carry signals in one or both directions. A method and apparatus for testing and monitoring data communications immediately before and after the coupler is provided. Benefits include improved ability to identify and locate system faults, and improved ability to monitor data quality and content.

Abstract: A focal position determining method determines a focal position of an objective lens focused on an observed target region in a specimen. The focal position determining method includes measuring any one of the focal position of the objective lens at a near point and the focal position of the objective lens at a far point or both so as to determine the focal position of the objective lens focused on the observed target region based on the measured focal position.

Abstract: To increase the direct light received by the detector and decrease reflections from the detection component support structures, the luminescent substance is placed as close to the detector as possible. More specifically, the apparatus is configured so as to slide out a structure shielding the detector from light and at the same time slide in the vessel containing the luminescent substance therein until the vessel comes right under the detector. The invention can detect trace luminescence from a small-volume sample by maximizing the amount of direct light received from the sample and minimizing the decay of indirect light received from the sample attributable to interactions with the vessel for containing the sample therein, the structure for collecting light, and the structure for supporting other detection components.

Abstract: An exemplary surface flatness testing device (10) includes a light emitting unit (11), a light receiving unit (12), a platform (13), an adjusting unit (14) and a processing unit (15). The light receiving unit faces the light emitting unit. The platform is located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, which is configured for holding a workpiece (18) having a testing surface (181). The adjusting unit is disposed between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The adjusting unit and the testing surface of the workpiece are controlling light from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit. The processing unit is configured for processing signals from the light receiving unit. The present invention also provides a surface flatness testing method.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a visual inspection apparatus which can inspect a peripheral edge of a wafer with high efficiency. The visual inspection apparatus can make an inspection of any area on the peripheral edge of the wafer by displaying an inspection area specifying screen on a monitor. The inspection area specifying screen includes a display portion for displaying an observation range and an input portion for setting the observation area. The input portion allows one of step, continuity, and point to be selected as an observation type. A recipe is registered depending on a condition set in the above and thus is used to make an inspection.

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

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a light source module configured to generate a combination beam, a controller configured to control the light source module, an image-capturing module configured to capture the reflected beam by a sample. The light source module comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices configured to emit lights of different wavelengths, and the controller is configured to drive the light-emitting devices to emit the lights to form the combination beam consisting of at least two lights of different wavelengths. An imaging method comprises the steps of forming a first combination beam consisting essentially of at least two lights of different wavelengths, capturing the reflected first combination beam by a sample to have a first image, forming a second combination beam consisting of at least two lights of different wavelengths and capturing the reflected second combination beam by the sample to have a second image.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for implementing inspection recipe services are provided. The method includes defining a modified reticle pitch for use in inspecting programmed defects on a test structure, the modified reticle pitch extending the distance of one reticle field plus a portion of an adjacent reticle field on the test structure. The test structure includes a number of arrays linearly arranged on the test structure and spaced equidistant, and each of the arrays corresponds to a reticle field and includes a number of cells. The method also includes using the modified reticle field pitch and an alignment site on the test structure to perform a random mode inspection of the test structure.

Abstract: Measurement device for chemical agents quantity contained in a gas medium having a source of monochromatic radiation with a wavelength which changes in accordance with time law that is supplied through an optical brancher to an optical modulator, and then into a gas medium to be measured and further into a photoreceiver, whose signal is supplied into a computing block, while another part of the radiation from the optical brancher is supplied into a gas correlating filter, and the radiation which passed through the gas correlating filter is supplied to the auxiliary photoreceivers, whose signal is supplied to the solving block of standard comparison for controlling the optical modulator and the computing block, so that on the photoreceiver, a radiation is supplied only from spectral lines or bands of radiation of the chemical agents to be measured, and signals from a part of spectral radiation in spectral lines and bands which coincide with a spectral lines of bands of absorption of foreign gasses are filtered

Abstract: A defect inspection method and apparatus that can easily and quickly determine, from among a plurality of inspection conditions, a condition that allows for an inspection with high sensitivity. The inspection apparatus has a variety of optical functions to cover a variety of kinds of defects to be inspected (shape, material, nearby pattern, etc.). For each optical function, grayscale depths of defects that the operator wants detected and of pseudo defects that he or she wants undetected are accumulated for future use, so that conditions conducive to a higher sensitivity and a lower pseudo defect detection rate can be selected efficiently. Conditions that can be selected for optical systems include a bright-field illumination, a dark-field illumination and a bright-/dark-field composite illumination, illumination wavelength bands, polarization filters and spatial filters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting analytes using nanowires having nanodisk arrays. In particular, the present invention discloses methods of detecting analytes via surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and employing nanowires prepared using on-wire lithography (OWL).

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an image system is disclosed that comprises a Raman gain medium configured to receive an image from a target area and a tunable laser configured to pump light into the Raman gain medium over a plurality of first wavelengths to induce amplification of the image over a plurality of second wavelengths strokes shifted from the plurality of first wavelengths. The image system further comprises an image detector system that receives and processes the amplified image over the plurality of second wavelengths.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrophotometer system may be implemented in scanning fluorescence polarization detection applications. A wavelength and area scanning fluorescence spectrophotometer system may include a light source, an excitation double monochromator, an excitation/emission light transfer module, an emission double monochromator, a high speed timer-counter circuit board, a precision positioning apparatus for positioning a sample relative to the focal plane of the excitation light, and polarizing filters at the excitation side and the emission side. The system may be operative to analyze more than one fluorescent compound in the sample; additionally or alternatively, the system enables analysis of samples from selected ones of a plurality of samples.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a fluorescence analysis system includes a light emitting diode to excite a fluorophor sample for analysis. The system includes an LED driver that pulses the LEDs in the array with currents in excess of maximum rated current at low duty cycles. One embodiment receives a first drive current at a light emitting diode (LED), emits excitation light having a first color and/or first wavelength band in response to the first drive current, receives a second drive current at the LED, and emits excitation light having a second color and/or second wavelength band in response to the second drive current, wherein at least one of the drive currents is greater than a nominal drive current for the LED.

Abstract: A concave diffraction grating device, a reflective dispersion device, and a spectral device of the invention include a diffraction grating plane having an aspherical configuration, wherein the diffraction grating plane is symmetrical in a predetermined direction, and asymmetrical in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction in such a manner that the curvature of one end portion of the diffraction grating plane in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction is gradually decreased, and the curvature of the other end portion thereof is gradually increased. The concave diffraction grating device, the reflective dispersion device, and the spectral device with the above arrangement have desirable slit image forming performance with respect to all the wavelengths in a visible region, and are suitable for mass-production.

Abstract: Magnetic particles with a metal coat holding target substance captors are made to react with a target substance contained in a specimen in a solution where the magnetic particles are dispersed in a liquid medium. Subsequently, the dispersion of the magnetic particles is applied to a surface having a periodic structure that is adapted to generate plasmon resonance and a change in the plasmon resonance attributable to the concentration of the target substance held on the magnetic particles fixed magnetically to the surface is optically detected to determine the concentration of the target substance in the specimen.

Abstract: A photonic crystal sensor for outputting an output signal using a light source. The photonic crystal sensor includes a photonic crystal structure and a defect member disposed adjacent the photonic crystal structure. The defect member defines an operative surface. An input light signal from the light source is inputted to the photonic crystal structure and defect member and is internally reflected to thereby output the output signal. Also, the output signal relates to a condition at the operative surface.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for checking concentricity between a holder and a lens barrel of a lens module includes a light source, a gauge, and a detecting and analyzing device. The gauge includes an inner barrel and an outer barrel. The inner barrel is capable of rotating to a predetermined angle relative to the outer barrel. The inner barrel is configured for coupling with the lens barrel of the lens module. In addition, a method for checking the concentricity is also provided.

Abstract: A sample device and method for analyzing a sample are claimed. The sample device is a flat disc containing channels and wells for directing a sample to reagents located in the disc and for mixing the sample with the reagents. The disc is mounted on an analyzer and the sample is pumped into the disc, divided into a plurality of sub-sample, and at least some of the sub-samples are mixed with a number of reagents. The resultant analytes are analyzed spectrophotometrically for a determination of the concentration of various substances in the sample. The present invention permits multiple tests to be performed quickly and automatically with minimal operator involvement.

Abstract: A system includes a light source, a detector, at least one pressure sensor, and a control unit. The light source emits light at a wavelength substantially corresponding to an absorption line of a target gas. The detector is positioned to detect the intensity of light emitted from the light source that has passed through the target gas. The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the target gas. The control circuit is coupled to the detector and the light source to adjust the modulation amplitude of the light source based on the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: In a device for measuring elevations and/or depressions of a flexible surface which is at least partially transmissive to light, for measurement purposes, the surface is illuminated by a fibre-optical means (3) by way of a light source (7) and the brightness of the reflected light is measured by the same fibre-optical means using a photosensor (1).

Abstract: The broadband brightfield/darkfield wafer inspection system provided receives broadband brightfield illumination information via a defect detector, which signals for initiation of darkfield illumination. The defect detector forms a two dimensional histogram of the defect data and a dual mode defect decision algorithm and post processor assess defects. Darkfield radiation is provided by two adjustable height laser beams which illuminate the surface of the wafer from approximately 6 to 39 degrees. Each laser is oriented at an azimuth angle 45 degrees from the orientation of the manhattan geometry on the wafer, and 90 degrees in azimuth from one another. Vertical angular adjustability is provided by modifying cylindrical lens position to compensate for angular mirror change by translating an adjustable mirror, positioning the illumination spot into the sensor field of view, rotating and subsequently moving the cylindrical lens.

Abstract: Rotating polygon mirrors are configured such that angles formed by a rotation axis and mirror surfaces differs from one another in the mirror surfaces in order to shift a collecting point of a scanning light flux in a sub-scanning direction in association with rotation at constant angular speed. A collecting point position forming optical system is configured such that the collecting point is moved in an inspection range Zr in a height direction Z. The XYZ scanning is performed by moving the inspection object in the sub-scanning direction such that the collecting point shifted in the sub-scanning direction and the height direction is linearly scanned in the height direction of the inspection object in synchronization with the rotation of the rotating polygon mirror at the constant angular speed, and the an appearance positional coordinate of the inspection object is determined by a confocal method to perform the appearance inspection.

Abstract: A method and optical module for measuring relative movement of an input device and object (15) along at least one measuring axis. A laser device (3) having a laser cavity is provided for generating a measuring beam (13) in respect of each measuring axis. The measuring beam (13) is used to illuminate the object (15) and measuring beam radiation reflected from the object (15) and re-entering the laser cavity generates a self-mixing effect in the laser and causes changes in operation of the laser cavity. A detector (4) is used to generate a measurement signal representative of these changes and an electronic processing circuit (18) selects, in dependence on the speed of relative movement, one of at least two parameters of the measurement signal for use in determining the speed and direction of relative a movement.

Abstract: Image quality of tomographic images obtained by optical tomographic measurement is improved. Spatial frequency processes are administered on a tomographic image, with the frequency processing properties (high frequency gain) in the scanning direction of a measuring light beam set to be lower than the frequency processing properties (high frequency gain) in the direction of the optical axis of the measuring light beam. For example, a smoothing process that removes high frequency components is administered to the tomographic image only in the scanning direction. Alternatively, a sharpening process that emphasizes high frequency components is administered to the tomographic image only in the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: A molding die has through holes composed of feed holes and slit grooves for producing honeycomb structure bodies. The slit groove is formed in at least a part of each through hole. In a method of inspecting the molding die, a light is irradiated into the feed holes side to pass through the through holes. A camera is disposed at the slit groove formation side of the molding die to photograph the amount of light output from the slit groove side. A difference in intensity of the amount of light output from the slit grooves is calculated in order to detect at least the presence of a defective slit groove having an abnormal part. In another method of repairing the defective slit groove, a modifier made of abrasive grains and clay mother material is forcedly provided into the defective slit groove in order to repair or remove the abnormal part.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method permit the 3D detection of specular objects which are transparent to visible light. The method operates on the basis of the principle of deflectometry with specific improvements.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit includes first and second light beam generators, a deflector, a beam detector, and an optical element. The first and second light beam generators respectively emit a first and second light beam. The deflector deflects the first and second light beams in a main scanning direction and to scan a surface of first and second photosensitive members using the first and second light beams respectively. The beam detector detects both of the first and second light beams deflected by the deflector. The beam detector detects a light beam position of the first and second light beams in a sub-scanning direction. The optical element is disposed along an optical path for the first and second light beams starting from the first and second light beam generators to the deflector to set a light incoming angle striking the deflector same for the first and second light beams.

Abstract: A device for the optical analysis, including two-dimensional, of a thread or yarn (F) fed to a textile machine, said device comprising at least one light emitter element (3, 4) and at least one receiver element (5), said emitter element (3, 4) generating a light signal which strikes said thread (F) before being sensed by the receiver element (5) which, based on this sensing, defines a characteristic of the thread (F) such as its movement or its stoppage, a dimensional defect or another dimensional characteristic, between said light emitter element (3, 4) and said receiver element (5), there being interposed light transparent means (6) which are encountered by the light signal after it has interacted with the thread (F), and which act as a thread guide.

Abstract: Imposition system and drivers for printer products prepare a document for printing by receiving an electronic document to be printed, determining a smallest font size of the text of at least a portion of the document; determining a scale factor for at least one portion of the document based on the smallest font size and a predetermined minimum font size; and scaling at least a portion of the document by the scale factor.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes a pattern data generating unit, an image-forming unit and a detecting unit. The pattern data generating unit generates pattern data indicative of a pattern of a plurality of marks. The plurality of marks includes a first mark having a first color, a first light reflectance, a first width in a predetermined direction and a first dot density and a second mark having a second color, a second light reflectance, a second width in the predetermined direction and a second dot density. A difference between a target light reflectance and the first light reflectance is greater than a difference between a target light reflectance and the second light reflectance. At least one of the first mark width and the first dot density is smaller and lower than the second mark width and the second dot density. The image-forming unit forms the plurality of marks at positions on a target having the target light reflectance, based on the pattern data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for stitching images printed by a multi-head printer in a manner that is relatively insensitive to misregistration of the image segments. When a pair of overlapping print heads print a pair of adjacent image segments which meet in a stitching region, printing at each location in the stitching region is accomplished by both print heads with a weighting that depends on the location being printed within the stitching region. In one embodiment, for example, the output of each print head is weighted by a linear function of horizontal pixel position. Techniques are also disclosed for selecting screening patterns for use when stitching is performed with variable-dot printers. Such screening patterns are selected to minimize variations in density that may arise as the result of cross-web and/or down-web misregistration.

Abstract: A method of controlling a color printing apparatus takes into account variations in color quality across a sheet, perpendicular to the process direction. The apparatus outputs a print sheet forming a test print, the test print including at least one primary strip extending along a cross-process direction of the printer, and a set of test patches. The test print is read, the reading including measuring actual colors of each of a plurality of portions of the primary strip along the cross-process direction. An in-line spectrophotometer, with an array of photosensors extending across the sheet path, can be used to make measurements across the primary strip.

Abstract: The present invention provides for transforming a document containing data using a filter pipeline. The document is received, and at least one parameter for transforming the data within the document is obtained by a print driver interface. The data within the document is transformed based on the obtained at least one parameter, using the filter pipeline. The transformed document is output. As such, an enhancement/transformation feature can be applied to data within a document from virtually any editing software application, even if that application does not incorporate the feature into its software.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a combining unit, an image forming unit, a verification unit and a controller. The combining unit combines data from a first path and data from a second path. The image forming unit forms a combined image based on combined image data which is obtained by combining, by the combining unit, original image data from the first path and additional image data from the second path and which is transmitted through a third path. The verification unit verifies combined data which is obtained by combining, by the combining unit, verification data from the first path and verification data from the second path and which is transmitted through the third path. The controller detects, based on a verification result by the verification unit, falsification of data in the first path, the second path and the third path.

Abstract: For (CMYK) (x,y) data, a target-pixel checking unit calculates a target-pixel integrated value a(x,y) from CMYK binary data of a target pixel and a surrounding-pixel checking unit calculates a maximum surrounding pixel integrated value n(x,y) from respective CMYK binary data of surrounding pixels that are adjacent to the target pixel. Based on the target-pixel integrated value and the maximum surrounding pixel integrated value, a comparison determining unit estimates a higher toner pile height. The comparison determining unit adds transparent image data W(x,y) to the input data CMYK(x,y) and outputs output image data CMYKW(x,y) such that the toner pile heights become even.