Abstract: In this exciting time of increasingly powerful computer tools only few imaginable things are left to be invented. Recently issued PC multimedia operating system Vista supports speech and hand writing recognition, visual and data streaming and networking, as well as traditional computer powers. Present invention is meant to fulfill the only gap left in computer abilities: which is comprehensive general purpose three-dimensional vision to enable computers to see the world they have changed so much. The main feature of this invention is an advanced and powerful image preprocessing method and apparatus supporting thereof.

Abstract: Many problems in the fields of image processing and computer vision relate to creating good representations of information in images of objects in scenes. We provide a system for learning repeated-structure elements from one or more input images. The repeated-structure elements are patches that may be single pixels or coherent groups of pixels of varying shape, size and appearance (where those shapes and sizes are not pre-specified). Input images are mapped to a single output image using offset maps to specify the mapping. A joint probability distribution on the offset maps, output image and input images is specified and an unsupervised learning process is used to learn the offset maps and output image. The learnt output image comprises repeated-structure elements. This shape and appearance information captured in the learnt repeated-structure elements may be used for object recognition and many other tasks.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches. In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. In one embodiment, images of “no-man” zones—areas where no humans or vehicles should be present or monitored—are sent to Guardians for a simple determination of whether or not a human exists in the picture.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention described herein improve classification accuracy by producing classifiers with individuality, in which each classifier exhibits its own distinctive behavior. A method according to one exemplary embodiment produces each classifier with individuality by randomly selecting subsets of a feature vector and using the randomly selected subsets of the feature vector in the design of the classifier. Because different subsets of the feature vector are used for each classifier, each classifier exhibits its own distinctive behavior or individuality. The classifiers with individuality improve classification accuracy, for example, when used as classifiers in a classifier array. This is because the individuality among the classifiers in the array ensures that a misclassification committed by one of the classifiers will not be repeated by other classifiers in the array, thereby improving the overall accuracy of the classifier array.

Abstract: A user specifies a recognition-target area including a character from a target image including the character in the background image. When pixels in the recognition-target area have a color that is close to the color of the pixels on the outline of the recognition-target area, the color of the pixels in the recognition-target area is converted into a predetermined color, that is, the pixels in the recognition-target area are turned transparent, for example. Subsequently, a character-recognition process is performed on the recognition-target area in which the color of the pixels has been converted. According to the device and the method of the present invention, noise and a background image are effectively eliminated.

Abstract: Color characterization of a high dynamic range (HDR) image capture device is provided. Color checker image data of a color checker at multiple exposures is obtained. Color values for neutral patches and exposure values are extracted. A colorimetrically accurate response curve is determined based on the neutral patch color values and the exposure values. An optimized transformation associated with the device is derived through gamma curve compensation based on the neutral patch data and comparison of color values of the compensated image with known color values of the color checker. A calorimetrically accurate HDR image is generated from scene image data of a scene captured by the device at multiple exposures through extraction of exposure data, modification of color values based on the colorimetrically accurate response curve and the exposure data, averaging the modified color values, and transformation of the averaged color values based on the optimized transformation.

Abstract: An edge detecting method detects edge segments by searching all of the search lines forming an image from an end of the image in a direction perpendicular to the edges. If a line whose edge segment cannot be detected exists, a search is made in all of the search lines from the vicinity of the center of the image toward the end of the image, whereby edge segments are detected. A linear edge is determined from edge segments. A plurality of edge candidates are obtained from the edge segments for all of the search lines, and an optimum candidate is selected from among the edge candidates. Ruled lines are extracted from the source document in the image, and an optimum candidate is selected based on a comparison with a ruled line. As a result, an edge of the source document can be detected with high accuracy even if an image on a background side is unstable, or if materials of the background and the source document are similar.

Abstract: Presegmentation or prior, pre-existing segmentation of an object obtained through other means will be presented for interactive editing of a segmented object in an image or volume. Prior segmentation will be seamlessly combined with graph cuts or the random walker methods. Editing of the presegmentation is possible, while maintaining the important property of both methods that an arbitrary segmentation may be achieved with enough interaction.

Abstract: The present invention leverages spatial relationships to provide a systematic means to recognize text and/or graphics. This allows augmentation of a sketched shape with its symbolic meaning, enabling numerous features including smart editing, beautification, and interactive simulation of visual languages. The spatial recognition method obtains a search-based optimization over a large space of possible groupings from simultaneously grouped and recognized sketched shapes. The optimization utilizes a classifier that assigns a class label to a collection of strokes. The overall grouping optimization assumes the properties of the classifier so that if the classifier is scale and rotation invariant the optimization will be as well. Instances of the present invention employ a variant of AdaBoost to facilitate in recognizing/classifying symbols. Instances of the present invention employ dynamic programming and/or A-star search to perform optimization.

Abstract: A fast decoding technique for decoding a position of a bit in a pattern provided on a media surface that can generate large amounts of solution candidates quickly by switching or flipping bits and utilizing a recursion scheme. The fast decoding technique may be employed to simultaneously decode multiple dimensions of a pattern on the media surface.

Abstract: A translation device has a translation processing unit that outputs character-area-character data by performing a translation process on the character-area-character data of an input image representing a figure-containing document, and outputting figure-area-character data by performing a translation process on the figure-area-character data of an input image representing a figure-containing document, a figure identification information searching unit that searches figure identification information used to identify a figure contained in a character area of the figure-containing-translation data, a linked page number searching unit that searches a page number in a character area of the figure-containing-translation data, a page number extracting unit that extracts a page number of a page included in figure area of figure identification information, and a page number rewriting unit that rewrites the searched page number linked to the figure identification information to the extracted page number of a page.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting a two-dimensional image or bitmap of a handwritten manuscript into three-dimensional data The three-dimensional data can be used to automatically recognize features of the manuscript, such as characters or words. The method includes the steps of: converting the two-dimensional image into three-dimensional volumetric data; filtering the three-dimensional volumetric data; and processing the filtered three-dimensional volumetric data to resolve features of the two-dimensional image. The method can be used, for example, to differentiate between ascenders, descenders, loops, curls, and endpoints that define the overall letter forms in handwritten text, manuscripts or signatures.

Abstract: A new unistroke text entry method for handheld or wearable devices is designed to provide high accuracy and stability of motion. The user makes characters by traversing the edges and diagonals of a geometric pattern, e.g. a square, imposed over the usual text input area. Gesture recognition is accomplished not through pattern recognition but through the sequence of corners that are hit. This means that the full stroke path is unimportant and the recognition is highly deterministic, enabling better accuracy than other gestural alphabets. This input technique works well using a template with a square hole placed over a touch-sensitive surface, such as on a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and with a square boundary surrounding a joystick, which might be used on a cell-phone or game controller. Another feature of the input technique is that capital letters are made by ending the stroke in a particular corner, rather than through a mode change as in other gestural input techniques.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus, a JPEG coding unit makes JPEG data by respectively compressing plural images obtained from an imaging device. A code retention unit retains each JPEG data. A thumbnail data creation unit creates a thumbnail from each of the images. A thumbnail retention unit retains the thumbnail. A feature point detection unit detects a feature point from the thumbnail. A partial image decode unit respectively decodes zones including the feature points from each JPEG data. A displacement amount calculation unit obtains positional information of feature points in the decoded individual zones and calculates a displacement amount of each JPEG data based on the positional information.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an operation frequency of an optical input device is introduced. The method includes capturing and setting a first image as a reference frame of the optical input device; capturing and setting a plurality of frames as a plurality of sample frames of the optical input device; analyzing the plurality of sample frames according to the reference frame; capturing a second image according to a predetermined rule and setting the second image as the reference frame of the optical input device instead of the first image; and adjusting an operation frequency of the optical input device according to a time interval between setting the first image as the reference frame of the optical input device and setting the second image as the reference frame of the optical input device.

Abstract: A first image of two images to be compared for similarity is divided into small areas and one small area is selected for calculating the correlation with a second image using a correlative method. Then, the position difference, luminance ratio and similarity in an area where the similarity, which is the square of the correlation value, reaches its maximum, are found. Values based on the similarity are integrated at a position represented by the position difference and the luminance ratio. Similar processing is performed with respect to all the small areas, and at a peak where the maximum integral value of the similarity is obtained, its magnitude is compared with a threshold value to evaluate the similarity. By extracting the small area voted for that peak, it is possible to extract a similar area.

Abstract: In an array of pixels, a method for segmenting a selected pixel of the array between at least two layers including identifying an N-by-N window centered upon the selected pixel, evaluating at least one pixel in the N-by-N window to determine whether the selected pixel is a potential text element, identifying an M-by-M window centered upon the selected pixel when the evaluation determines that the selected pixel is a potential text element, wherein the M-by-M window is smaller than the N-by-N window, and determining whether the potential text element includes text by comparing at least two pixels within the M-by-M window.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus and method capable of decompressing and compressing image data. More specifically, the apparatus and method include decompressing first compressed image data, processing the decompressed image data, selecting from among a plurality of quantization tables a quantization table providing a compression ratio lower than a compression ratio of the first compressed image data, and compressing the processed image data.

Abstract: An image processing system includes at least one processor having a plurality of PCI Express channels and at least two application specific integrated circuits. The application specific integrated circuits are communicatively coupled to the at least one processor by a first of the plurality of PCI Express channels and a second of the plurality of PCI Express channels. Multiple threads of execution are split between the at least two application specific integrated circuits.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes an extraction unit to extract layer levels of each packet included in partial encoded data, an estimation unit to calculate the number of layer levels of each packet based on the extracted layer levels of each packet and estimates a greatest layer level of each packet, a writing unit to write the greatest layer level of each packet in a management table, and a formation unit to form a layer data table in which each layer has the greatest layer level. The writing unit changes the layer levels of each layer written in the management table to the layer levels of each layer included in newly received partial encoded data when the layer levels included in the newly received partial encoded data are larger than the layer levels written in the management table.

Abstract: A method for image compression coding is provided. According to the method, a plurality of codebooks is created according to the correlation between pixels, and the quantization value of each state is determined by dynamically looking up the codebooks. Therefore, the present invention not only enhances the image compression ratio but also improves the image compression quality.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the amount of compressed data. One or more viewing condition parameters are specified, and a quantizer step size for each frequency subband is determined that minimizes an amount of data that must be encoded for a compressed representation of the image by using one or more viewing condition parameters and a model that characterizes the human visual system. The image is compressed using the quantizer step size for each frequency subband to produce an amount of compressed data. The presence of a pre-specified maximum amount of compression data is determined. The amount of compressed data is compared to the pre-specified maximum amount. Subsequent discarding of least visually relevant compressed data reduces the amount of compressed data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving qualities of motion and still images to be output in a mobile communication terminal. An error-reflected-value table is provided to reduce a computation amount while applying an error diffusion process. The table includes quantization-error-reflected values pre-computed according to maximum values of quantization errors and error-reflected ratios of neighboring pixels. When quantization errors of a specific pixel of an original image selected in a process procedure are computed, error-reflected values of neighboring pixels are determined. Pixel-by-pixel error values are stored by accumulating error-reflected values related to pixels. When error-reflected values of neighboring pixels around all the pixels of the original mage are completely computed, an image in which quantization errors are diffused is generated when the error-reflected values are added on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Abstract: A method and system for quantizing a vector corresponding to an input signal is described. The vector has a plurality of components corresponding to an N-dimensional space. In one aspect, the method and system include recursively dividing the space into equal spaces having one dimension less than a previous recursion until end spaces are formed. Each end space is two-dimensional. The method and system also include asynchronously comparing the components in each end space to determine a sub-space of a particular end space having a closest match to the vector. In another aspect, the method and system include providing tree(s) including a plurality of nodes and asynchronously traversing the tree(s) to determine a closest match to the vector. The nodes correspond to ANDs of comparisons between the components. Each comparison determines whether a first component is greater than a second component.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a user input unit; an image processor operating in one of a first image processing mode performing a first image processing operation and at least one second image processing operation on an input image signal, and a second image processing mode not performing at least one second image processing operation on the input image signal. A controller controls the image processor to operate in one of the first image processing mode and the second image processing mode, according to a manipulation of the user input unit. Accordingly, a display apparatus performs in an image processing mode in which an image processing time is reduced, according to a user's selection.

Abstract: A method includes calculating a mean of a plurality of pixels of a motion window, calculating a pixel amount of pixels similar to a center pixel, calculating a variance of the pixels, determining whether a difference between the center pixel and the mean is greater than a first predetermined value, determining whether the pixel amount similar to the center pixel is greater than a second predetermined value if the difference between the center pixel and the mean is not greater than the first predetermined value, determining whether the variance is smaller than a threshold value if the pixel amount similar to the center pixel is not greater than the second predetermined value, and filtering the center pixel according to a result of determining whether the variance is smaller than the threshold value. Finally, temporal weighted mean filters involving motion estimation are used for motion compensation in images after spatial filtering.

Abstract: In order to improve image quality of high compression ratio images, a de-blocking process is performed on decoded image data, and then an edge enhancement process is performed on the de-blocked image data. Performing the edge enhancement process after performing the de-blocking process can improve image quality of high compression ratio images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing video data to be displayed on a display device having a plurality of luminous elements corresponding to the pixels of a video picture, wherein an error diffusion step is applied to at least a part of said video data to refine the grey scale portrayal of said video picture, said error diffusion step comprising, for each current pixel of said part of video picture, a step of truncating the value of the corresponding video data and a step of diffusing the truncation error to at least one neighboring pixel. According to the invention, a noise is inserted on the error before and/or after its diffusion to the neighbouring cells. Owing to this principle no static pattern should be visible, improving the overall picture quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing an image signal etc. that are well applicable to removal of coding noise from, for example, an image signal. Based on five consecutive frames of an image signal Va, a memory portion 121 outputs as pixel data xi of predictive taps plural items of pixel data located in a space directional and time directional peripheries with respect to a target position in an image signal Vb. In the case, frames before and after a current frame are subjected to motion compensation by using a motion vector. A class classification portion 124 obtains a class code CL indicating a class to which pixel data of the target position in the image signal Vb belongs, by using the pixel data xi and motion vectors BWV(0), BWV(?1), FWV(0), and FWV(+1). A calculating circuit 126 obtains pixel data y of the target position in the image signal Vb based on an estimation equation by using the pixel data xi and coefficient data Wi that corresponds to the class code CL.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for generating an image are disclosed. A processor may generate a first output image based on a plurality of input images and remove an artefact, if any, from the first output image to generate a second output image. For example, in an embodiment, the processor may calculate a contribution of the artefact to image intensity values and subtract the calculated contribution from the image intensity values. In another embodiment, the processor may delete a predetermined portion of a transform image representing transform data obtained by applying an image transform to the first output image, thereby modifying the transform data, and may generate a non-transform image based on the modified transform data.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for estimating an orientation angle and a translation values for scanned images are disclosed. The methods described herein may be embodied as logic instructions on a computer-readable medium. In one exemplary implementation meaningful image information is removed from a scanned image, resulting in a transformed image that comprises alternating, parallel lines disposed at an orientation angle relative to an orthogonal axis. The orientation angle may be determined using geometric techniques or statistical correlation techniques, and statistical correlation techniques may be implemented to determine translation values.

Abstract: A method for examining images on a computer display comprising the steps of: a) defining a geographic area of interest for a plurality of images; b) selecting a set of images from the plurality of images within the geographic area of interest for display; c) ordering the set of images according to their acquisition date and/or acquisition time; d) examining the set of images across a spatial domain; and e) examining the set of images across one or more time domains.

Abstract: A method of detecting the alignment error of lenses and reducing image distortion attributable to the alignment error in a lens-type 3-dimensional liquid crystal display monitor. A method of detecting the alignment error of lenses in a 3D display using a purpose-built test pattern image, which predicts the alignment error in such a way as to calculate variation in view indices of pixels in a lateral direction, observed by an eye of an observer, if there is alignment error in the lenses. A method of compensating for image distortion in a 3D monitor, including the steps of finding the relationship between the pixels of a Liquid Crystal Display (LDC) panel and the pixels of observed images, which are determined depending on the location of an observer; and compensating for image distortion attributable to the rotational and translational alignment error of the lenses based on the found relationship.

Abstract: To acquire a high-resolution frame from a plurality of frames sampled from a video image, it is necessary to obtain a high-resolution frame with reduced picture quality degradation regardless of motion of a subject included in the frame. Because of this, between a plurality of contiguous frames FrN and FrN+1, there is estimated a correspondent relationship. Based on the correspondent relationship, the frames FrN+1 and FrN are interposed to obtain first and second interpolated frames FrH1 and FrH2. Based on the correspondent relationship, the coordinates of the frame FrN+1 are transformed, and from a correlation value with the frame FrN, there is obtained a weighting coefficient ?(x°, y°) that makes the weight of the first interpolated frame FrH1 greater as a correlation becomes greater. With the weighting coefficient, the first and second interpolated frames are weighted and added to acquire a synthesized frame FrG.

Abstract: An optical fiber is provided, which is unlikely to cause interlayer delamination between a glass optical fiber and a primary coating layer even when it is immersed in water. The optical fiber of the present invention includes a glass optical fiber 1 consisting of a core and a cladding, a primary coating layer 2 overlaid on the glass optical fiber, and a secondary coating layer 3 overlaid on the primary coating layer, wherein the relaxation modulus of the secondary coating layer is set at 400 MPa or less.

Abstract: A fiber sensor comprising: an optical waveguide unit having a measurement surface formed at an end of an optical waveguide; and a channel unit through which a specimen, serving as a measurement object to be measured by contact with the measurement surface, is caused to flow in and out via a specimen channel, wherein the optical waveguide is fixed to the optical waveguide unit such that the measurement surface forms a part of a channel wall surface of the channel unit, and the optical waveguide unit is provided so as to be detachable from the channel unit.

Abstract: A method of sensing a process utilizing a sensing apparatus consisting of more than one diode laser having select lasing frequencies, a multiplexer optically coupled to the outputs of the diode lasers with the multiplexer being further optically coupled to a pitch side optical fiber. Multiplexed laser light is transmitted through the pitch side optical fiber to a pitch optic operatively associated with a process chamber which may be a combustion chamber or the boiler of a coal or gas fired power plant. The pitch optic is oriented to project multiplexed laser output through the process chamber. Also operatively oriented with the process chamber is a catch optic in optical communication with the pitch optic to receive the multiplexed laser output projected through the process chamber. The catch optic is optically coupled to an optical fiber which transmits the multiplexed laser output to a demultiplexer.

Abstract: The present invention relates a fiber optic transducer (FOT) and methods for measuring the pressure and temperature of a flowing fluid using such FOT, wherein such FOT contains a fiber optic having fiber Bragg gratings. The fiber Bragg gratings are measured during a flowing fluid to determine the difference in the change in wavelength exhibited by a reflected optical signal from the gratings.

Abstract: The application relates to an optical device for enhancing the stress to be generated in a substrate in comparison with a conventional technique. To this end, the optical device includes a substrate having a photoelastic effect, a first stress layer formed on a first face of the substrate and having a pattern for generating stress which induces refraction index variation by the photoelastic effect in a partial region in the substrate, and a second stress layer formed on a second face which is a reverse face to the first face of the substrate and configured to generate stress for restoring the shape from the deformation caused by the stress generated in the substrate by the first stress layer in the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical transmitter and/or receiver assembly comprising at least one transmitter component (2) and/or at least one receiver component (3, 4), in addition to a planar optical circuit (5) with at least one integrated waveguide (51). According to the invention, light from the transmitter element (1) is coupled into a waveguide (51) of the planar optical circuit (5) and/or light from the waveguide (51) of the planar optical circuit (5) is uncoupled and guided onto the receiver component (3, 4). The assembly is provided with a lens (14, 15) for optically coupling the waveguide(s) (51) of the planar optical circuit (5) to a fiber-optic that can be fixed to the transmitter and/or receiver assembly (1), said lens (14, 15) being positioned on the planar optical circuit (5).

Abstract: The photoelectric circuit board according to the present invention is a photoelectric circuit board, wherein a rigid portion where at least a conductor circuit and an insulating layer are formed and layered and one or more flex portions that are bendable are integrated, external connection portions for mounting an optical element and/or a package substrate on which an optical element is mounted are formed in above-described rigid portion, and an optical circuit is formed in at least one of above-described flex portions.

Abstract: An optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. At least one derotating optical element is provided in the light path between the first collimator arrangement and the second collimator arrangement. At least one collimator arrangement comprises a rod-shaped lens that is fastened on a support plate so that the axis of the lens is tilted at a given angle relative to the rotation axis of the rotary joint.

Abstract: An optical time delay module has a plurality of time delay elements connected in a series and a plurality an optical output couplers wherein each of said optical output couplers is operationally connected between one or more time delay elements in said series, the optical output couplers providing a plurality of optical outputs from said module with different optical delays controlled by an analog voltage.

Abstract: An optical reader system is described herein which has a single mode (SM) optical fiber launch/receive system that uses one or more SM optical fibers to interrogate a biosensor and does not use multimode (MM) optical fibers to interrogate the biosensor. The use of the SM optical fiber launch/receive system effectively reduces angular sensitivity, reduces unwanted system reflections, improves overall angular tolerance, and improves resonant peak reflectivity and resonant peak width. Two specific embodiments of the SM optical fiber launch/receive system are described herein which include: (1) a dual fiber collimator launch/receive system; and (2) a single fiber launch/receive system that interrogates the biosensor at a normal incidence.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method to create a light beam having substantially uniform far-field intensity. Light from a laser source is directed to at least one multimode optical fiber configured produce an intensity profile approximated by a Bessel function.

Abstract: A variety of structures, methods, systems, and configuration scan support plasmons for routing.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods utilizing resonators that differently receive electromagnetic radiation from a modulated signal are disclosed.

Abstract: A waveguide version of a Kohler integrator is disclosed, utilizing geodesic lenses with a surface that can be mapped to a gradient-index Luneburg lens or to a nonfull-aperture Luneburg lens in such a way that the light paths in the gradient index lenses map into the geodesics of the surface, with the outer region of the gradient index lenses mapped into a flat surface. Arrays of these can be applied to lines of LEDs, as in CHMSLs, to mix light in intensity and in illumination as well as to avoid the deleterious effects of binning and burnout, or in multicolor arrays, to ensure complete chromatic mixing.

Abstract: A first toroidal ray guide defines an axis of revolution and has a toroidal entrance pupil adapted to image light incident on the entrance pupil at an angle to the axis of revolution between 40 and 140 degrees, and it also has a first imaging surface opposite the entrance pupil. A second toroidal ray guide also defines the same axis of revolution and has a second imaging surface adjacent to the first imaging surface. Various additions and further qualities of the ray guides, which form optical channels, are disclosed. In a method light emanating from a source at between 40-140 degrees from an optical axis is received at an entrance pupil of a ray guide arrangement that is circularly symmetric about the optical axis. Then the received light is redirected through the ray guide arrangement to an exit pupil in an average direction substantially parallel to the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises an optical interconnect structure defining one or more optical source and receiver ports and one or more interconnect optical signal pathways connecting corresponding optical signal source and receiver ports. The optical interconnect structure comprises an optical waveguide defining a portion of each interconnect optical signal pathway. Each interconnect pathway includes a wavefront diffractive transformation region and a corresponding set of diffractive elements thereof. Each diffractive element set diffractively transforms a corresponding diffracted portion of an incident signal with a corresponding design input signal wavefront into an emergent signal with a corresponding design output signal wavefront. For at least one diffractive element set, only one of the corresponding design input or output signal wavefronts is confined in at least one transverse dimension by the optical waveguide, while the other design wavefront propagates without confinement by the optical waveguide.