Abstract: In an image forming device, a ground-tint detection unit detects a ground-tint pattern in an original image based on image data output from an image reader unit. An image invalidation unit outputs a processed image data that makes the image data of the original image illegible, when the ground-tint pattern in the original image is detected. A resolution setting unit allows a resolution of the image reader unit to be higher than a minimum resolution needed for detection of a ground-tint pattern and stored in a memory unit.

Abstract: In an image data processing device, a notice pixel is selected from among a plurality of pixels constituting an image. A specified direction in which ink ejected on a recording medium would bleed by a relatively large amount on the recording medium is obtained. Then, a color-difference vector indicative of the magnitude and direction of a color-difference between the notice pixel and neighboring pixels disposed adjacent thereto is calculated, and a directional component which is a component of the color-difference vector in the specified direction is calculated. Further, a total density value which is a sum of the density value of the notice pixel and density values of the neighboring pixels is calculated, and a density reduction value is determined according to the directional component and the total density value. Then, the density value of the notice pixel is reduced by an amount represented by the density reduction value.

Abstract: A pseudo-random number generator comprises a controller, a plurality of LFSRs, a FIR filter and a normalizer. The pseudo-random number generator initializes the LFSRs in such a manner that each LFSR has a predetermined phase difference with the other LFSRs, sets the coefficient of the FIR filter in accordance with the desired frequency characteristic of a noise signal, and sets a parameter in the normalizer. The operation of the LFSRs is started, thereby acquiring a noise signal having the desired frequency characteristic.

Abstract: A method of generating a second bit map, improved in first-direction resolution, from a first bit map having a plurality of image-forming pixels arranged two-dimensionally, the method comprising a first detection step of detecting first and second edges appearing in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in a first bit map, and the first addition step of adding at least an edge extending in the first direction, when a portion between the first and second edges permits interpolation, to between third and fourth edges on the second bit map respectively corresponding to the first and second edges so as to effect interpolation between the third and fourth edges. Since the first and second edges, if detected, permit smoothing, a look-up table is not needed, and even a long-range unevenness can be smoothed without a smoothing range being limited to a predetermined region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving image quality of image data to be rendered may be provided using multiple mask MRC files. Such a method may involve processing a first binary bit map of image data to generate a processed binary bit map, assigning an edge tag to at least one pixel in the processed binary bit map, and assigning a gray/color value to at least one pixel in the processed binary bit map based on values of corresponding pixels in the first binary bit map. A system may include a processor that performs such processing and assigning, an image data source that supplies image data of an original image, and an image rendering device that provides a rendered image of the original image based on the at least one assigned edge tag and the at least one assigned gray/color value.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus has a placing member where an original is placed, a reading unit for reading an image of the original in a way that moves relatively to the placing member, and a press member for pressing the reading unit against the placing member. The reading unit includes a conductive abutting portion coming into a contact with the placing member, and a grounding member for grounding the conductive abutting portion.

Abstract: Paper (41) on which a first reference image (31) is formed in an image forming section (300), and a correction instrument (1) on which a second reference image (33) is formed, are placed at predetermined positions on an original platen (210). Reference images (31, 33) are read as an image for correction by an image reading section (200). An error in the image reading section (200) is measured based on the second reference image (33) of the correction image. The first reference image (31) of the correction image is used to remove the error in the image reading section (200) from the measured error, resulting in an error in the image forming section (300).

Abstract: A multi-lightguide document imaging device is proposed for scanning a document transported atop it. The device includes a line image sensor module having a top sensing area and built-in circuitry for converting an incident line image into video signal output; an intervening rod lens for focusing line image lights from the document onto the sensing area; a number or lightguides lightguide-j (j=1,2, . . . ,N) disposed below the document where each lightguide-j has its own built-in light sources, a transverse cross section spaced at a distance SPCj from the scan line an oriented angularly along a ?-coordinate so as to project a line-illumination aiming at the scan line; and an imager frame having a base for holding the line image sensor module, a multi-element support for holding the rod lens plus the lightguides and a scan line backing portion for backing the document.

Abstract: A method of printing a pixel defined by C, M, Y color values having a sum that is not less than a predetermined maximum value VMAX, including assigning a maximum of the C, M, Y values to max_color; assigning a minimum of the C, M, Y values to min_color; selecting a black color value K that is not greater than a minimum of min_color and (C+M+Y?VMAX)/2; determining adjusted non-black primary color values Cout, Mout, Yout and a secondary value S_color such that the sum of the black color value K, the adjusted non-black primary color values Cout, Mout, Yout, and the secondary color value S_color is equal to the predetermined maximum value VMAX; and half-toning K, Cout, Mout, Yout, and S_color.

Abstract: In a color converting device for converting input image data based on a plurality of first color components (the number of bits of each color component is k) into output image data based on plural of second color components by interpolation processing using a 3DLUT storing color correction values at grid points obtained by dividing a color space composed of the plurality of first color components, the distance of the grid points is 2n (where n is an integer smaller than k), the number Dn of grid points of the plurality of first color components is an integer satisfying 2m?1+1<Dn<2m+1+1 (where Dn?2m+1, and m=k?n), and input image data is converted into output image data by converting each color component data of the input image data according to the number of grid points, and performing interpolation processing by reading color correction values corresponding to the converted color components from the 3DLUT.

Abstract: A holographic recording and reconstructing apparatus includes a light source having a variable oscillation wavelength; a temperature sensing unit operable to sense temperature; and a control unit operable to record information about a temperature sensed by the temperature sensing unit on a holographic recording medium during recording, to obtain the information about the temperature from the holographic recording medium and obtain a temperature sensed by the temperature sensing unit during reconstruction, to determine the amount of wavelength shift to counteract the effects of a change in the dimension of the holographic recording medium between recording and reconstruction based on the difference between the temperatures, and to shift the oscillation wavelength of the light source by the determined amount.

Abstract: A device for projecting an object in a space of a vehicle is described. This object is preferably projected holographically, and a voice input and output system is assigned to this object. An artificial passenger is thus created for a driver.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus, two light sources emit illumination light having different wavelengths, with which a liquid crystal display device is illuminated. By modulating the illumination light, the liquid crystal display device produces a first and a second image light having different wavelengths. Two holographic optical elements respectively reflect the first and second image lights and direct them to the user's eye so that virtual images of the images represented by the first and second image lights are formed at different positions. As the light source from which to obtain the illumination light is switched between the two, the dioptric power with which to present an image is changed.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning a spatial light modulator with respect to an imaging device is disclosed. An image of the spatial light modulator can be formed upon the imaging device and a controller can be used to position optical elements in a manner that effects translation, rotation, and scaling of the image so as to provide desired alignment. Such alignment can, for example, facilitate enhanced wavefront correction so as to at least partially compensate for the detrimental effects of atmospheric distortion in such applications as optical communications, imaging, and weaponry.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a first layer of dielectric material disposed upon an upper surface of a substrate of a semiconductor device and a first non-conductive layer of metal disposed upon an upper surface of the dielectric material. The first layer of dielectric material and the first non-conductive layer of metal act as an optical trap for electromagnetic radiation received by the first non-conductive layer of metal. In particular embodiments, the semiconductor device may further comprise a second layer of dielectric material disposed upon an upper surface of the first non-conductive layer of metal and a second non-conductive layer of metal disposed upon an upper surface of the second layer of dielectric material.

Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of independently controlling amplitude and phase modulation by a spatial light modulator. Light is illuminated onto upper layer deflectable planar areas and lower layer deflectable planar areas over a substrate of the spatial light modulator. First active circuitry on the substrate is used to provide amplitude modulation by controlling a relative displacement between upper layer deflectable planar areas and adjacent lower layer deflectable planar areas. Second active circuitry on the substrate is used to provide phase modulation by controlling a displacement between the (upper and lower layer) deflectable planar areas and the substrate. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high fill factor spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator includes a device layer coupled to a support base. The device layer includes a mirror plate and a coplanar flexible member. The spatial light modulator also includes a patterned spacer layer coupled to the mirror plate. In some embodiments, the spacer layer is fabricated from an aluminum layer. The method further includes a reflective layer coupled to the spacer layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to display apparatuses having an array of light modulators and a plurality of apertures formed in a layer of material. Each light modulator corresponds to one or more apertures and has a portion which may overlap a corresponding aperture, where the size of the overlap is proportional to a distance between the array and the layer of material.

Abstract: A laser projector having a configurable spatial light modulator (SLM) adapted to display various spatial modulation patterns and redirect illumination from a laser to form an image on the viewing screen. The laser projector drives the SLM to change spatial modulation patterns at a rate that causes the corresponding sequence of projected images to fuse to mitigate appearance of speckle in the resulting fused image. The SLM can be designed to redirect the illumination using either diffraction or specular reflection of light from the displayed spatial modulation pattern. In one embodiment, the SLM is a MEMS device having an array of individually addressable mirrors supported over a substrate and adapted to move (e.g., translate and/or rotate) with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display medium includes at least one set of colored particles in a dielectric fluid, wherein the dielectric fluid is a silicone fluid, and wherein the display medium has an electrical conductivity of about 10?11 to about 10?15 S/m. The display medium is included in an electrophoretic display device by including the medium in a multiplicity of individual reservoirs of a display layer or layers that is located between conductive substrates.

Abstract: An electrophoretic ink includes fluid having either (a) at least two sets of differently colored particles with the fluid been a substantially clear fluid, or (b) at least one set of colored particles with the fluid been a differently colored fluid than the colored particles, wherein at least one set of colored particles includes at least one electrophoretic particle having a core-shell structure. The at least one electrophoretic particle includes a shell and a core located within the shell, wherein the core includes a colorant and a fluorescent compound. An electric field may be applied adjacently to the fluid of the ink, and the at least one set of colored particles having the core-shell structure is movable within the fluid of the ink by the electric field.

Abstract: A method for preparing a poled structure forms a ferroelectric substrate with a first polarization direction, wherein the ferroelectric substrate has a first surface and a second surface. An electrode-patterning process is then performed to form a first electrode structure on the first surface, and the first electrode structure includes a plurality of active blocks and a plurality of passive blocks, wherein at least one passive block is sandwiched between two active blocks. Subsequently, a poling process is performed including applying a predetermined voltage to the active blocks and floating the passive blocks such that a current such as a leakage current or a tunnel current is generated from the active blocks to the passive blocks to form a plurality of inverted domains with a second polarization direction in the ferroelectric substrate.

Abstract: An illumination system for a fluorescence microscope is provided. The illumination system includes a carriage removably receivable within the microscope and a plurality of filter cubes movably arranged on the carriage, wherein each filter cube is moveable between an active position and an inactive position. Each filter cube includes a housing having first and second openings and a solid state light source secured to the housing. The solid state light source emits light when the filter cube is moved into the active position. Each filter cube further comprises at least one optical filter disposed within the housing, wherein the optical filter corresponds to the solid state light source.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for regulating the temperature of the sample space of a microscope, preferably for observing cells (live cell imaging) with an objective turret carrying objectives, a sample holder serving to receive a sample, a heating or cooling insert with an incubator hood for managing the temperature of the sample holder, and an objective heating element or objective cooling element. According to the invention, at least one structural component part which blocks the heating flow or cooling flow is provided between the objective heating element or objective cooling element and the objective turret.

Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train with a reticle having a reticle substrate, and a reticle relief pattern in the reticle substrate having a relief surface oriented so that the relief surface faces an output end of the optical sight. A layer of a barrier material that is opaque to visible light is deposited upon the relief surface. There is a wavelength-converting material within the reticle relief pattern that converts a non-visible excitation wavelength to visible light. A light source of the non-visible excitation wavelength controllably illuminates the wavelength-converting material. The optical train prevents the non-visible wavelength from propagating out of the input end of the optical train.

Abstract: In a diffraction grating element 10, between a first medium 11 and a fourth medium 14, a second medium 12 and a third medium 13 are disposed alternately to form a diffraction grating. The light, which enters the diffraction grating from the first medium 11, is diffracted at the diffraction grating portion and output to a fourth medium 14. Or, the light, which enters the diffraction grating from the fourth medium 14, is diffracted at the diffraction grating portion and output to the first medium 11. The index of refraction n1-n4 of each medium satisfies a relational expression of “n3<n1<n2, n3?n4?n2” or “n3?n1?n2, n3<n4<n2”.

Abstract: An optical device includes a light guide plate, and first and second reflective volume hologram diffraction grating members. The first member has interference fringes extending from therewithin towards surfaces thereof and arranged at an equal pitch. Each interference fringe and each surface of the first member form an inclination angle therebetween. The first member has the following conditions. (a) In an outer region positioned farther away from the second member than a minimum inclination angle region having a minimum inclination angle, the inclination angles of the interference fringes increase with increasing distance from the minimum inclination angle region. (b) In an inner region positioned closer to the second member than the minimum inclination angle region, the inclination angles of the interference fringes include a maximum inclination angle in an inner area disposed adjacent to the minimum inclination angle region and decrease with increasing distance from the minimum inclination angle region.

Abstract: Contrast enhancement films for a direct-view display include a substrate having first and second opposing sides, an array of optical microstructures on the first side, and an optically blocking film including an array of apertures on the second side. The contrast enhancement film is configured to mount between a direct-view display panel and an outer panel of the direct-view display.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a through-hole for detection formed at a center portion, and irradiates diffused light and directional light to an object to be detected. The apparatus includes an annular diffusion plate which diffuses light, a light source disposed annularly, and an annular reflection plate which reflects light from the light source to the side of said object to be detected. The diffusion plate, light source, and reflection plate are disposed in the order from the side of said object to be detected. The diffused light is generated by irradiating light from said light source to the object to be detected through said diffusion plate. Light from said light source is reflected by said reflection plate and then irradiated to the object to be detected.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprises, in order from an object side, a positive first lens unit including a reflective optical element, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit and a positive fourth lens unit, or a positive first lens unit, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit, a negative fourth lens unit and a positive fifth lens unit. During zooming from a wide-angle end toward a telephoto end, the first lens unit is fixed, at least the second and third lens units move, and a space between the lens units changes. The second lens unit is positioned closer to an image-surface side in the telephoto end than in the wide-angle end, and the third lens unit is positioned closer to the object side in the telephoto end than in the wide-angle end. An image taking apparatus including the zoom lens system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A zoom optical system comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens unit having a negative refractive power; a second lens unit having a positive refractive power; and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, a space between the lens units being changed to thereby perform zooming and focusing, wherein the first lens unit is constituted of a negative lens.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive power, a second lens group having negative power, a third lens group having positive power, a fourth lens group having positive power, and a fifth lens group having positive power. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first and fifth lens groups moves with respect to the image plane, the second lens group moves at first to the image and then to the object, and the third and fourth lens groups move to the object such that a distance between the first and second lens groups increases, a distance between the second and third lens group decreases, a distance between the third and fourth lens groups decreases, and a distance between the fourth and fifth lens groups increases. Given conditional expressions are satisfied.

Abstract: A system provides a multi-axis translation and orientation capability for optical imaging. The system includes an optical imaging apparatus providing a signal representing a digitized image, and a mechanical frame. The frame includes a first set of articulations capable of independently translating the optical imaging apparatus in multiple linear directions. The system also includes a second set of articulations formed as joints providing at least three independent degrees of rotation of the optical imaging apparatus. The system also provides an opening configured to permit the frame to be postured about a patient such that an isocenter corresponds to a region of interest of the patient, and includes an illumination source attached to the frame and configured to direct illumination towards the isocenter. The system also comprises a camera system co-located with the illumination source and having a focal plane at the isocenter.

Abstract: An aspherical lens formed of a high-refractivity low-dispersion glass, which is useful for constituting a compact and high-function image-sensing optical unit and which is formed by precision press-molding, the optical glass having a refractive index (nd) of over 1.83 and an Abbe's number (?d) of 40 or more and comprising, by mol %, 20 to 45% of B2O3, 5 to 24% of La2O3 and 22 to 42% of ZnO but containing no Li2O, the aspherical lens having an optical thin film formed on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A combined laser source includes: a plurality of semiconductor lasers which contain emission elements emitting a plurality of laser beams and being separately and hermetically sealed; a plurality of collimator lenses which collimate the plurality of laser beams emitted from the emission elements of the plurality of semiconductor lasers; an optical condensing system which receives, condenses, and optically combines the plurality of laser beams collimated by the plurality of collimator lenses; and one or more deflection members which are arranged between the optical condensing system and one or more of the plurality of collimator lenses, and deflect one or more of the plurality of laser beams collimated by the one or more of the plurality of collimator lenses so that the one or more of the plurality of laser beams propagate parallel to an optical axis of the optical condensing system.

Abstract: A high performance objective having very small central obscuration, an external pupil for apertureing and Fourier filtering, loose manufacturing tolerances, large numerical aperture, long working distance, and a large field of view is presented. The objective is preferably telecentric. The design is ideally suited for both broad-band bright-field and laser dark field imaging and inspection at wavelengths in the UV to VUV spectral range.

Abstract: An imaging device consistent with one of numerous embodiments has an opaque planar sheet with a plurality of pinholes defining a photon sieve in the sheet, wherein, the photon sieve comprises at least first and second regions. The first region exhibits a first focal length, a first field of view, a first transmissivity, a first resolution and a first wavelength, and the second region exhibiting a second focal length, a second field of view, a second transmissivity, a second resolution and a second wavelength. At least one of the first focal length, the first wavelength, the first transmissivity, the first resolution and the first field of view is different from the second focal length, the second wavelength, the second transmissivity, the second resolution and the second field of view. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A fixed-focus lens including a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group, which are arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side, is provided. The first lens group has a negative refractive power and includes three lenses arranged from the object side to the image side. The lens, closest to the object side, of the first lens group is an aspheric lens. The second lens group has a positive refractive power and includes two lens arranged from the object side to the image side. The third lens group has a positive refractive power and includes six lenses arranged from the object side to the image side. Refractive powers of the lenses of the third lens group in sequence from the object side to the image side are negative, positive, negative, positive, positive and positive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact image-formation optical system that is diminished in a diametrical direction with as few lenses as possible while well adapting to an wide-angle arrangement having a half angle of 90° or greater, and an imaging system incorporating the same. The image-formation optical system comprises, in order from its object side, a first lens L1 that is a negative lens, a second lens L2 that is a meniscus lens concave on its object side, an apertures stop S, and a lens group G having positive refracting power.

Abstract: An imaging lens is provided and includes: a positive first lens with a convex surface directed to the object side; a second lens having a negative meniscus shape with a concave surface directed to the image side; a third lens having a positive meniscus shape with a convex surface directed to the image side; a negative fourth lens with both surfaces being an aspheric surface and the image-side surface being concave in the proximity of the optical axis; and a positive or negative fifth lens with both surfaces being an aspheric surface, in order from the object side. The following conditional expressions are satisfied as for Abbe numbers vd1 and vd2of the first lens and the second lens and Abbe number vd4 of the fourth lens.

Abstract: An endoscope objective lens is provided and has a front-group divergent lens system, an aperture stop, and a rear-group convergent lens system in this order from the object side. The back focal length Bf of the whole system is longer than 2.5 times the combined focal length f of the whole system. The rear-group convergent lens system includes a cemented lens. The endoscope objective lens satisfies the specific formula.

Abstract: A camera module (100) includes a lens module (10) and an image sensor (20), wherein the lens module includes a barrel (12), a plurality of lenses (14) and at least one spacer between each two neighboring lenses. The barrel includes an inner wall (122), the lenses and the spacer both are received in the barrel; the image sensor is located on an imaging plane of the plurality of lenses. At least one through slot (18) is defined in at least one item selected from the group consisting of lenses, spacer, and between the lenses and spacer. At least one groove (124) is defined between the inner wall of the barrel and the group consisting of the lenses, spacer and the image sensor. The at least one through slot communicates with at least one groove.

Abstract: When magnetically transferring information represented by a pattern of magnetic layer formed on a master information carrier to a disc-like slave medium, an initial DC magnetic field is applied to the slave medium to initially magnetize the slave medium in one direction of concentric recording tracks and a transfer magnetic field is applied to the slave medium in the direction opposite to the direction of the initial-magnetization with the initially-magnetized slave medium held in close contact with the master information carrier. At least one of applying the initial DC magnetic field and applying the transfer magnetic field is effected by applying the magnetic field while the slave medium is being rotated relatively to the magnetic field and stopping the rotation of the slave medium after the intensity of the magnetic field is gradually reduced to not stronger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Method and system for determining spin pad length in a data storage system. The data storage system has a data storage medium having at least one track for storing a plurality of data sections, a timing reference mark for the at least one track, and a recording head for writing the plurality of data sections on and for reading the plurality of data sections from the data storage medium. The data storage system further has a spin pad length determining mechanism for determining the length of a spin pad to be written on the at least one track as a function of distance from the timing reference mark during an operation of writing a data section on the at least one track. By writing spin pads of proper length on the at least one track, the total space occupied by the spin pads on the at least one track is minimized, thus providing additional space to store data.

Abstract: A clock tracking circuit and method uses a clock compensation signal to compensate for timing marks on a media disk. The clock compensation signal may compensate for at least one of improper clock track closure and written-in jitter of the timing marks used to produce the measured clock signal. The clock compensation signal may be used to control a controllable oscillator used to generate the clock signal that thereby provides a compensated clock signal.

Abstract: A recording system, such as a magnetic or optical recording system, employs an address mark (AM) detector that searches for an address mark pattern that is augmented by one or more bits of a preamble field so that a false detection rate is reduced. In one case, the address mark includes L bits, and the AM detector compares i) the input detected bits with ii) a SAM pattern of L bits augmented with m bits of the preamble to detect the SAM. In another case, the address mark includes less than L bits (e.g., L?k bits), and the AM detector compares i) the input detected bits with ii) a SAM bit-pattern of (L?k) bits augmented with m bits of the preamble to detect the SAM.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium includes a first magnetic layer; and a second magnetic layer formed on the first magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer make exchange coupling therebetween and also, have their magnetizing direction in anti-parallel to one another. A net residual area magnetization of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer is expressed by the following formula: |Mr1×t1?Mr2×t2| where Mr1 and Mr2 denote respective residual magnetizations of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and t1 and t2 denote respective film thicknesses of them; and the net area magnetization at a first temperature is larger than the net area magnetization at a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: To effectively suppress a signal in a low frequency region in which the medium noise and the signal distortion are concentrated, and in order to effectively utilize a detected component of the reproduced signal in the low frequency region, a target of partial response equalization to the perpendicularly recorded/reproduced signal is set so that the low-frequency component around the direct current is suppressed to a regulated quantity for both the effective suppression and the effective utilization. Accordingly, a maximum-likelihood decoding process is carried out through the target of partial response equalization. Reliability of data detection is made higher and a signal-to-noise ratio is improved, so that the noise from the recording medium can be reduced more and it is possible to provide a high-density magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus.

Abstract: A DVD recorder includes a control portion operating in response to a signal received via a monitor portion from a temperature sensor provided internal to a casing of a hard disk device. If the temperature sensor senses temperature of at least 65° C. the control portion turns on a cooling fan device. If temperature T is lower than 65° C. the control portion turns off the cooling fan device. As the temperature sensor that is previously provided in the hard disk device can be utilized to control the cooling fan device, the apparatus can be less costly than that provided with a separate, dedicated temperature sensor, as conventional.