Abstract: An imaging system, comprising an image source and a plurality of microtile units for generating respective portions of an image, each microtile unit including a plurality of coupling mechanisms for connection to a plurality of other microtile units such that the microtile units may be arranged in multiple geometrical configurations, and each microtile unit including circuitry for communication with the other microtile units to control generation of each respective portion of the image.

Abstract: Techniques to manage facsimile communications are described. An apparatus may comprise a facsimile device having an assigned access number, and a call terminal having the assigned access number and a facsimile control module, the call terminal to establish a call connection in response to a call request with the access number, and the facsimile control module to detect facsimile information and transfer the call connection from the call terminal to the facsimile device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: For a network printer function and a network scan function, a trial using mode whose use frequency is limited can be set. When the preset trial using mode is finished, the use of the tried function is permitted according to setting of an exclusive key.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing scanned documents by digitizing the scanned documents, converting the digitized documents to a JPEG2000 file, encoding content information corresponding to the digitized documents using spatial capabilities of JPEG2000's Region of Interest feature, and creating an image file having the digitized documents and the region of interest information for forwarding to a computing device, such as a handheld computing device, for display. The system and method are especially useful in Digital Mail applications which entail digitizing and delivering mail documents to recipients.

Abstract: A mobile image capture and processing system including a digital image capture and processing instrument for capturing digital images of shipping documents associated with shipments to be delivered to an intended destination over a Web-based shipping, tracking, and delivery information network, and automatically processing such images to read a 1D or 2D bar-coded shipment tracking number graphically represented therein, and automatically encode the shipment tracking number within the header of the digital image file and the name or title of the digital image file.

Abstract: A method of processing a plurality of source documents into scanned images of the source documents includes evaluating the plurality of source documents to thereby assign one or more source document quality metrics indicative of source document image quality. The plurality of source documents are comprised by a project and the source documents of the project are from a common source document type. The source document types include, for example, book pages, paper documents, microfilm documents, machine-printed documents, handwritten documents, print media documents, public records, microfiche documents, and/or the like. The method also includes scanning each of the plurality of source documents to thereby create one or more electronic image files comprising the scanned images and coupling the source document quality metrics to the electronic image files such that the source document quality metrics are thereafter accessible for post-production activities.

Abstract: A scanning device includes a transparent platen, a scanning module, a sheet-feeding mechanism, a section and a pressing unit. The scanning module is disposed at a scan position and acquires an image of a document through the transparent platen. The sheet-feeding mechanism transports the document in a transporting direction across the scan position. The section is located downstream of the scan position, and has a low point at a level lower than that of an upper surface of the transparent platen. The pressing unit is disposed opposite the section and limits a distance between the document and the transparent platen.

Abstract: A system for imaging a document including an imaging apparatus, which includes a camera positioned inside the imaging apparatus, the camera configured to acquire a plurality of images of a document in front of the camera. The document is place behind a glass window on a wall opposing the camera. The imaging apparatus includes an illumination system which is positioned around the glass window but outside the field of view (FOV) of the camera. The imaging apparatus further includes an opaque cover, which covers the whole glass window area. The cover includes a slit to insert a document to be imaged, a slit to remove the document and a groove that enables a user to move the document with his finger.

Abstract: A scanning optical device includes a rotating polygonal mirror having a plurality of reflecting faces. A first light source emits a first light beam from one section obtained by sectioning the scanning optical device with a plane passing through the rotation axis of the rotating polygonal mirror. A second light source emits a second light beam from the other section. The first calculation unit calculates scan time of the first light source. The second calculation unit calculates scan time of the second light source. The jitter correction unit corrects jitter by controlling a pixel clock supplied to the first light source according to the scan time of the second light source. The jitter correction unit also corrects jitter by controlling a pixel clock supplied to the second light source according to the scan time of the first light source.

Abstract: A scanning system for generating an image includes a scanning device configured to receive light reflected from a document and to output a signal corresponding to the received light to collect image data for use in generating an image. An automatic document feed system is configured to move the document from a position upstream of the scanning device toward a position downstream of the scanning device along a document feed path in proximity to the scanning device to allow the scanning device to receive light reflected from the document. A processor includes logic that compensates for changes in document movement past the scanning device using document motion data to reduce motion error induced image defects.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes pairs of rollers, each including a driving roller and a driven roller. The pairs of rollers are arranged along the rotation axis direction of the driving roller and constitute a first roller group and a second roller group for conveying a first medium and a second medium thicker than the first medium, respectively. The center of the first roller group is identical in the rotation axis direction to that of a first conveying area where the first medium is conveyed. The center of the second roller group is identical in the rotation axis direction to that of a second conveying area where the second medium is conveyed. At least one pair of rollers in the second roller group is arranged outside the first roller group within the first conveying area.

Abstract: In an image sensor, light sources corresponding to each of R, G, B colors illuminate multiple times in each line cycle so that each of line sensors acquires multiple R, G, B signals in each line cycle. A controlling unit generates multiple R, G, B data in each line cycle from the multiple R, G, B signals, and adds the multiple R, G, B data in each line cycle in a corresponding one of data saving units.

Abstract: Holographic optical tweezers are used to position charge stabilized colloidal particles within a flow cell. Once the particles are positioned, fixation is accomplished by pumping an electrolyte solution or pH adjusted solution (or a combination of the two) into the sample cell. In the former, the Debye length is reduced and aggregation caused by the van der Waals attraction takes place. In the latter, the surface charge density of the suspension is reduced and aggregation caused by the van der Waals attraction takes place. This technique can be applied multiple times, and allows for the formation of two and three dimensional structures composed of multi-colloid types to be formed on or away from a substrate. The technique relies upon forces acting on virtually all colloidal dispersions making it applicable to a wide variety of colloid types and compositions, such as formation of photonic crystals, colloidal electronics, and bioengineered materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a hologram, in particular a dot matrix volume hologram. A holographic recording system (1) comprises a source of optical radiation (7), a transparent or partially transparent holographic recording medium 6 and an optical system (10). The recording medium (6) has a first side (25), a second side (26) and a recording volume (36), the second side (26) being opposite to said first side (25) and the recording volume (36) being between said sides (25, 26). The recording medium (6) is positioned between the source of optical radiation (7) and the optical system (10) so that the first side (25) is presented towards the source of optical radiation (7) and the second side (26) is presented towards the optical system. The source (7) is arranged to project incident optical radiation (20) onto the first side (25) and through the recording volume (36) towards the optical system (10).

Abstract: In a light scanning technique of reflecting and deflecting incident light by a rotary deflector, a technique to reduce adverse effects of a thrust-direction force generated by air resistance received by a reflection surface of the rotary deflector is provided. At least a part of a first thrust-direction force generated by air resistance received by at least one surface of reflection surfaces arrayed in a rotating direction of a polygon mirror 35 and tilted with respect to a rotation axis 35p of the polygon mirror 35 is canceled by a second thrust-direction force generated by air resistance received by a surface tilted with respect to the rotation axis 35p in a direction opposite to the surface where the first thrust-direction force is generated.

Abstract: An oscillator device includes an oscillation system 115 having a plurality of oscillators and a plurality of torsion springs, a supporting member for supporting the oscillation system 115, driving members 114 and 1152, a signal output device 121 and 122, and a drive control unit 101-113, 123 and 124, wherein the driving member drives the oscillation system 115 so that the oscillator provides oscillation presented by an equation including the sum of a plurality of periodic functions, wherein the signal output device produces a signal corresponding to the displacement of the oscillator, and wherein the drive control unit controls the driving member based on an output signal of the signal output device and by use of a driving signal which is expressed by an equation including the sum of a plurality of periodic functions, the drive control unit including a driving signal generation circuit 109 for generating a driving signal using a trigonometric function table 110.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes first and second actuators that cause a mirror (movable part) to oscillate about first and second axes intersecting with each other. The first actuator is driven based on a drive signal having a frequency component around a resonant frequency relevant to oscillatory motion of the mirror, to cause the mirror to oscillate about the first axis, thereby scanning a light beam reflected off the mirror in a horizontal direction of the raster scanning. The drive signal is generated by regulating a reference drive signal based on a correction signal for use in correcting distortion of a displayed image, the distortion occurring when the first actuator is driven based on the reference drive signal for use as the drive signal to cause oscillatory motion of the mirror. This consequently simplifies distortion correction in the horizontal direction (the main scanning direction).

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a plurality of scanning optical systems each of which scans a different surface to be scanned and includes a light source configured to emit a light beam, an optical deflector having a plurality of reflection surfaces, and a synchronization detector configured to receive the light beam deflected by the optical deflector and detect a timing to scan an effective area of the surface to be scanned with the deflected light beam before a scanning is started or after the scanning is completed. The synchronization detector of one of a pair of scanning optical systems is disposed on a scanning end side to determine the scanning timing, and the synchronization detector of the other one of the pair of scanning optical systems is disposed on a scanning start side to determine the scanning timing.

Abstract: A laser scanning unit and an image forming apparatus that include a deflector to deflect incident light; and a plurality of sub-scanning optical systems using the same reflective surface of the deflector. Each of the sub-scanning optical systems includes a light source, an entrance optical unit disposed between the light source and the deflector to direct light to the deflector, and an exit optical unit to direct the deflected light to imaging surfaces. Optical paths of the sub-scanning optical systems are asymmetric with reference to the deflector.

Abstract: A new and useful metrology system is provided, of a type that comprises an optical cavity of the hemispherical or spherical type, with a vibrating mirror not located at or near a focus of the optical cavity, and which is particularly useful as a non interferometric metrology system. In one of its basic aspects, the metrology system measures changes in orientation of a vibrating mirror, by providing an optical cavity that includes reflection of a measurement beam from the vibrating mirror, where the optical cavity is configured such that an object space that includes the vibrating mirror is a conjugate image of the same object space.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetically actuating optical deflecting elements which can be manufactured out of reduced number of components and are capable of being actuated at lower frequencies and at wider deflecting angles without causing mechanical influences of the metal wiring on beams of the optical deflecting element. For that purpose, the electromagnetically actuating optical deflecting element comprises: a movable part having a light reflecting plane and a coil; a base component having a magnetic field generating means; and a pair of beams which axially support said movable part on to the base component, The movable part is actuated by an electromagnetic force generated by an electric current flowing through the coil and the magnetic field generating means.

Abstract: The micro-actuation element (X1) includes a movable unit (111), a frame (112) and a coupler (113) for connecting these, where the unit, the frame and the coupler are integrally formed in a material substrate having a multi-layer structure that consists of electroconductive layers (110a-110c), such as a core conduction layer (110b), and insulation layers (110d, 110e) intervening between the electroconductive layers (110a-110c). The movable unit (111) includes a first structure originating in the core conduction layer (110b). The frame (112) includes a second structure originating in the core conduction layer (110b). The coupler (113) includes a plurality of electrically separated torsion bars (113a, 113b) that originate in the core conduction layer (110b) and are connected continuously to the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: A micromirror unit is provided which includes a frame, a mirror forming base upon which a mirror surface is formed, and a torsion connector which includes a first end connected to the mirror forming base and a second end connected to the frame. The torsion connector defines a rotation axis about which the mirror forming base is rotated relative to the frame. The torsion connector has a width measured in a direction which is parallel to the mirror surface and perpendicular to the rotation axis. The width of the torsion connector is relatively great at the first end. The width becomes gradually smaller from the first end toward the second end.

Abstract: An optical module includes a first silicon substrate having a first groove at its surface, a second silicon substrate having a second groove at its surface, a Laser device formed on the first silicon substrate, an optical modulator formed on the second silicon substrate, a substrate on which the first and the second silicon substrates are mounted wherein an optical axis of the Laser device is matched up with an optical axis of the optical modulator, a first lens transforming an divergent light emitted from the first optical device into a parallel light, disposed in the first groove, and a second lens converging the parallel light to the second optical device, disposed in the first groove.

Abstract: A mirror device, comprising: a mirror; an electrode which is placed on a substrate and on which surface a cavity is formed; and a hinge placed between the mirror and electrode, wherein the hinge is connected to the cavity of the electrode.

Abstract: A mirror device comprises: an electrode which is covered with a protective film made of a material containing a semiconductor material and is placed on a substrate; a mirror placed above the electrode; and an electrically conductive hinge placed between the mirror and the electrode, wherein an opening part is formed in a part of the protective film, and the hinge penetrates the protective film in the opening part thereof.

Abstract: For the electrophoretic display panel (1) to able to have a relatively large number of attainable optical states for displaying the picture, even if the liquid is transparent, the electrophoretic display panel (1) has a magnetic field generator (120) for generating a magnetic field, a pixel (2) having a viewing surface (91) for being viewed by a viewer, electrodes (10,15) for receiving potentials for generating an electric field, an electrophoretic medium (5) having first charged particles (6) and second charged particles (7) having dissimilar optical properties, at least one type of the first and the second particles (6,7) having a net magnetic moment, a combination of the electric and the magnetic field providing a decoupled movement of the first and the second charged particles (6,7) to their respective positions for displaying the picture.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display unit includes a transparent base film, a transparent electrode disposed on the base film, an electrophoretic display layer disposed on the transparent electrode to display an image in response to an electric field, and an opaque electrophoretic protection layer disposed on the electrophoretic display layer.

Abstract: A single cavity may be used to produce up-converted, quantum-entangled beams relying on the common field of the pumping energy stimulating to up-converting material to produce the quantum entanglement.

Abstract: A method of managing gain tilt in an optical transmission segment including providing an optical transmission segment having a plurality of fiber optic cable spans and a plurality of repeaters coupled to the fiber optic cable spans. Gain tilt in the optical transmission segment is monitored. If negative gain tilt is accumulated at a repeater location in the transmission segment, the repeater at the repeater location is replaced with a higher gain repeater having a higher nominal gain value than the nominal gain value of the repeater being replaced.

Abstract: The invention describes techniques for the control of the spatial as well as spectral beam quality of multi-mode fiber amplification of high peak power pulses as well as using such a configuration to replace the present diode-pumped, Neodynium based sources. Perfect spatial beam-quality can be ensured by exciting the fundamental mode in the multi-mode fibers with appropriate mode-matching optics and techniques. The loss of spatial beam-quality in the multi-mode fibers along the fiber length can be minimized by using multi-mode fibers with large cladding diameters. Near diffraction-limited coherent multi-mode amplifiers can be conveniently cladding pumped, allowing for the generation of high average power. Moreover, the polarization state in the multi-mode fiber amplifiers can be preserved by implementing multi-mode fibers with stress producing regions or elliptical fiber cores These lasers find application as a general replacement of Nd: based lasers, especially Nd:YAG lasers.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for controlling a laser system consisting of a pulse source and high power fiber amplifier is disclosed. The circuit is used to control the gain of the high power fiber amplifier system so that the amplified output pulses have predetermined pulse energy as the pulse width and repetition rate of the oscillator are varied. This includes keeping the pulse energy constant when the pulse train is turned on. The circuitry is also used to control the temperature of the high power fiber amplifier pump diode such that the wavelength of the pump diode is held at the optimum absorption wavelength of the fiber amplifier as the diode current is varied. The circuitry also provides a means of protecting the high power fiber amplifier from damage due to a loss of signal from the pulse source or from a pulse-source signal of insufficient injection energy.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises an optical system including a plurality of optical elements having finite refractive power and an electronic imaging device disposed at an image side of the optical system. At least one of the plurality of optical elements is made of resin, and an infrared-cut coating is applied to at least one face of the optical element that is made of resin.

Abstract: A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) has a housing, an active array being received in the housing, an optically transparent cover disposed above the active array for sealing the active array and introducing light beam to the active array, and a thermal conducting plate connected with the optically transparent cover and the housing.

Abstract: A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object plane of the projection objective onto an image plane of the projection objective comprises: a first objective part for imaging the pattern provided in the object plane into a first intermediate image; a second objective part for imaging the first intermediate imaging into a second intermediate image; a third objective part for imaging the second intermediate imaging directly onto the image plane; wherein a first concave mirror having a first continuous mirror surface and at least one second concave mirror having a second continuous mirror surface are arranged upstream of the second intermediate image; pupil surfaces are formed between the object plane and the first intermediate image, between the first and the second intermediate image and between the second intermediate image and the image plane; and all concave mirrors are arranged optically remote from a pupil surface.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a microscope arranged to carry out ATR measurements has a support (40) which can be mounted on the moveable stage of the microscope. A mounting (100) for an ATR crystal (106) is carried on the support. A sample supporting member (60) is disposed below the location of the ATR crystal. The sample supporting member (60) has a relatively thin upper wall (64). A pressure applying mechanism (80) is located below the wall (64) and is operable to apply pressure to a sample through the wall (64) to ensure good contact between a sample and the sample contacting surface of the crystal.

Abstract: Raster scanning light microscope with line pattern scanning with at least one illumination module, in which the means to achieve a variable partition of the laser light into least two illumination channels are envisioned and joint illumination of a sample takes place at the same or at different areas of the sample.

Abstract: Manipulator (1) for displacing an object holder (4), which manipulator (1) comprises a base (2), an actuator (5), a transmission (7), a guide (11) and an object holder (4). The actuator (5) is connected to the base (2) and displaces the object holder (4) via the transmission (7) when operating the actuator (5). The guide (11) is connected to the base (2) and to the object holder (4) and adapted such that it guides the object holder (4) parallel to itself.

Abstract: An optical display panel that comprises a plurality of stacked optical waveguides including a plurality of stacked optical waveguides each having an optical core with a first and a second surface, a cladding layer on each of the first and second surfaces of the core, a diffuser on the front face of the stacked waveguides, and a reflector on the back face of the stacked waveguides. The stacked waveguides form a front face and a back face and images are viewed from the front face of the stacked waveguides, which are planar.

Abstract: A screen frame (82) for a fabric screen (90) is comprised of four screen surround portions (10, 11). Each screen surround portion has a screen receiving portion (20) opening to the front of the screen, and a resilient screen retaining means (60) to hold an edge of the screen within the screen receiving portion. Each screen surround portion also has provision for the insertion of stiffening material (34) in at least one direction.

Abstract: At the time of displaying a targeted stereoscopic image composed of a background image being a planar component and a flying-out image being a stereoscopic component, a stereoscopic display device controls and stereoscopically displays the flying-out image being large in parallax so that the amount of transmitted light of a light transmitting portion of a light control panel becomes T1 (step S103 and step S104). Thereafter, it changes over the amount of transmitted light of the light transmitting portion of the light control panel from T1 to T2 larger than T1 (step S105). And it plane-displays a background image being smaller in parallax (step S106).

Abstract: A mirror device (1) which can be simultaneously used for display purposes, based on e.g. an LCD display (5) with a polarizing mirror (2) placed in front of it. When the surface area occupied by the display is smaller than the surface area of the mirror, the smaller display can be easily recognized at the front of the mirror. This is masked by introducing absorbing polarizers (30, 40).

Abstract: A color light combining system comprises a polarizing beam splitter that includes a reflective polarizer film, a first prism face that receives a first unpolarized color light, a second prism face that receives a second unpolarized color light, and a third prism face that provides a first combined light output that includes combined first color light polarized in a first direction and second color light polarized in a second direction. The polarizing beam splitter includes a reflector at a fourth prism face. A color-selective stacked retardation polarization filter faces the third prism face. The first color selective stacked retardation polarization filter provides a second combined light output that includes the first and second color lights that are combined and have the same polarization direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for attenuating an unpolarized laser beam includes a polarizing beamsplitter for separating the laser beam into two plane-polarized beams following separate paths. The two plane-polarized beams are polarization rotated by a single polarization rotator. Each of the polarization-rotated beams is separated by a polarizing beam-combiner into two plane-polarized portions. One of the portions of one polarization-rotated beam is combined by the beam-combiner with one of the portions of the other polarization-rotated beam to provide an attenuated output-beam. In certain examples of the apparatus the separate paths are made equal in length so that combined beam portions are equal in diameter.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to forced air environmental separators and/or methods of making the same that are capable of reducing the number and/or amount of deposits (e.g., moisture and/or debris) that form on the lens(es) of viewing devices that reduce the viewing quality and/or experience. In certain example embodiments, an air supply may be configured to supply a flow of pressurized air. A collar may include a plurality of holes formed therein. The plurality of holes may be disposed at one or more angles such that the flow of pressurized air is capable of flowing therethrough. A conduit may connect the air supply to the collar such that the flow of pressurized air flows from the air supply through the conduit to the collar. Certain example embodiments may be used in connection with, for example, a video camera, still camera, telescope, binoculars, glasses or goggles, and/or scope.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to element deflectors and/or methods of making the same that are capable of reducing the number and/or amount of deposits (e.g., moisture and/or debris) that form on the lens(es) of viewing devices that reduce the viewing quality and/or experience. An air supply is configured to supply a flow of pressurized air. A matte box includes a plurality of holes and/or jets formed in or around a frame or hood thereof, with the plurality of holes or jets being disposed at one or more angles such that the flow of pressurized air is capable of flowing therethrough to reduce the number and/or amount of deposits from forming on the lens of the viewing device. A conduit connects the air supply to the holes or jets so that the flow of pressurized air flows from the air supply through the conduit to the holes or jets. The holes or jets may be capable or creating a desirable cyclonic or swirling effect for the air.

Abstract: An antireflection film comprises: a support; and at least one low refractive index layer including a first low refractive index layer, the first low refractive index layer being located most distant from the support, wherein the first low refractive index layer comprises: a resin curable upon irradiation with ionizing radiation; and a compound having a polysiloxane partial structure, and wherein the ratio Si(a)/Si(b) of a photoelectron spectral intensity {Si(a)} of silicon atom on the outermost surface of the first low refractive index layer to a photoelectron spectral intensity {Si(b)} of silicon atom in a deeper position at a depth corresponding to 80% of a thickness of the first low refractive index layer from the outermost surface is 5.0 or more.

Abstract: Automotive glazing which can diffuse light in a distinct manner depending on the angle of incidence thereof on the glazing, whereby a first incidence angle range corresponds to diffusion of at least 30% of the light and a second incidence angle range corresponds to diffusion of less than 10%.

Abstract: A display device comprises a light emitting picture element (120) and a contrast enhancing element (110). The contrast enhancing element comprises a plurality of wave guides (216) separated by interstitial regions (212) being formed as narrowing recesses. An interface between a wave guide (216) and an interstitial region (212) is provided with a reflective layer. The narrowing recesses form a dead end for incident ambient light which is efficiently absorbed by the contrast enhancing element. On the other hand, light emitted by the picture element (120) of the display device is transmitted through the wave guides (216). As a result, the display device has a relatively high contrast ratio, particularly under bright ambient light conditions.

Abstract: A wafer-scale apparatus and method is described for the automation of forming, aligning and attaching two-dimensional arrays of microoptic elements on semiconductor and other image display devices, backplanes, optoelectronic boards, and integrated optical systems. In an ordered fabrication sequence, a mold plate comprised of optically designed cavities is formed by reactive ion etching or alternative processes, optionally coated with a release material layer and filled with optically specified materials by an automated fluid-injection and defect-inspection subsystem. Optical alignment fiducials guide the disclosed transfer and attachment processes to achieve specified tolerances between the microoptic elements and corresponding optoelectronic devices and circuits.