Abstract: To ensure optical performance within a permissible range, making outward appearance excellent, and making binocular vision comfortable.

Abstract: Methods and devices measure eye blinks and tear film lipid and aqueous layer thickness before and following ophthalmic formula application onto the ocular surface, especially wherein the ophthalmic formula is an artificial tear. The methods and devices are suitable for dry eye diagnosis. The methods and devices are suitable for use to evaluate ophthalmic formula effects on the tear film and to use such information to diagnose ophthalmic formula treatment of ocular disease conditions such as dry eye in the absence of contact lens wear or post-surgical eye drop treatment and diagnosis. The methods and devices are also suitable for use in the optimization of ophthalmic drug dosage forms and sustained drug release.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for taking autofluorescence images with a fundus camera capable of a field of view of at least 30 degrees and preferably 50 degrees or more using high quality thin film optical interference filters. In one embodiment, a filter set is disclosed for achieving this functionality. Using these methods and/or apparatus, a practitioner can (among other procedures, which are described) take high-quality autofluorescence images of the fundus using a CCD camera that does not have to be cooled, take such images without exciting damaging photochemical reactions in the retina, detect accumulation of fluorophores in the retina prior to the significant accumulation of fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium, and topographically localize and quantitate retinal abnormalities and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for aligning diagnostic and therapeutic iris images, via iris pattern recognition, for effecting more accurate laser treatment of the eye. A method for aligning a dilated pupil diagnostic iris image associated with a diagnostic measurement for calculating a laser treatment, with a constricted pupil diagnostic iris image, by identifying an iris landmark that is not identifiable solely between the two images, includes a sequential plurality of diagnostic iris images of varying pupil size such that the iris landmark can be tracked between the two images. The aligned, constricted pupil diagnostic image can then be aligned with a constricted pupil treatment image and the ablation pattern rotated accordingly. Limbal edge detection is used in the diagnostic images to provide pupil center translation information for translational alignment of the laser treatment.

Abstract: A computer program for evaluating retina or optic disc disease establishes a threshold level by looking at variation within data collected at a given patient visit and uses that threshold level to evaluate the progression of disease indicated by changes in measurement of the retina or optic disc

Abstract: A method for the optical projection of profiles on the work surface (1) of a machine (100) for automatic cutting of flat articles (2) includes the following operation steps: positioning of a flat article (2) on the work surface; definition of a profile (3, 3A) on the flat article (2) by the projection, on the latter, of a first light beam (4); orientation by rotation, with respect to an axis orthogonal to the surface (1), and positioning of the profile (3, 3A) on the flat article (2), and selection of the profile; definition of the profile (3, 3A) on the flat article by the permanent optical projection thereon of a second light beam (5), and contemporary deactivation of the first light beam (4). The invention further proposes a machine for automatic cutting of flat articles with two projectors as required by the method.

Abstract: A reflective or light redirecting device has a base with an overlaying pattern or light redirector. The pattern can be selected from a collection of masks, templates, or reflective appliques. The device is arranged to reflect or redirect light, for example sunlight, in a beam that projects a corresponding design. A motor rotates the device and reorients its directional axis to reflect light toward a surface to circulate the design on a path on the surface.

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

Abstract: A video projector includes a reduced size spatial light modulator (400) that spatially modulates light from a light source (502) according to only a portion (e.g., ½) of a video frame at a time. A beam steerer (508, 600, 1600) steers spatially modulated light from the spatial light modulator to a correspond region (e.g., upper half, lower half) of a projection screen/surface (512) and one or more lenses (506, 510, 702, 802, 1002, 1008, 1100, 1300, 1502) insure that the spatially light modulator (400) is imaged onto the projection screen/surface (512).

Abstract: A method for operating a projection system (1) is described, wherein a brightness level (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6) in an image (IM) is represented by the total length of a number of light switch-on phases within a particular image cycle (VT). A high pressure discharge lamp (2) of the projection system (1) is operated via a lamp driver with an essentially square-wave alternating current (IL) SO that an overshoot sequence (O), which occurs in the alternating current (IL) after a current zero crossing during operation of the high pressure discharge lamp (2), has a frequency so high that for each possible brightness level at least one full period (P) of the overshoot sequence (O) lies essentially within a light switch-on or switch-off phase (ts) following the zero crossing. A projection system (1) and a lamp driver (10) for a high pressure discharge lamp (2) in such a projection system (1) are also described.

Abstract: A projection system suitable for use in a lithographic apparatus, the projection system including a transmissive optical element and a thermal profile corrector configured to change a thermal profile of the transmissive optical element, the thermal profile corrector including a transfer member and a thermal profile conditioner, the transfer member being moveable into and out of proximity with the transmissive optical element to transfer a desired thermal profile from the thermal profile conditioner into the transmissive optical element.

Abstract: An immersion lithographic projection apparatus having a megasonic transducer configured to clean a surface and a method of using megasonic waves through a liquid to clean a surface of an immersion lithographic projection apparatus are disclosed. A flow, desirably a radial flow, is induced in the liquid.

Abstract: A protrusion is provided on a barrier member which at least partly confines a liquid between a projection system and a substrate. The protrusion is closer to the projection system than other parts of the barrier member to promote a meniscus of liquid to adhere between the protrusion and the projection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image sensor for detection of an aerial image formed by a beam of radiation in a lithographic projection apparatus for exposing a pattern onto a substrate held in a substrate plane by a substrate holder. The image sensor has an image detector and a lens. The lens is arranged to project at least part of the aerial image onto the image detector. The image sensor is positioned such within the substrate holder that the lens is positioned proximate the substrate plane.

Abstract: A digital exposure apparatus for forming a pattern on a topside surface of a substrate has an alignment unit, which detects a position of the substrate from image data obtained through a camera from a reference mark provided on the topside surface of the substrate. The alignment unit further has a Z-direction sensor to measure a fluctuation amount ? of the topside surface of the substrate from a predetermined focal plane of the camera. Depending upon the measured amount ?, a set of distortion correction data is selected from or calculated on the basis of previously stored distortion correction data. The image data of the reference mark is corrected with the selected or calculated distortion correction data, so that errors induced by the fluctuation from the focal plane are corrected without adjusting the position of the substrate in the direction of an optical axis of the camera of the alignment unit.

Abstract: An optical system includes a reflecting mirror to which rays are incident across a relatively wide incidence angle range, while well suppressing a change in a polarization state in an optical path of a beam incident substantially as linearly polarized light. The optical system has a first deflecting plane mirror and a second deflecting plane mirror and a substantially linearly polarized beam is incident to the optical system. Each of the first deflecting plane mirror and the second deflecting plane mirror is so arranged that a change from a phase difference between p-polarized incident light to a reflecting surface and s-polarized incident light to the reflecting surface, to a phase difference between reflected light of the p-polarized incident light to the reflecting surface and reflected light of the s-polarized incident light to the reflecting surface is within 30° for all rays incident to the reflecting surface.

Abstract: An illumination system is provided with a light produced by a light source, with an optical axis and with optical elements, in particular for a projection exposure machine in semiconductor lithography, having at least one optical element for producing a pupil distribution of the light beam, and having a homogenizing element for homogenizing the intensity of the light. For an asymmetric pupil distribution at least the optical elements that produce non-rotationally symmetrical light distributions, and/or the homogenizing element are supported rotatably about the optical axis that forms a z-axis of an x-/y-coordinate system, it being possible to set at least one rotational angle a in such a way that the pupil distribution is located on an axis or symmetrically in relation to an axis of an x?-/y?-coordinate system newly formed by the rotational angle a by means of rotating the x-/y-coordinate system by the angle a.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens structure, an optical system including the same, and a lithography method using the optical system. The disclosed lens structure includes: a lens that has a substantially semispherical shape and includes a protruding portion having a truncated cone shape that is provided on its aspherical surface; a thin metal film that is formed on the surface of the protruding portion, and has an aperture formed at a position corresponding to the center of an upper surface of the protruding portion; and an immersion layer that is formed with a constant thickness on the upper surface of the protruding portion.

Abstract: A device is arranged to measure a quantity relating to radiation. The device includes a sensor configured to measure the quantity, a screen arranged to protect the sensor from incoming particles emitted from a source configured to emit extreme ultraviolet radiation, and a mirror configured to redirect extreme ultraviolet radiation emitted by the source, past the screen, to the sensor.

Abstract: Highly accurate lithography is performed by maintaining planarity without generating a suction mark on a sheet body. Since a counterbore for storing the head of a screw member for fixing a suction plate on a supporting table communicates with the atmosphere through a long hole and communicating path, inside of the counterbore is never under a negative pressure at the time of sucking the sheet body through a hole section of the suction plate, and the substrate can be held by suction on the suction plate by highly accurately maintaining planarity.

Abstract: A computationless system 10 is provided for determining the direction of and distance to a target 42, involving bathing an area surrounding an area to be protected with a polyspectral series of narrow fan beams (xi,)ioo) of different colors from at least two spaced-apart projectors 30, 32. The differently colored beams go out at different angles, thus to color-code map the area surrounding the protected space where beams of different colors cross to form color-coded cells. Light 46 reflected back to the area to be protected from a threat 42 has a color code corresponding to the colors associated with beams that cross at the threat, thus to identify by the reflected colors where in space the threat is located.

Abstract: The optical tracking device of this invention comprises a lens unit, a control circuitry communicatively coupled to the lens unit, and an imaging unit optically coupled to the lens unit. The lens unit comprises at least one Micromirror Array Lens, wherein the Micromirror Array Lens comprises a plurality of micromirrors and is configured to have a plurality of optical surface profiles by controlling rotations or translations of the micromirrors. The optical tracking device of the invention further comprises an image processing unit, communicatively coupled to the imaging unit, configured to process the image information from the imaging unit and generates a control signal for the control circuit to control the lens unit. The optical tracking device of the present invention provides capability of tracking a target moving in a high speed, providing three-dimensional image information of the object, and compensating the aberration of the optical tracking device.

Abstract: A vibration detection device capable of improving detection sensitivity when optically performing vibration detection is provided. A vibration detection device includes: a light source emitting a laser beam; an interferometer including a vibrating body and a first reflection body both capable of reflecting the laser beam, and a second reflection body capable of at least partially reflecting the laser beam, the interferometer splitting the laser beam emitted from the light source into beams traveling along first and second optical paths, the interferometer causing interference between a reference beam reflected by the first reflection body in the first optical path and reflected beams multiply reflected between the vibrating body and the second reflection body in the second optical path to form interference patterns; and a detection means for detecting the vibration of the vibrating body on the basis of the formed interference patterns.

Abstract: A pattern defect inspection apparatus capable of detecting minute defects on a sample with high sensitivity without generating speckle noise in signals is realized. Substantially the same region on a surface of a wafer is detected by using two detectors at mutually different timings. Output signals from the two detectors are summed and averaged to eliminate noise. Since a large number of rays of illumination light are not simultaneously irradiated to the same region on the wafer, a pattern defect inspection apparatus capable of suppressing noise resulting from interference of a large number of rays, eliminating noise owing to other causes and detecting with high sensitivity minute defects on the sample without the occurrence of speckle noise in the signal can be accomplished.

Abstract: A sensor and method of determining the orientation of an object, such as the alignment characteristics of a tire and wheel assembly mounted on a vehicle, includes projecting a plurality of light planes from a first light projector onto a tire and wheel assembly to form a plurality of generally parallel illumination lines on a tire of the tire and wheel assembly, receiving a reflected image of at least some of the illumination lines with a photo electric device reflected from the tire at an angle relative to a projecting angle of the first light projector, and determining a plane defined by spatial coordinates from a selected point located on each illumination line imaged by the photo electric device, with the plane representing the orientation of the tire and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a substrate includes a camera and a light source. The camera is oriented toward a field of view. The field of view encompasses at least a first portion of a first surface of the substrate. The light source is oriented toward the field of view at a first angle ? relative to the first surface of the substrate. A method for inspecting a substrate is also included.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer inspection system and method is provided which uses a multiple element arrangement, such as an offset fly lens array. The preferred embodiment uses a laser to transmit light energy toward a beam expander, which expands the light energy to create an illumination field. An offset fly lens array converts light energy from the illumination field into an offset pattern of illumination spots. A lensing arrangement, including a first lens, a transmitter/reflector, an objective, and a Mag tube imparts light energy onto the specimen and passes the light energy toward a pinhole mask. The pinhole mask is mechanically aligned with the offset fly lens array. Light energy passing through each pinhole in the pinhole mask is directed toward a relay lens, which guides light energy onto a sensor. The offset fly lens array corresponds to the pinhole mask.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The center of each captured object in an array is determined by a controller which determines the object centers in a plurality of adjacent bands. The band having the most object centers is determined and the objects in the band having the most object centers are deleted from the rest of the bands. The control repeatedly determines the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers and deletes the objects in the band of the rest of the bands having the most object centers from the remainder of the bands until the objects in each band are unique. The maximum separation of objects in each band is defined and checks will be differentiated from blisters based on this separation.

Abstract: An apparatus for an enclosure of a linear inspection system for the inspection of products that uses at least one camera and at least one laser. The enclosure is placed in a production line environment as to allow the passage of the products to pass through an aperture of the enclosure. More specifically, the enclosure allows to shelter cameras and lasers that are oriented towards an inspection zone through a translucent surface of the enclosure. Furthermore, in another aspect of the invention, the cameras and lasers are fixed to mounting stations in the enclosure. The mounting stations are positioned as to orient the cameras and lasers towards an inspection zone through the translucent surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and method to predict the progression of disease of a test sample. A group of known biological samples is provided. Each known biological sample has an associated known outcome including a non-diseased sample or a diseased sample. A Raman data set is obtained for each known biological sample. Each Raman data set is analyzed to identify a diseased or non-diseased reference Raman data set depending on whether respective biological sample is the non-diseased sample or the diseased sample. A first database is generated where the first database contains reference Raman data sets for all diseased samples. A second database is generated where the second database contains reference Raman data sets for all non-diseased samples. A test Raman data set of a test biological sample is received, where the test biological sample has an unknown disease status. A diagnostic is provided as to whether the test sample is a non-diseased sample or a diseased sample.

Abstract: A measurement method of measuring a wavefront aberration of an optical system to be measured, comprising a first measurement step of measuring wavefronts of the optical system to be measured with respect to linearly polarized light beams along at least three different azimuths, a first calculation step of calculating a wavefront of the optical system to be measured with respect to non-polarized light and a birefringent characteristic of the optical system to be measured, based on the wavefronts of the optical system to be measured, which are measured in the first measurement step, and a second calculation step of calculating a wavefront of the optical system to be measured with respect to arbitrary polarized light, based on the wavefront and the birefringent characteristic of the optical system to be measured, which are calculated in the first calculation step.

Abstract: Signal modules and methods for electrically interfacing with an electronic device are provided. The signal module includes a dielectric and a conductor extending through a surface of the dielectric. The surface of the dielectric is located away from perpendicular relative to an axis of the conductor and is located based on an electromagnetic field produced as a result of a signal flowing through the conductor.

Abstract: Method for approximating the spectrum of a plurality of color samples, the method including the procedures of measuring the color of a reference color sample in a color space, determining a reference sample estimated spectrum from the measured color, measuring the actual spectrum of the reference color sample, determining a spectral delta from the difference between the reference sample estimated spectrum and the actual spectrum, measuring the color of each of the color samples, for each of the color samples, determining a sample estimated spectrum from the measured color, and for each of the color samples, determining a sample approximated spectrum by adding the spectral delta to the respective sample estimated spectrum.

Abstract: Provided are a method of precisely evaluating the performance of an optical sensor including light-emitting elements corresponding to light-emitting wavelengths respectively representing multiple colors as well as a light-receiving element even under a condition in which mists of color inks adhere to the sensor, and a printing apparatus for carrying out the method. To this end, how much the performance of the optical sensor mounted on a carriage decreases is evaluated based on a cumulative number of ejections for each ink color, which number corresponds to the amount of mist, and a degree at which each ink affects each color LED. This makes it possible to precisely evaluate the performance of the optical sensor including the light-emitting elements corresponding to the light-emitting wavelengths respectively representing the multiple colors as well as the light-receiving element even under the condition in which the mists of the color inks adhere to the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the spectral properties of a paint, dye, enamel or other opaque fluid, both in transmission and reflection, wherein a lock-in amplifier (5) is used to increase substantially the signal-to-noise ratio of transmitted components of electromagnetic radiation passing through the fluid, thereby enabling transmittance measurements to be made to the order of 0.0001% or less of the incident electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus and method using a phase sensitive detection method for a disk-type microfluidic device are provided. The optical detection apparatus includes: a rotation driving unit stopping rotation of the microfluidic device when a detection area of the disk-type microfluidic device reaches a predetermined position; at least one light source turned on and off at a corresponding frequency to emit light to the detection area held at the predetermined position; an optical sensor disposed to face the detection area and generating an electrical signal according to intensity of incident light; and a signal processing unit receiving the electrical signal generated by the optical sensor and outputting only a signal having a same frequency as an on/off frequency of one of the at least one light source.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems that can be quickly and efficiently utilized to examine the kinetics of a growth and development protocol in a controlled environment, for instance in vivo. Disclosed systems can include a synthetic mineralization complex that can nucleate calcium phosphate mineral deposition in a controlled environment, for instance a controlled environment that can mimic a natural environment in which biomineralization takes place. Also disclosed are non-contact optical methods as may be utilized to examine the kinetics of a developing solid phase. Disclosed systems and methods can be beneficially utilized in high throughput screening in the development of drugs for the treatment and prevention of pathological calcifications such as osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis.

Abstract: It has been requested to enhance sensitivity of a surface plasmon resonance sensor in a frequency region from a millimeter wave band to a terahertz band, from 30 GHz to 30 THz. Then, the present invention provides a sensor whose sensitivity is further improved by an analyte holding portion being equipped with a semiconductor and a medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interference filter, especially for use in gas detection with infrared light within a chosen range, comprising at least two essentially parallel and partially reflective surfaces with a chosen distance between them thus defining a cavity delimited by the reflecting surfaces between which the light may oscillate, and wherein at least one of said surfaces is partially transparent for transmission of light to or from said cavity. The filter comprises a first transparent material having a high refractive index, e.g. silicon, positioned in at least a part of said cavity, and at least one of said reflective surfaces being divided into a three dimensional pattern with varying shift relative to its plane, thus to provide a position dependent resonance condition between them for separation of different wavelengths in the light.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for performing high-precision length measurement. One such system includes: an optical receiver, configure to receive a reflected optical pulse from a target; an optical combiner, configured to generate a combined optical pulse using the reflected optical pulse and a reference optical pulse; and a signal analyzer configured to determine a distance to the target using a depth of modulation value of the combined signal. A method as disclosed herein includes the steps of determining a first length component of a combined optical signal using a depth of modulation value and determining a second length component of the combined optical signal using a modulation period value.

Abstract: A three dimensional shape correlation computer software program which uses laser radar data for target identification. The correlation program obtains a scan of laser radar data of a target from a Ladar sensor. The data includes a plurality of X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target. The software simulates the sensor scan using a 3D wire-frame model of the target. An X,Y,Z coordinate location is computed for every point in the computer model of the target. The software compares the X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target with the X,Y,Z coordinate points for the computer model to determine if the points match. When there is a match a target identification is declared.

Abstract: In a light-slit method, a first and a second measurement light projection on a surface of an object to be measured may be unambiguously identified as a first or a second measurement light projection by a camera when there is a support apparatus operating the camera and/or the measurement light projectors such that, in each light-slit recording of the camera, either the first or the second measurement light projection is visible to the camera. The possibility of unambiguous identification allows evaluating several spatially overlapping and not exactly aligned measurement light projections by means of a camera.

Abstract: In forming an image including a spot color, when an image for which a trapping process is performed does not include information of a spot color, the trapping process sometimes functions ineffectively. To solve this problem, image data having information of colors less in number than the colors included in the image is input and two adjacent regions are detected from the input image data. When the color information is color-separated into the colors, it is determined if the two regions share the color, and trapping for an adjacent portion of the two regions is controlled.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for integrating a workflow through an image enhancement process with a workflow through a printing process. Input files, which are preferably PDF files, arrive at the workflow, in which images are extracted from the input files to be sent through the image enhancement process, which may be performed within a separate computer system executing instructions of an image enhancement or management program, providing an output that is integrated back into the workflow, producing printable output files, which are preferably additionally PDF files.

Abstract: A method for efficiently handling image data may involve creating an imaging job that includes image data corresponding to an outputting operation that is to be performed by an imaging device. The method may also involve determining whether the image data includes one or more reduced size images in addition to one or more full size images. The method may also involve determining whether the one or more reduced size images are satisfactory for the outputting operation. If the image data includes the one or more reduced size images in addition to the one or more full size images, and if the one or more reduced size images are satisfactory for the outputting operation, the method may involve despooling the one or more reduced size images to the imaging device without despooling the one or more full size images to the imaging device.

Abstract: A printing system is arranged so that each time a storage button disposed on an operation panel of a printer is operated, an interrupt event transferred from the printer to the computer is detected at the computer, and in accordance with the detected interrupt event, image data in a memory card mounted on a card slot of the printer is stored on a hard disk of the computer, and that each time a print start button disposed on the operation panel of the printer is operated, an interrupt event transferred from the printer to the computer is detected, and in accordance with the detected interrupt event, image data read from the memory card and image data stored on the hard disk of the computer is both printed.

Abstract: When a user enters control information for controlling a printing device, the information is stored in a user information storage unit. All combinations of items of the control information capable of being set by the user and values of items incapable of being set by the user, these having been selected so as to be the optimum values for the combinations, are stored as preset values in a combined information storage unit. An information storage unit compares a value in the user information storage unit with a value in the combined information storage unit. If a combination for which agreement is achieved is found in the combined information storage unit, this value is stored in a printing information storage unit and transmitted to the printing device. Thus, an optimum value can be selected and sent to the printing device even with regard to an item incapable of being selected by the user.

Abstract: Provided is print engine controller of a printhead assembly having a plurality of printhead modules. The controller includes a memory buffer to receive rasterized page data from a computer system, a page image expander for expanding the page data to retrieve page images, and dithering means for dithering a continuous tone (“contone”) layer over the page data. The controller also includes a compositor for compositing a black bi-level layer of the contone layer, rendering means for rendering infra-red tags over the contone layer, and an output driving the printhead modules to print the composited page data.

Abstract: Raster image data is converted into block vector image data corresponding to blocks each having a predetermined size by segmenting the raster image data into the blocks with the predetermined size and executing vectorization processing. The input raster image data is converted into a block vector image. The converted block vector image is stored in a storage means. Transfer of the image data as a processing target in the apparatus is controlled to output the raster image data obtained by rasterizing the stored block vector image data.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the quality of a communication network for facsimile devices, wherein the communication network comprises at least a first facsimile device communicating through a digital network and a second facsimile device communicating through an analog network. The method comprises establishing a connection between the facsimile devices using the communication network, assessing a configuration of the connection between the facsimile devices, identifying at least one problem in the connection between the facsimile devices, and generating a network diagnostic report of the at least one identified problem. A network diagnostic report may be delivered to a user interface. Bits of the facsimile information fields (FIF) of the digital identification signal (DIS) and non-standard facilities (NSF) signal of the second facsimile device are compared to analyze problems with the communication network.