Patents Issued in January 12, 2010
  • Patent number: 7646494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for detecting the displacement, such as the deflection, of a plurality of elements (1), such as microcantilevers, forming part of an array (2), by emitting a light beam (4) towards the array (2) and by receiving a reflected light beam on an optical position detector, whereby the position of incidence of the light beam is determined by the displacement of the corresponding element. The system further comprises: scanning means (7) for the displacing the light beam (4) along the array (2) so that the light beam is sequentially reflected, by the individual elements (1) along said array (2); and reflection detecting means (11) for detecting when the light beam is reflected by an element. The system is arranged so that when the reflection detecting means (11) detect that the light beam is reflected by an element, the corresponding position of incidence of the light on the detector is taken as an indication of the displacement of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas
    Inventors: Laura M. Lechuga Gomez, Mar Alvarez Sanchez, Francisco Javier Tamayo de Miguel
  • Patent number: 7646495
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for computing focus information prior to scanning digital microscope slides with a line scan camera. The methods include a point-focus procedure that works by moving the slide to the desired measurement location, moving the objective lens through a predefined set of height values, acquiring imagery data at each height, and determining the height of maximum contrast. The methods also include a ribbon-focus procedure whereby imagery data are acquired continuously, while the slide and objective lens are in motion. Both methods may be applied with either a static or a dynamic implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Aperio Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Olsen, Greg Crandall, Dirk G. Soenksen
  • Patent number: 7646496
    Abstract: When a continuous borderless printing is carried out, in order to reduce a difference between an image region displayed on a screen and an image region as a print result, a print system according to the present invention is directed to a system which carries out the continuous borderless printing by printing an image having a wider width than a width of the continuous-form paper, comprising, a print area setting means which sets a print area having a wider width than the width of the continuous-form paper, an image display means which displays an area corresponding to the width of the continuous-form paper out of said print area having been set by the print area setting means, an image read means which reads an image as to the print area having been set by the print area setting means, an image edit means which edits the image as to the area being displayed, a print data generation means which generates print data on the basis of the image as to the print area having been set by the print area setting means,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Kubota
  • Patent number: 7646497
    Abstract: A product of printer driver which operates on an operating system making a computer execute a conversion processing to convert data in electronic document format into data in bitmap format, the printer driver flirt her making the computer execute, an accepting process which accepts from the operating system print target data in electronic document format, a first outputting process which generates, based on the print target data in electronic document format, print data in a command language format capable for interpretation by a printer as a control target and outputs the print data thus generated to the printer, and a second outputting process which requests the operating system to convert the print target data in electronic document format into bitmap data, and outputs print data based on the bitmap data thus converted to the printer, and the first outputting process and the second outputting process are selectively performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Shima
  • Patent number: 7646498
    Abstract: A printer and a process for correlating printed subject matter with subject matter that is meant to be printed by a printer with a printing mechanism or print engine such as a thermal printer including a print head, a platen, a media upon which labels are printed and a printer controller for imparting print data to the print head. An imager sends printed data as imaged to a read after print (RAP) controller for comparing the data received from the imager to data imparted to the print head or other printing mechanism. A tap, taps the data imparted from the print head and correlates it with the imaged data to determine the media speed, the image alignment, label analysis, weighing of blemishes, the gaps printed on a label, and other criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Printronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Lihu Chiu
  • Patent number: 7646499
    Abstract: An authentication code detecting unit detects data addition authentication information from a print job. An upper apparatus specifying unit specifies a transmitting source of the print job. A RAM stores the data addition authentication information, the transmitting source of the print job, and the print job. An operating unit receives print request authentication information. An elapsed time measuring unit measures an elapsed time from the reception of the print job having the data addition authentication information. An erasure extension necessity inquiry unit requests an answer about the necessity of extension of an erasing time from the transmitting source when the measurement result indicates the elapse of a predetermined time. When the erasure extension is necessary, an erasure/extension decision processing unit extends the elapsed time until the erasure of the print job after its reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Masafumi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7646500
    Abstract: An image formation assisting device calculates layout information such as allocation and pasting position of each page by a BEP from a file size with reference to the orientation tag of image file data in a TIFF produced by an RIP and cuts image data electronically according to the result of the calculation and makes the upper portion and lower portion of each page correspond with those of the other papers and rearranges each electronically cut page according to an instruction of collation or face-down, when the instruction is provided, and activates a print engine to start and specifies predetermined paper automatically and outputs the image data to the print engine. As a result, there is provided an image formation assisting device capable of using image data for CTP for on-demand printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Uejo, Toshikazu Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7646501
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which a client terminal and a printer are connected to a communication network, includes an image capturing part provided in a vicinity of the printer, a recognizing part to sense a person approaching the printer and to recognize an identity of the person, based on a face image of an image captured by the image capturing part, and a control part to control the printer to perform a print job issued by the person, based on a recognition output from the recognizing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ikeda, Noriji Kato, Hirotsugu Kashimura
  • Patent number: 7646502
    Abstract: A driver program is provided for causing a host apparatus to execute a processing of generating color-converted image data and transferring it to a printing apparatus, this program making it possible to decrease the volume of image data to be stored in the host apparatus and to conduct data transfer without delaying the printing completion. A driver program causes a host apparatus to execute a processing of generating image data comprising data of a plurality of colors and transferring it to a printing apparatus. When the transfer of the image data of one plane is conducted, the driver program causes the host apparatus to execute a transfer processing conducted by intermingling a step of transferring by each band of the bands obtained by dividing the image data of one plane at the prescribed height, and a step of transferring by each color of the plurality of colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7646503
    Abstract: A system for printing a business card on a print medium that has coded data indicative of a print medium identifier. The system has a mobile telecommunications device and an association between the print medium identifier and a contact detail relevant to the business. The mobile telecommunications device has an inbuilt printer module to print the business card and the contact detail relevant to a business, an interface for connection to a remote server and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7646504
    Abstract: In an image data processing device, correcting of input color image data, converting the input data to monochrome image, and judging whether the image expressed by the input color image data is a color image or a monochrome image, are all performed simultaneously; the corrected color image data and the converted monochrome image data are stored; and based on the judgment, any one of the color image data and the monochrome image data stored are transmitted to an external device via a communicating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7646505
    Abstract: Approaches for the optimized printing of electronic documents are provided. The approaches are applicable to a wide variety of contexts and implementations and include generating an estimated processing time for an electronic document and reporting the estimated processing time back to a client device. Generating an estimated time to process includes processing at least a portion of the print data. Further, the approaches include re-ordering a processing queue based on the estimated processing time for the electronic document, and additionally based on an in-queue time for each print data in the processing queue. Further, any user-designated priority may be factored into the re-ordering of print data in the processing queue, or in the alternative, bypass the optimization process entirely. These approaches may be implemented on a printing device, a print server, a client device or any other device capable of utilizing these approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lifen Tian
  • Patent number: 7646506
    Abstract: The present invention efficiently directs the flow of print jobs and efficiently controls the spooling and printing of print jobs. The multiplexer system analyzes jobs received from client systems through print channels. The multiplexer determines the attributes of the incoming job and the attributes associated with the print channel. If the attributes of the print job and the attributes of the print channel dictate an output path (either MUST PRINT or MUST SPOOL), then the multiplexer examines the state of the selected path. If the designated output path (printer or spooler) is busy, then the multiplexer decision is to signal a Stop_Flow to the print channel. The print channel is signaled to Start_Flow at a later time, when the output path becomes available. If the attributes of the print job and the attributes of the print channel do not dictate an output pith, then the multiplexer examines a User Output Selection setting to control spooling and printing of print jobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: InfoPrint Solutions Company, LLC
    Inventors: Karen L. Harrison, Charles David Johnson, Larry David Teklits
  • Patent number: 7646507
    Abstract: A calibration system includes: an image formation unit that outputs a patch sheet having a plurality of patch patterns based on different gradation values for each color of color material that is used; a selection unit that receives an instruction to select a device from among a plurality of color measurement devices comprising a first color measurement device and a second color measurement device of a lower color measurement accuracy than that of the first color measurement device; a color measurement unit that receives data of a color measurement result for the patch sheet that is color-measured by the color measurement device selected by the selection instruction; a color measurement value determination unit that acquires color measurement values for each of the patch patterns on the basis of the color measurement result data received; and a color adjustment unit that generates color correction information of the image formation unit on the basis of the color measurement values acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Ono
  • Patent number: 7646508
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to process digital images is described. The method is particularly effective in improving the appearance of digital images that originate in digital cameras and have been pre-processed in the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Reiner Eschbach
  • Patent number: 7646509
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for preventing strike-through and show-through in printing comprises grouping pages of an electronic document into at least one page pair, identifying an area of high ink density in a page of the page pair, adjusting ink density of an image object related to the area of high ink density to ameliorate the area of high ink density, and sending the electronic document to an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Rathnagiri Nagarajan, Anil Ahuja
  • Patent number: 7646510
    Abstract: An image scanner printer that reads an original image and that prints out the original image includes a red-eye detection unit, a YCC image storage processing unit, a YCC/RGB conversion unit, a red-eye correction unit, and a print data creating unit. The red-eye detection unit detects red-eye that is included in an image corresponding to a predetermined number of lines of RGB image data when the original image is read. The YCC image storage processing unit converts the predetermined number of lines of the RGB image data into YCC image data and stores all the data as one unit JPEG image. The YCC/RGB conversion unit converts the YCC image data into RGB image data in units of a line or in units of a predetermined number of lines. The red-eye correction unit executes red-eye correction on the RGB image data when an image corresponding to the converted RGB image data includes a red-eye area that is stored in a red-eye table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoshi Matsuhira
  • Patent number: 7646511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of printing a compressed image having a bi-level black data layer and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer. The method includes the steps of receiving the image from an image host, expanding the image by decompressing the two data layers in parallel, and halftoning the contone CMYK layer data into a bi-level CMYK data layer. The method also includes the steps of compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level CMYK layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image, and finally printing the composited bi-level CMYK image with a pagewidth printhead onto a print medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7646512
    Abstract: The invention discloses an image processing apparatus and method thereof capable of preserving a great deal of light and dark details, so as to improve the contrast of each image. Furthermore, when calculating the value of gray level, the gray levels may be divided into equal parts, each of which includes four gray levels. Accordingly, the range of gray level is changed from 0˜255 to 0˜63, such that the hardware resources can be saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Quanta Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Tung-Lin Hsieh, Yu-Wen Huang, Hsin-Hung Lee
  • Patent number: 7646513
    Abstract: Provided is an image processing device and method capable of making the joint of an original image and a reverse image less noticeable. A CPU processes image data stored in an external memory device for storing an information resource for an electronic game, and displaying the electronic game target on a screen of a display device based on the processing results. Thereupon, when generating an original image and a reverse image as a repeat image, the CPU deletes an image worth 0.5 dots of a pixel belonging to an area adjacent to the reverse image among the pixels of the original image, deletes an image worth 0.5 dots of a pixel belonging to an area adjacent to the original image among the pixels of the reverse image, generates a single image by alternately arranging the original image and reverse image where an image worth 0.5 dots was deleted, executes the embedding of an image, and thereby displays this image as the repeat image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventors: Masaki Miyashita, Junichi Kamai
  • Patent number: 7646514
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an image capture device comprises a first scanning module operable to scan a first side of an object and a second scanning module operable to scan a second side of the object, the first and second scanning modules translatable along their respective displacement paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Spears, David D. Bohn, John G. Thelen
  • Patent number: 7646515
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a housing; image reading device for reading an image from a document being conveyed, the image reading device being located in the housing; a platen located in the housing and including a transparent member for reading the image of the document; and a scoop-up device situated at a downstream of the platen in parallel therewith to scoop up the document. The scoop-up device includes a dust collecting space for collecting dust entering the apparatus through a gap between the platen and the scoop-up member, the dust collecting space having a plate member dividing the dust collecting space into an upper dust collecting space and a lower dust collecting space; and a platen joint portion forming a part of the dust collecting space and positioned below the platen. A top surface of the platen joint portion detachably contacts a bottom surface of the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Nisca Corporation
    Inventor: Hayato Ichinose
  • Patent number: 7646516
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus for reading a document image includes: a document feeding tray for placing the document thereon; a first document reading position for reading the first face of the document ejected and conveyed each from the document feeding tray; a document reverse tray for storing the document so that the document having passed through the first document reading position is reversed and conveyed; a stationary document reading position wherein the document having passed through the document reverse tray and having been reversed and conveyed is conveyed to a platen and the stationary document is read; and an image reading unit for reading the document image. The image reading unit stops at the first document reading position to read the first face of the document, and performs scanning movement at the stationary document reading position to read the second face of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Katayama, Atsushi Takahashi, Norio Joichi, Youbao Peng, Yoshihito Sasamoto, Takashi Nara
  • Patent number: 7646517
    Abstract: An image forming system is provided and includes an access unit, a reductive color processing unit, an order sheet print control unit, a composition unit, and a composite print control unit. The access unit accesses a user image stored in a recording medium, the processing unit forms a background image by reducing a color gamut of the user image, and the order sheet print control unit causes a printer unit to create an order sheet on which the background image is printed in a free rendering area. Also, the composition unit separates an area of a subject recorded by a user in the free rendering area from an image of the free rendering area read by a scan unit based on a color gamut of the background image and superimposing the area of the subject on the user image to thereby form a composite image. Finally, the composite print control unit causes the printer unit to print the composite image. A method that the system performs is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Maki, Hideyuki Narusawa, Goro Ishida, Shoji Kojima, Makoto Oyanagi, Masaya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7646518
    Abstract: A two dimensional image forming device includes a laser light source which is a coherent light source; a prism array that changes the traveling direction of a beam exiting from the laser light source; a driving portion that rotates the prism array; a rod integrator that guides the exiting beam deflected on the prism array while allowing the beam to undergo internal reflection; a projection optical system that projects the exiting end face of the rod integrator onto a two dimensional spatial light modulation element; and a projection lens that projects light exiting from the two dimensional spatial light modulation element onto a specific plane within a space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Kasazumi
  • Patent number: 7646519
    Abstract: An optical scanner capable of achieving a optical scanning processing with higher speed and uniformity in pitches of scan light, while spacing saving and reduction in cost are attempted, is provided. An optical scanner comprising a plurality of the light sources that are allocated in positions different from one another in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main-scanning direction, a pre-deflection optical system, and a polygon mirror that scans the light flux shaped in the pre-deflection optical system in the main-scanning direction by reflecting and deflecting the light flux by a plurality of reflecting surfaces arranged thereon corresponding to each of the plurality of photoconductors in a rotational direction, and an inclination angle of each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces with respect to a rotational axis of the polygon mirror is set to an angle depending on the photoconductor to which each of the reflecting surfaces corresponds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 7646520
    Abstract: An optical element holder is provided with a holding frame having a side surface provided spaced apart by a specific distance from an end portion of the correction lens in a longitudinal direction by deeming a light scanning direction as the longitudinal direction and holding the correction lens so as to cover the correction lens except for at least an incident portion and an exiting portion of light, and a pushing member that pushes the correction lens toward the holding frame, so that displacement in the light scanning direction due to heat of the optical element is lessened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Funaki, Akihiro Masaki
  • Patent number: 7646521
    Abstract: An optical scanning device includes: a light source; a first optical element that converts light emitted from the light source to parallel light; a deflection element that deflects the light in a fast scanning direction to scan a surface of an object to be scanned with the light at a constant speed; a second optical element that guides the light to the deflection element; and a third optical element that focuses the light deflected by the deflection element onto the surface of the object to be scanned, at least one surface among surfaces of the third optical element that intersect the light including a surface form which affects only one of fast scanning direction characteristics or slow scanning direction characteristics at an image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7646522
    Abstract: An optical pattern uses a single rotating component. The rotating component includes a number of deflection sectors. Each sector deflects an incident optical beam by a substantially constant angular amount although this amount may vary from one sector to the next. The rotating component may be combined with an imaging lens group that produces, for example, image points, spots, or lines displaced along a line locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Reliant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry G. Broome, Leonard C. DeBenedictis, George Frangineas
  • Patent number: 7646523
    Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus allowing reduction in the size of the overall apparatus and the size of an imaging optical system LB with the use of an optical deflector that swings back-and-forth and an image forming apparatus using such an optical scanning apparatus, comprising: light source means; a condense optical system that condenses a light beam emitted from the light source means; an optical deflector that deflects the light beam emergent from the condense optical system; and an imaging optical system that images the light beam deflected by a deflection surface of the optical deflector on a scanning surface, wherein the optical deflector has a function of moving the deflection surface back-and-forth, the light beam emergent from the condense optical system converges in a sub-scanning cross section, and the convergence position is on the light source side of the deflection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Ishibe
  • Patent number: 7646524
    Abstract: Materials and structures whose index of refraction can be tuned over a broad range of negative and positive values by applying above band-gap photons to a structure with a strip line element, a split ring resonator element, and a substrate, at least one of which is a photoconductive semiconductor material. Methods for switching between positive and negative values of n include applying above band-gap photons to different numbers of elements. In another embodiment, a structure includes a photoconductive semiconductor wafer, the wafer operable to receive above band-gap photons at an excitation frequency in an excitation pattern on a surface of the wafer, the excitation patterns generating an effective negative index of refraction. Methods for switching between positive and negative values of n include projecting different numbers of elements on the wafer. The resonant frequency of the structure is tuned by changing the size of the split ring resonator excitation patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Ronald J Tonucci
  • Patent number: 7646525
    Abstract: An electro-wetting display panel including a first substrate, an insulator layer, a second substrate, partitioning structures, and electro-wetting display mediums. The first substrate has a plurality of first electrodes. The insulator layer is disposed on the first substrate to cover the first electrodes. The second substrate located above the first substrate and has a plurality of second electrodes. The partitioning structures are disposed on the insulator layer and each defines a pixel region, respectively. At least one of the partitioning structures has a flow channel surrounding the pixel regions, and the flow channel is connected to one of the pixel regions correspondingly. The electro-wetting display mediums are disposed within the pixel regions and the flow channels. When the electro-wetting display mediums are driven by the electric charge between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, the electro-wetting display mediums move between the pixel regions and the flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chao-Kai Cheng, Wan-Wen Chiu, Wei-Yuan Cheng, Chung-Wei Wang, Jhih-Ping Lu
  • Patent number: 7646526
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic thin-film material comprises an alloy of antimony and one or more base metals; and/or an alloy of antimony, one or more base metals, and lithium; and/or an alloy of antimony, one or more base metals, lithium, and one or more noble metals. Another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic thin-film material comprises a multilayer stack, the multilayer stack comprising at least one layer comprising one of antimony, antimony-lithium alloy, antimony-one or more base metals alloy, antimony-one or more base metals-lithium alloy, antimony-one or more base metals-one or more noble metals alloy, and antimony-one or more base metals-one or more noble metals-lithium alloy; and at least one alternating layer comprising one of a base metal and a base-metal alloy. One or more of the base metals comprise Co, Mn, Ni, Fe, Zn, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Cd, Mg, Al, Ga, In, Sn, Pb, and Bi, and alloys thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Soladigm, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongchun Wang, Paul P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7646527
    Abstract: Additional control flexibilities to generate more gray scales for an image display system is achieved by controlling the intensity distribution of the light projection from a light source to a deflecting mirror to further coordinate with the control of the intermediate states of the deflecting mirror. The control light source intensity distribution can provide incident light with wide varieties of intensity distributions including non-uniform, symmetrical and non-symmetrical, different distributions of polarizations, various cross sectional shapes of the incident lights and other combinations of all of the above variations. More stable and better control of gray scale control is also achieved by optimizing the intensity distributions of the incident light to produce the best visual effects of the image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: Silicon Quest Kabushiki-Kaisha, Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Fusao Ishii, Yoshihiro Maeda, Hirotoshi Ichikawa, Kazuma Arai
  • Patent number: 7646528
    Abstract: A mirror device which deflects incident light includes: a mirror arranged on a substrate and supported by a hinge; an address electrode deflecting the mirror to an ON state, an OFF state, or an oscillating state; a drive circuit applying a voltage to the address electrode; and a first stopper unit determining an oscillation amplitude in the oscillating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignees: Silicon Quest Kabushiki-Kaisha, Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Maeda, Fusao Ishii, Hirotoshi Ichikawa, Kazuma Arai
  • Patent number: 7646529
    Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector 104. A first electrode 142 is positioned at a distance from the first reflector 104. A second reflector 14 is positioned between the first reflector 104 and the first electrode 142. The second reflector 14 is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector 104. In one embodiment, the light modulator has latch electrodes 17 and 143, which hold the light modulator in a driven state. In another embodiment the latch electrodes 17 and 143 are used to alter the actuation and release thresholds of the light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Patent number: 7646530
    Abstract: In particles for image displaying used in an image display device, in which one or more kind of particles are sealed between opposed substrates, at least one substrate being transparent, and, in which the particles are made to fly and move so as to display an image, each particle has a micro-irregularity at its surface. Moreover, in an image display device, in which one or more kind of particles are sealed between opposed substrates, at least one substrate being transparent, and, in which the particles, to which an electrostatic field produced by two kinds of electrodes having different potentials is applied, are made to fly and move so as to display an image, use is made of each particle having a micro-irregularity at its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Takagi, Kazuya Murata, Norio Nihei, Gaku Yakushiji, Hajime Kitano, Yoshitomo Masuda, Takahiro Kawagoe
  • Patent number: 7646531
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to wavelength conversion devices and laser projection systems incorporating the same. According to one embodiment of the present invention, wavelength conversion devices are provided without limitation of their field of use to laser projection systems. For example, the wavelength conversion device may comprise a waveguide region comprising a relatively linear waveguide portion and a pair of lateral planar waveguide portions. The output face of the wavelength conversion device comprises a multi-component output face comprising a core portion and a pair of lateral portions. The lateral portions of the output face are configured to be relatively non-transmissive and the waveguide region is structured such that an optical signal propagating along the waveguide region will define relatively low intensity laterally distributed parasitic light in substantial alignment with the lateral planar waveguide portions along the lateral, non-transmissive portions of the output face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Etienne Almoric, Jacques Gollier
  • Patent number: 7646532
    Abstract: An optical signal processor device (14) intended to be fitted to means (10) for optically transmitting an information-carrying signal (S) comprises means (20, 22) for suppressing backscattered signals (RS) in the optical transmission means (10), an optical propagation medium (16) intended to be connected in parallel with the optical transmission means (10), divertor means (18, 20) for diverting the backs-propagated signals (P, RS) in the optical transmission means (10) into the optical propagation medium (16), and signal discrimination means (22) connected to the optical propagation medium (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: France Telecom
    Inventors: Sylvain Capouilliet, Erwan Pincemin
  • Patent number: 7646533
    Abstract: A relatively high spectral bandwidth objective employed for use in imaging a specimen and method for imaging a specimen is provided. The objective includes a lens group having at least one focusing lens configured to receive light energy and form focused light energy. The focused light energy forms an intermediate image. The objective further includes at least one field lens located in proximity to an intermediate image, and a catadioptric arrangement positioned to receive the intermediate light energy from the at and form controlled light energy. The catadioptric arrangement may include at least one Mangin element and can include a meniscus lens element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Ho Chuang, David R. Shafer, J. Joseph Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7646534
    Abstract: A box-type motor-operated microscope has a motor-operated microscope section having a transmitting illumination optical system, an electric stage, and an image forming optical system; and a housing. The housing includes a fixed housing and a moving housing. The moving housing is movable parallel to an oblique direction with respect to the fixed housing while holding optical elements arranged above the electric stage so that the specimen vessel placed on the electric stage is made replaceable, the motor-operated microscope section is sealed and light-blocked in cooperation with the fixed housing, and the optical axis of the transmitting illumination optical system is practically aligned with that of the image forming optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuo Harada, Yoshihiro Shimada
  • Patent number: 7646535
    Abstract: An eyepiece assembly for use in a rifle scope may include an eyepiece that is made of a material that is transparent to light. A holographic reticle may be positioned within the eyepiece. The eyepiece assembly may also include a chrome reticle. The chrome reticle may be positioned so that the chrome reticle is aligned with the holographic reticle. A cover portion may be attached to the eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Wasatch Photonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Lee Heidt
  • Patent number: 7646536
    Abstract: A disclosed reflective screen is configured to display an image projected from a projection device located within a short distance. The reflective screen comprises a first reflective surface configured to reflect, in a substantially same direction, projection light beams projected from a first position, and a second reflective surface configured to reflect, in the substantially same direction, projection light beams projected from a second position different from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujita, Atsushi Takaura, Issei Abe
  • Patent number: 7646537
    Abstract: Provided is a high-resolution field sequential autostereoscopic display. The display includes a display panel including display elements which display images, a lenticular array receiving a signal from the display panel and outputting a directional signal to be viewed with both eyes of a viewer, an anisotropic element arranged parallel to the lenticular array and outputting from the lenticular array a phase-alternated signal, a polarization switch switching the output phase of the anisotropic element according to an image refresh rate of the display panel, and a polarizer outputting a signal with a predetermined phase among phases of an output signal of the polarization switch. The autostereoscopic display provides full resolution stereoscopic images viewable without eyeglasses. Conventional low cost TN LCD panels can be applied to the autostereoscopic display without significant increase of flickering or crosstalk between the left and right images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd,
    Inventor: Sergey Shestak
  • Patent number: 7646538
    Abstract: Methods for creating apertures in a layer on a back side of a substrate that includes a microlens array on a front side thereof include curving the substrate into a cylindrical surface segment that defines an axis, so that the microlens array on the front side of the substrate faces the axis. A pulsed laser beam is scanned from the axis circumferentially along the cylindrical surface segment, to pass through the microlens array on the front side of the substrate and into the layer on the back side of the substrate to create the apertures, while simultaneously translating the substrate and/or the scanned pulsed laser beam axially relative to one another. Related apparatus and microlens array products are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Bright View Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Gardner, John W. Wilson, Brian C. Cox, Reese A. Jernigan, David L. Reed
  • Patent number: 7646539
    Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements formed in an element formation region of the substrate, a plurality of lenses formed over the element formation region so as to correspond to the plurality of optical elements, and a protective layer formed so as to cover the plurality of lenses. A holding member is formed on the protective layer in a region outside the element formation region. The holding member holds a bottom surface of a transparent member. A gap between the protective layer and the transparent member is filled with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Itoi, Tetsushi Nishio, Yutaka Harada, Tomoko Komatsu, Masashi Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7646540
    Abstract: An image display system provides a viewer with an experience of three-dimensional imagery by presenting a composite image made up of at least two separate images. The system includes at least first and second image sources, a beam combiner, and a “background-image-occluding element” which prevents background imagery from being seen through foreground image elements. The system presents the image from one of the image sources, containing background image information, at a distance from the viewer which is greater than the distance from the viewer to the other image presented from the other image source, which contains foreground image elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Gene Dolgoff
  • Patent number: 7646541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a backlighting system for a liquid-crystal display screen, comprising: an illumination source producing an illumination beam; an objective illuminated by said illumination beam; at least one folding mirror illuminated by the illumination beam coming from the objective; and a Fresnel lens capable of collimating and redirecting the illumination beam reflected by said at least one folding mirror, the beam transmitted by the Fresnel lens being intended to back-light said display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Khaled Sarayeddine, Jean-Jacques Sacre, Thierry Borel
  • Patent number: 7646542
    Abstract: A microscope objective lens is disclosed that includes, in order from the object side, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power that is movable along the optical axis, and a third lens group. The first lens group includes, in order from the object side, two meniscus lens components, each with its concave surface on the object side, and at least one positive lens component, and the third lens group has adjacent concave lens element surfaces that face each other and are in contact with air. Specified conditions may be satisfied, and one or more lens components in the first lens group and the second lens group may be movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Yonetani
  • Patent number: 7646543
    Abstract: A non-linear modification to telecentric object space together with alteration of working distance provides a distortion adjustment feature. The modification to telecentric object space can be manifest as a spherical aberration in an entrance pupil. The change in working distance can be made by relatively translating the imaged object through the modified telecentric object space. The distortion adjustment can be made to compensate for distortions accompanying changes in ambient or operating conditions. Distortions accompanying magnification corrections can also be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: James Edson Webb