Abstract: A lens mounting assembly includes a lens barrel with a first lens assembly. A lens mount includes an image sensor, and the lens barrel matingly connects with the lens mount in a manner which allows the first lens assembly to be moved along an optical axis to adjust a focus on the image sensor. A second lens assembly is provided for adjusting the focus on the image sensor during use of the lens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring a flux of a selected individual lightsource among a plurality of lightsources, wherein each lightsource is controlled by an associated pulse width modulated signal, and each pulse width modulated signal has a first logic level interval at a first extremity of a timecycle wherein the associated lightsource is to be lit, and a second level interval during the remainder of said timecycle. The method according to the present invention comprises time inverting the pulse width modulated signal of all lightsources that have a first logic level interval at the same extremity as the first logic level interval as the individual lightsource to be measured (usually this applies for the pulse width modulated signals for all lightsources), by shifting their high level interval to a second extremity of a timecycle and measuring the flux of the selected individual lightsource at the first extremity of the timecycle.

Abstract: A device (100) for analysing a sample, the device (100) comprising a beam sensitive structure (101) adapted such that an electric property of a portion of the beam sensitive structure (101) is locally modified by a beam (102) impinging on the portion of the beam sensitive structure (101), and a sample accommodating unit (103) adapted for accommodating the sample, wherein the beam sensitive structure (101) and the sample accommodating unit (103) are arranged such that the local modification of the electric property of the portion of the beam sensitive structure (101) locally modifies the analysis of the sample in a corresponding portion of the sample accommodating unit (103), wherein the beam sensitive structure (101) comprises an organic photoconductor.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining dopant and damage depth profile information are disclosed using modulated optical reflectivity (MOR) measurements. In one aspect, the depth profile is constructed using information obtained from various measurements such as the junction depth, junction abruptness and dopant concentration. In another aspect, a full theoretical model is developed. Actual measurements are fed to the model. Using an iterative approach, the actual measurements are compared to theoretical measurements calculated from the model to determine the actual depth profile.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for defect inspection having an illuminating optical system for irradiating illumination light beams on the surface of a specimen to form a beam spot and a detection optical system for detecting a reflection light ray originating from the beam spot comprises a storage unit in which the position and size of a standard particle of known size on a specimen for correction are stored in advance, a correction processing section which, when the correction specimen is used as an inspection target, correlates a detected scattering light quantity from the standard particle with the known size of standard particle stored at a corresponding position in the storage unit to prepare a correlation between the scattering light quantity and a true value, and a signal processing section which, when an inspection wafer is used as an inspection target, converts a detected scattering light quantity into a defect dimension.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for enhancing the electromagnetic signal of a sample for ellipsometry which uses at least one auxiliary layer and at least one substrate layer.

Abstract: The invention lies in the technical field of cell biology and transplantation medicine. It concerns devices and methods for rapid and noninvasive analysis or checking of biological samples, especially for sterility control, for characterization of infectious particles and microorganisms contained in the biological sample and for characterization of tissue cells and transplants. The main areas of application of the invention are biotechnological production of pharmacological active ingredients and therapeutic agents as well as transplantation medicine.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, kits, methods, and systems that include a radiation source configured to direct radiation to a sample; a detector configured to measure radiation from the sample; an electronic processor configured to determine infotmation about the sample based on the measured radiation; a housing enclosing the source, the detector, and the electronic processor, the housing having a hand-held form factor; an arm configured to maintain a separation between the sample and the housing, the arm including a first end configured to connect to the housing and a second end configured to contact the sample; and a layer positioned on the second end of the arm, the layer being configured to contact the sample and to transmit at least a portion of the radiation from the sample to the detector.

Abstract: A leak detection system and method is provided for a structure having a first barrier to a first fluid and a second barrier to a second fluid, the first barrier and the second barrier defining a space therebetween. The system includes at least one sensor, such as a fiber optic sensor, placed in the space and configured to detect presence of the first fluid or the second fluid in the space due to a fluid leak in the first barrier or the second barrier. The fiber optic sensor may further be configured to measure one or more characteristics of an acoustic emission caused by the leak, and the system and method may be able to estimate the orifice diameter of the fluid leak based on the measured one or more characteristics, and to calculate a leak rate based on the estimated orifice diameter.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopic apparatus utilizing a self-aligned non-dispersive external cavity laser as the excitation light source. The output spectrum of the laser is narrowed and stabilized by a volume Bragg grating to provide high spectral brightness. A high throughput optical system is used for Raman scattering signal excitation and extraction, which takes full advantage of the high spectral brightness of the laser source.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for sample analysis, such as tissue analysis, that integrate high wavenumber (HW) Raman spectroscopy for chemical composition analysis and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to provide depth and morphological information. Intravascular catheter embodiments and related vascular diagnostic methods are also provided.

Abstract: Alignment marks 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are formed on the flat plane 11a of the peripheral edge portion 11 formed integrally with the diffracting layer 8, and when the lens portion 7 is mounted onto the substrate 2, these alignment marks 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are positioned to the substrate 2, thereby making exact alignment of the diffracting layer 8 with respect to the light detecting portion 4a of the light detecting element 4, for example, not by depending on a difference in curvature radius of the lens portion 7. In particular, the alignment marks 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d are formed on the flat plane 11a, thereby image recognition is given to exactly detect positions of the alignment marks 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d, thus making it possible to make exact alignment.

Abstract: In a state that the body portion 4 is regulated by inner wall planes 27, 29, 28 of the package 3 so as not to move in parallel or perpendicularly with respect to the rear plane 4b, the spectroscopic module is directly supported by the package 3, thereby when the spectrometer is downsized, the spectroscopic module 2 can be supported securely and also there is provided securely a positional accuracy between the light incident opening 22a of the package 3, the spectroscopic portion 6 of the spectroscopic module 2 and the light detecting element 7. Further, the lead 23 is buried into the package 3 to give derivation and support by the lead deriving portion 26, thereby the lead deriving portion 26 in itself of the package 3 is allowed to act as a base when wire bonding is conducted to electrically connect the lead 23 with the light detecting element 7, thus preventing breakage and deviation of the spectroscopic module 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring scattered light, comprising at least one focusing element provided with electromagnetic radiation that can be focused on a sample, a detector and a detector optical system with which electromagnetic radiation scattered by the sample can be conducted to the detector. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for forming an annular beam such that said annular beam can be focused on a focus point inside the sample by the at least one focusing element and that electromagnetic radiation scattered by the sample can be detected by the detection optical system, said electromagnetic radiation dispersing inside the area surrounded by the annular beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a light beam for use in a diffraction instrument (1) includes a device (10; 17; 28) for generating a light beam; and means (12, 21; 24) for shaping the light beam generated by the device (10; 17; 28), dimensioned, in use, to determine the beam shape, and including: an aperture (21; 25) and means (13; 24) for rejecting spatial frequency components above a certain range in the light beam. The apparatus further includes a spatial low-pass filter (14; 15; 26; 27) arranged to filter a beam provided by the beam shaping means.

Abstract: A sample cell for making light scattering measurements, incorporating an exterior surface acting as both a lateral and vertical lens, is described. This unique structure permits greatly improved measurement of the light scattered by molecules and particles suspended in a fluid contained therein or flowing therethrough while illuminated by a fine light beam incident thereon. The resultant lensed structure of the cell, when integrated into a scattered light photometer and combined with suitable apertures before each scattered light collecting detector, reduces significantly stray light from entering each such detector.

Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a fluid sample flow including particulate matter passes through a conduit. One or more optical sensors monitor optical energy scattering off of the particulate matter in the fluid sample flow as it passes through the conduit. A magnitude of the optical energy sensed by the one or more optical sensors varies depending on particulate matter present in the fluid sample flow. An analyzer monitors the magnitude of the optical energy sensed by the one or more optical sensors and detects changes in the optical energy. A change in the optical energy can indicate a change in the particulate matter present in the fluid sample flow. In response to detecting the change in the optical energy, the analyzer initiates one or more functions such as recalibration, purging, execution of diagnostics, etc.

Abstract: A microparticle measuring apparatus which includes a flow channel through which a solution containing microparticles flows, an optical detecting unit configured to direct a laser beam to microparticles passing through the flow channel and detecting light for measurement emanating from the microparticles and converting the thus detected light into electrical signals, a solution feeding unit configured to feed the flow channel with either a sample solution containing microparticles of interest or a calibration solution containing reference microparticles that exhibit uniform optical characteristics, and an optical axis correcting unit configured to optimize the relative position of the flow channel with respect to the laser beam in response to the intensity of electrical signals from the reference microparticles.

Abstract: A feedforward controller for controlling the polarization state of an optical signal. The feedforward controller includes an optical input for receiving an optical input signal having an input polarization state, an optical output for transmitting an optical output signal having an output polarization state, a polarization controller coupled to the optical input and the optical output, and a transfer function determiner for determining a characteristic polarization transfer function of the feedforward controller from the input and output polarization states. The polarization controller is adapted to modify the polarization state of light passing therethrough in dependence on the characteristic polarization transfer function of the feedforward controller.

Abstract: A kit having a supporting device for maintaining a transparent article having a longitudinal axis A, a proximal end and a distal end. The supporting device including a proximal holder including a port intended to receive the proximal end of the article, and a distal holder including a receiving part intended to receive the distal end of the article, the port and the receiving part being aligned on the same longitudinal axis B. The supporting device further having a compressor for putting the article under longitudinal compression directed towards a center of the article, when the article is mounted on the supporting device with its longitudinal axis A aligned on the longitudinal axis B, and a polarimeter. The invention also pertains to a method for measuring the stress inside an article made of transparent material.

Abstract: A system and method for spectroscopic detection of a loss in a resonator cavity. The system comprises: a tunable laser source for generating a laser beam; a frequency locking system for either locking the frequency of the laser beam to a resonance of the resonator cavity or locking the length of the cavity to the frequency of the laser beam; a first modulation element for modulating the laser beam at a first modulation frequency to generate a modulated laser beam; an input coupler adapted for directing the modulated laser beam into the resonator cavity; a first directing element for directing a first portion of light reflected from the input coupler to a first photodetector to generate a first detected signal; and a first demodulator capable of demodulating the first modulation signal from the first detected signal to generate a first error signal which is a function of the loss in the resonator cavity.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a nano-imprint template, includes irradiating light onto a template for nano-imprinting from a back surface side of the template, the template having a front surface where a pattern is formed, detecting near-field light which is generated near the front surface of the template by the irradiation of the light, and performing an inspection of the template on the basis of the detected near-field light.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay system including a test device and a scanning device are described. In one implementation, the scanning device includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, an optics assembly, a detector, and a microprocessor disposed within a chassis. The test device and scanning device may be configured to be movable relative to each other during operation of the scanning device.

Abstract: An optical element, which may be part of a system for optical analysis of a material in contact with it, is kept clean by means of the vibrations of a high power acoustic resonator. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more optical interfacial elements may be integrated with a high power acoustic resonator to provide a robust sensing device that may provide for acoustic cleaning of the optical interfacial elements and/or combining optical and acoustic measurements made by the integrated system for analysis purposes. In certain aspects, the high power acoustic resonator may include an acoustic horn for focusing acoustic energy and the optical interfacial elements may be integrated with the acoustic horn.

Abstract: A method of z-scan photo-reflectance characterization of semiconductor structures and apparatus for same has been developed. The method and apparatus provides the ability to independently measure electro-refractive and electro-absorptive nonlinearities that occur in conventional photo-reflectance signals. By performing a series of photo-reflectance measurements, each containing photo-modulated nonlinear optical signals, with the sample at a multiplicity of positions along the focal length of the probe light column, and with an aperture fixtured in the reflected probe path, precision characterization of both electro-refractive and electro-absorptive nonlinearities is attained. The Z-scan photo-reflectance method and apparatus characterizes spatial distortions of a coherent photo-reflectance probe light beam due to electro-refractive and electro-absorptive effects.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder MEMS interferometer is achieved using two half plane beam splitters formed at respective edges of a first medium. The first beam splitter is optically coupled to receive an incident beam and operates to split the incident beam into two beams, a first one propagating in the first medium towards the second beam splitter and a second one propagating in a second medium. A moveable mirror in the second medium reflects the second beam back towards the second beam splitter to cause interference of the two beams.

Abstract: A non-periodic reflection beamsplitter or reflector for use in an interferometer. The interferometer employs non-periodic reflectors or a non-periodic beamsplitter in order to produce interference patterns to analyze. The non-periodic reflectors or beamsplitters may be concentrically arranged reflectors having equal area. The beamsplitter consists of two adjacent non-periodic structures having complementary reflection and transmission patterns.

Abstract: An OCT measurement apparatus includes a level detection section which detects the signal level of a piece of signal intensity information in interference information outputted from an interference beam detection section, a variable optical attenuator (VOA) which adjusts the light quantity of a return beam of a reference beam, and a light quantity control section which controls the VOA on the basis of the signal level of the piece of signal intensity information in the interference information detected by the level detection section. Accordingly, an interference signal at an appropriate level can be detected without saturation of the interference signal and reduction of an S/N ratio, and optical structure information of an object to be measured can be generated using the interference signal.

Abstract: The time delay (and therefore the OPD) between object and reference beams in an interferometer is manipulated by changing the spectral properties of the source. The spectral distribution is tuned to produce a modulation peak at a value of OPD equal to the optical distance between the object and reference arms of a Fizeau interferometer, thereby enabling the use of its common-axis configuration to carry out white-light measurements free of coherence noise. Unwanted interferences from other reflections in the optical path are also removed by illuminating the object with appropriate spectral characteristics. OPD scanning is implemented without mechanical means by altering the source spectrum over time so as to shift the peak location by a predetermined scanning step between acquisition frames. Finally, the spectrum is controlled on a pixel-by-pixel basis to create a virtual surface that matches the profile of a particular sample surface.

Abstract: A measuring system for the optical measurement of an optical imaging system, which is provided to image a pattern arranged in an object surface of the imaging system in an image surface of the imaging system, comprises an object-side structure carrier having an object-side measuring structure, to be arranged on the object side of the imaging system; an image-side structure carrier having an image-side measuring structure, to be arranged on the image side of the imaging system; the object-side measuring structure and the image-side measuring structure being matched to each other in such a way that, when the object-side measuring structure is imaged onto the image-side measuring structure with the aid of the imaging system, a superposition pattern is produced; and a detector for the locally resolving acquisition of the superposition pattern. The imaging system is designed as an immersion system for imaging with the aid of an immersion liquid.

Abstract: A method of imaging at least a part of an object. The method comprises splitting electro-magnetic radiation to first and second portions, propagating the first and second portions, spectrally dispersing the first portion toward the part and the second portion toward a reference element, combining between reflections of the spectrally dispersed first and second portions to produce an interference signal, capturing an image of the part from the interference, and adjusting at least one of a tilt of said image plane and a curvature of the image by changing a deviation between the phase of at least one spectral component of the first portion and the phase of at least one spectral component of the second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for length and/or velocity measurement, in particular for positioning tasks, in which an optical sensor carries out a length and/or velocity measurement on a measurement object in a contactless manner, wherein the optical sensor carries out the length and/or velocity measurement via an image processing method, via a spatial frequency filter method and/or by way of a laser Doppler method and reference markings are recognized by the optical sensor, and to a corresponding apparatus. The object of providing a simple method and a simple apparatus for length and/or velocity measurement which offers a higher degree of measurement reliability with the result that it can also be used in safety-relevant areas of application is achieved by evaluation means carrying out reference marking recognition operations and by a plausibility test being carried out, in which a signal is generated as a function of the result of the plausibility test.

Abstract: An apparatus and systems used to measure the height of a liquid in a well or a tank and in particular to those apparatus and systems which use coherent light or laser for such measurement. The apparatus and systems will also measure respective elevations of multiple overlying immiscible fluid layers. The method entails generating coherent light or laser beams and the timing of its travel to either a liquid surface or floating object and its return to a receiving sensor. The timing of the receipt of the signals is processed to determine the relative height of a fluid surface in a chemical or fuel tank or groundwater well. The apparatus and systems provide multiple improvements over current methods of measuring fluid levels in wells and tanks. Improvements include increased accuracy due to reduction in human error when making measurements and elimination of environmental hazards involving the release and spreading of contaminants in soil and groundwater as can be caused by several current measurement methods.

Abstract: Determination of the height difference between a first reference point and a second reference point, at least one of the two reference points lying on a semiconductor chip, which is mounted on a substrate, comprises the steps A) recording a first image from a first direction, which runs diagonally to the surface of the substrate at a predetermined angle ?2, the substrate and the semiconductor chip being illuminated from a second direction which runs diagonally to the surface of the substrate at a predetermined angle ?3, a telecentric optics being located in the beam path, B) recording a second image from the second direction, the substrate and the semiconductor chip being illuminated from the first direction, either the cited telecentric optics or a further telecentric optics being located in the beam path, C) ascertaining a first coordinate of the position of the first reference point and a first coordinate of the position of the second reference point in the first image and determining a first difference

Abstract: In the case to print an image of a set page that sets a plurality of combine pages, it is possible to adjust an arrangement position of the combine pages without changing the direction of the combine pages and raising a reduction rate. In the print section, a reduction rate selection scene display section 110 is configured to display a selection scene for selecting a vertical sheet number and a horizontal sheet number of the combine pages arranged in the set page on a displaying section 40; an image forming and processing section 120 generates combine pages in a reduction rate that is selected by the reduction rate selection scene display section 110; and a set page generation section 130 generates a set page by arranging the combine pages.

Abstract: A control method for controlling a printing system includes selectively executing an inline job and an offline job. The inline job is for executing post-processing on a sheet printed by a printing apparatus by using a post-processing apparatus and the offline job is for executing post-processing on a sheet without executing printing by the printing apparatus by using the post-processing apparatus. The control method also includes restricting execution of the inline job if a sheet has been set in a paper feed unit that is a paper feed source of the offline job to be executed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion for forming an image on a recording material; an image reading portion, for reading an original image, movable between a first position in which the image reading portion opposes the image forming portion and a second position in which the image reading portion is partly raised from the image forming portion; an openable member movable, relative to the image forming portion independently of the image reading portion, between an open position in which the openable member exposes an inside of the image forming portion and a closed position in which the openable member covers the image forming member; and preventing means capable of preventing movement of the openable member toward the closed position when the image reading member is located at the second position.

Abstract: An allocation device includes: an allocation candidate information acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of allocation candidate positions and the number of the allocation candidate positions in the case where print target images are allocated on a printing medium; a printing number acquisition unit that acquires the number of the print target images to be printed, the number being smaller than the number of the allocation candidate positions; and an allocation unit that allocates the print target images to the plurality of allocation candidate positions so that a highest cutting efficiency is obtained in the case where the printing medium, on which the print target images to be printed have been allocated and printed to the plurality of allocation candidate positions, is cut into segments for the individual print target images.

Abstract: A digital pen and paper system allows for printing of a document page superimposed on a pattern unit which is a unique part of a position-coding pattern. The system allows a user to change the format of the document page at the time of printing. To this end, the position-coding pattern is subdivided into predetermined pattern units, which are associated with a respective predetermined format. Knowledge about the pattern subdivision and its association with different formats is shared between a document generating part and a position processing part of the system. Thus, a method and apparatus in the document generating part enables the document page to be printed together with a pattern unit that is associated with a format selected by the user. Thereby, positions encoded on the printed document page will indicate a format change to a method and apparatus in the position processing part.

Abstract: A method for controlling an information processing apparatus is provided, which can easily perform not only print setting but also installation of a printer driver during creation of a hot folder. The hot folder can be easily created by automatically installing the printer driver and setting the printer driver based on an operation of copying a template of a hot folder to a PC.

Abstract: A receiving unit 210 receives, from a PC 10, a print command that includes image data to be printed, an additional print parameter that is a print parameter of a function added to a printer driver of the PC 10 by installing a driver plug-in, and first identification information that is identification information on the driver plug-in; an identification-information storage unit 224 stores therein second identification information that is identification information on an installed main body plug-in; a determining unit 242 determines whether the main body plug-in can interpret the additional print parameter by comparing the first identification information with the second identification information; and a print unit performs a particular operation other than printing of the image data in accordance with the additional print parameter if it is determined that the additional print parameter cannot be interpreted.

Abstract: A printing control apparatus for printing an image on a recording medium of a plurality of types of recording mediums set in any of a plurality of storage units by conveying the recording medium to a printing position includes a determination unit configured to determine a used amount for each type of recording medium, and a display control unit configured to display on a display device information for guiding a high usage type recording medium to be set in a storage unit which has a short conveyance distance to the printing position among the plurality of the storage units based on the used amounts determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards method of making an animated flipbook by printing individual images captured from video footage on sheets of paper, with more than one image printed on each sheet of paper in a predetermined order. The sheets of paper are cut into rows of images, stacked chronologically, and cut into individual flipbook pages. The flipbook pages are stacked chronologically and bound together.

Abstract: In a system in which a plurality of image forming devices are connected on one or more image processing devices through a network, efficiency of image formation is improved by assigning priority, or by ordering, the image forming devices according to power consumption and wait time. An image forming device is selected according to one of the power consumption and the wait time.

Abstract: An apparatus to transmit data from a digital front end, to a digital printing head. The apparatus includes at least two digital page processing units, a first processing unit (304) and a second processing unit (308). Each of the processing units includes, a frame buffer configured to store digital page data in an intermediate format; a conversion element adapted to convent the digital page data from said intermediate format into a printable format data, and a communication element (344, 348) adapted to transmit the printable format data to a digital printing head for printing. The communication element (344) of the first processing unit (304) is adapted to deliver the first part (312) of the printable format data to said printing head, and the communication element (348) of the second processing unit (308) is adapted to deliver the second part (316) of the printable format data to the printing head.

Abstract: A system may include a processor, a printing device, a communication interface operably connected to the processor, and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for identifying a carbon credit account associated with at least a user, receiving a print job request from the user, receiving a carbon emission value for the print job request, determining whether to accept the print job request based on the carbon emission value and the carbon credit amount, and performing, via the printing device, the print job request in response to accepting the print job request. The carbon credit account may include a carbon credit amount.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a display unit that displays operation information about a user's operation procedure; a communication unit that performs communication with a mobile terminal device; and a transmission unit that transmits, in case that a predetermined operation information is to be displayed on the display unit, image data for displaying the predetermined operation information to the mobile terminal device via the communication unit.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a memory that stores instruction data describing a content of processing to be executed on document data and a sequence of the processing, in association with a storing area for storing the document data; and a processing executing unit that executes a first processing on the document data stored in the storing area according to the instruction data associated with the storing area, when the document data is stored in the storing area, and executes a second processing on the document data according to the instruction data set for an upper storing area when the upper storing area is set for the storing area.

Abstract: A first communication device may be configured to receive firmware information sent from a second communication device. The firmware information may include version information of a second firmware that the second communication device has. The first communication device may be configured to send a firmware request to the second communication device in a first case where the version information of the second firmware is newer than version information of a first firmware currently stored in the storing unit. The first communication device may be configured to receive the second firmware sent from the second communication device in response to the firmware request. The first communication device may be configured to update the first firmware currently stored to the second firmware.

Abstract: In a conventional system, an eventing method and status inquiry method based on one-to-one communication are not suitable for notifying many unspecified network-connected hosts of the status of an apparatus in accordance with the WSD and UPnP protocols. A multicast packet capable of notifying many unspecified apparatuses of the status using one packet cannot transmit statuses other than connection and disconnection of an apparatus. To solve these problems, when the status of an apparatus changes, an identifier which is contained in a multicast packet and indicates the apparatus itself is sent after being replaced in accordance with the apparatus status without changing a format defined by a standard protocol. Upon receiving the packet, an apparatus determines, from the identifier contained in the multicast packet, whether to acquire information of the apparatus.