Abstract: Drive-control of a movable body along a two-dimensional plane includes a process in which on switching from servo control of position in directions of three degrees of freedom of the movable body within a plane parallel to the two-dimensional plane using a first detection device to servo control using an encoder system, a detection device that detects positional information of the movable body in a direction perpendicular to the two-dimensional plane and tilt direction around at least one axis with respect to the two-dimensional plane switches from a second detection device when the movable body is in a suspended state, to a third detection device that has a plurality of detection positions placed in at least a part of an operating area of the movable body, and detects positional information in the perpendicular direction when the movable body is positioned at any of the detection positions.

Abstract: In order to improve overlay measurement, product marker gratings on a substrate are measured in a lithographic apparatus by an alignment sensor using scatterometry. Then information relating to the transverse profile of the product marker grating, such as its asymmetry, is determined from the measurement. After printing an overlay marker grating on a resist film, the lateral overlay of the overlay marker grating with respect to the product marker grating is measured by scatterometry and using the determined asymmetry information in combination with a suitable process model. The alignment sensor data may be used to first reconstruct the product grating and this information is fed forward to the scatterometer that measures the stack of product and resist grating and light scattered by the stack is used for reconstruction of a model of the stack to calculate overlay. The overlay may then, optionally, be fed back to the lithographic apparatus for correction of overlay errors.

Abstract: An optical nanolithography system and a method for optical nanolithography using a tilting transparent medium are disclosed. Initially, a pattern is exposed on a substrate at a first location by sending electromagnetic energy through the tilting transparent medium at a first angle. Then, the angle of the tilting transparent medium is changed to a second angle that is different from the first angle. Next, the pattern is exposed on the substrate at a second location by sending electromagnetic energy through the tilting transparent medium at the second angle. The second location is different from and partially overlaps with the first location. Then, the substrate is developed so that overlapping regions of the substrate exposed by the pattern at the first location and at the second location are developed differently from non-overlapping regions of the substrate exposed by the pattern only at the first location or at the second location.

Abstract: In general, one aspect of the technology described can be embodied in methods that include the action of applying a writing mechanism having non-isotropic writing properties resulting from different degrees of coherence interaction in a sweep direction and a cross-sweep direction, writing an image pattern twice on a work piece using the writing mechanism rotated relative to the image pattern written on the workpiece between first and second writings, whereby writing with the rotated writing mechanism averages the non-isotropic properties. The lesser included angle separating first and second relative directions of movement between a workpiece and writing mechanism may be 20 degrees or greater, or somewhat less, under conditions described herein.

Abstract: An object detection system for a host vehicle includes an imaging device, a ranging device and a processor. The imaging device has a field of view exterior of the host vehicle and is operable to capture image data representative of an object exterior the host vehicle. The ranging device has a field of view that sweeps at least the field of view of the imaging device and that detects the object exterior the host vehicle. The processor processes image data from the imaging device and processes data from the ranging device in order to determine if the detected object is an object of interest. The determination that the detected object is an object of interest is made in accordance with a priority score.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes representing a range of Doppler frequency offsets as a local oscillator waveform comprising a plurality of digital waveform samples, selecting a portion of the plurality of digital waveform samples using a Doppler value to form an optical heterodyne; and generating a signal associated with a target within a bandwidth of a receiver using the optical heterodyne.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a distance between a reference mark and a target object is disclosed. The device includes a beam source, which is embodied as an electro-optical component and emits a laser beam along an optical axis, a detector, which is embodied as an additional electro-optical component and receives a reception beam reflected and/or scattered by the target object along an optical axis, a beam forming optics, which forms the laser beam and the reception beam along an optical axis, and a beam splitting optics, which deflects the laser beam or the reception beam. An optics carrier is provided with a first receptacle for mounting a first of the electro-optical components and a second receptacle for mounting the beam forming optics. The optics carrier is monolithic.

Abstract: A pair of first gate electrodes IGR, IGL are provided on a semiconductor substrate 100 so that potentials ?TX1, ?TX2 between a light-sensitive area SA and a pair of first accumulation regions AR, AL alternately ramp. A pair of second gate electrodes IGR, IGL are provided on the semiconductor substrate 100 so as to control the height of first potential barriers ?BG each interposed between the first accumulation region AR, AL and a second accumulation region FDR, FDL, and increase the height of the first potential barrier ?BG to carriers as a higher output of a background light is detected by a photodetector.

Abstract: A LiDAR-based 3-D point cloud measuring system includes a base, a housing, a plurality of photon transmitters and photon detectors contained within the housing, a rotary motor that rotates the housing about the base, and a communication component that allows transmission of signals generated by the photon detectors to external components. In several versions of the invention, the system includes a vertically oriented motherboard, thin circuit boards such as ceramic hybrids for selectively mounting emitters and detectors, a conjoined D-shaped lens array, and preferred firing sequences.

Abstract: A distance-measuring device for the contactless measurement of the distance to a target, including a housing; a measuring apparatus which utilizes an optical measuring beam, which is arranged in a housing, and by which the distance to the target can be measured contactlessly; at least one reference stop arranged on the housing and that can be selected by the user in order to carry out the measurement; an operating and input array arranged on the housing and serving to operate at least one measuring apparatus; a visual display arranged on the housing and coupled to the operating and input array to indicate an operating state and/or the measured distance from a selected reference stop to the target. The housing has at least one optical signaler separate from the visual display and unambiguously associated with a reference stop and being activatable whenever that reference stop is selected.

Abstract: An active retrodirective antenna array is provisioned with a virtual beacon for use with uncooperative targets. An RF pilot signal is imposed onto an optical carrier beam and directed at a target. The scattered optical carrier beam is optically detected by a plurality of the retrodirective array nodes to extract the RF pilot signal. Each recovered RF pilot-signal is phase-conjugated with a phase reference signal, amplified and retransmitted towards the target where the RF beams add-in phase at the virtual beacon. The array may be used to complete an RF communication link with the target, to transfer microwave power from orbiting solar power stations to a target or as a directed energy weapon to prosecute the target.

Abstract: Methods for tracking the relative velocity between a vehicle and a target that uses both a measured velocity as well as an estimate of the velocity that is based on tracking the peaks in a laser vibrometer return signal.

Abstract: A soil analysis device and a method are disclosed for measuring characteristics of a soil sample. A mixing chamber combines a soil sample and an extractant into a liquid mixture. A filtration system receives and filters the liquid mixture. The filtered liquid mixture is transmitted to a measurement cell. The measurement cell is coupled to a light source so that light propagating from the light source is attenuated and/or reflected by the liquid mixture and is measured by one or more optical detectors that are also coupled to the measurement cell. The optical detector generates an attenuation spectrum and/or a reflection spectrum indicating light received by the one or more detectors at different wavelengths. The attenuation and/or reflection spectrum is used to determine the characteristics of the soil sample.

Abstract: A personal identification system, which uses a vein pattern of a finger, optimizes the amount of light of a light source based on a captured finger image and emphasizes the vein pattern during image processing for identification.

Abstract: A method for measuring propagation loss in a plane light guide plate, which includes the following steps of making an input light generated by an input light generator pass through an optical coupler, an optical reflection device individually or pass through the optical coupler first and then the optical reflection device, and finally propagate toward an optical measurement device to obtain at least one optical parameter according to the optical coupler, the optical reflection device or the combination thereof; and making the input light pass through the optical coupler and then the plane light guide plate, and further pass through the plane light guide plate from one side thereof toward the optical reflection device in order to reflect the input light toward the optical measurement device, so as to obtain a propagation loss of the plane light guide plate according to the at least one optical parameter.

Abstract: An automatic angle adjustment unit (70) engages with and drivers a horizontal adjustment-engagement member (33) and a vertical adjustment-engagement member (37) of an object detection device (D) from the exterior. The unit (70) includes: engagement-drive transmission sections (72 and 73) which removably engages with both adjustment-engagement members (33 and 37), from the front surface, and drives both adjustment-engagement members (33 and 37); clamping section (76) that is removably secured to the object detection device (D); and an adjustment unit control section (80) for performing a control for adjusting a horizontal angle and a vertical angle of an optical system, based on a detection signal level.

Abstract: A detection apparatus comprising a chuck, a probe device, a light-sensing device and a light-concentrating unit is disclosed. The chuck bears light-emitting diode chips. The probe device includes two probes and a power supply. The end point of the probes respectively electrically connects with one of the light-emitting diode chips and the power supply to make the light-emitting diode chip emits a plurality of light beams. The light-sensing device is disposed on one side of a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting diode chip so as to receive the light beams emitted by the light-emitting diode chip. The light-concentrating unit is disposed between the light-emitting diode chip and the light-sensing device to concentrate the light beams emitted by the light-emitting diode chip.

Abstract: An inspection system including a lens. In one instance, the lens is a solid immersion lens. The inspection system includes a component or components for providing a self aligning solid immersion lens arrangement in order to allow at most a small distance between the solid immersion lens and a device under test and components or components for constraining a force exerted on the device under test. The inspection system may include a “purge” port, or a thermal isolation configuration or an anti-contamination component. The inspection system may include software and hardware to prevent crashing of the lens. The inspection system may also include a method for ensuring that various objective lenses can be replaced while maintaining the intended spacing between lenses.

Abstract: A luminous flux branching element includes a transparent base member arranged diagonally to an optical axis and having an incidence plane and an emission plane parallel to each other. Incident light from the incidence plane is split into a main luminous flux emitted from an emission position on the emission plane and a branched luminous flux emitted from a branch position apart from the emission position and having a smaller light quantity than of the main luminous flux. A reflecting member is arranged on the incidence plane to cause the incidence plane to reflect reflected light from the emission plane. A non-coat region in which antireflection-treatment is not performed is formed in a region of the emission plane where the incident light from the incidence plane is reached, and antireflection-treatment is performed in the emission plane excluding the non-coat region and the incidence plane.

Abstract: A detecting system for detecting containers that exhibit features located on a container wall thereof includes a lighting unit having a plurality of light sources. The lighting unit is configured to project spaced-apart strip-shaped light beams onto a region of the container wall. The system also includes an optical arrangement having at least one camera.

Abstract: A substrate primarily for SERS determination, the substrate has a number of elongate elements with a density of at least 1×108 elongate elements per cm2 and having metal coated tips. When the elements may be made to lean toward each other, such as by providing a drop of a liquid thereon and allowing the liquid to dry, groups of tips of elongate elements are formed and the Raman enhancement is extremely high.

Abstract: A plasma generating unit for a process monitoring device includes a hollow first electrode extending in a length direction and a second electrode extending in the length direction and positioned within and displaced from the first electrode with a distance therebetween. The first electrode has an inner diameter and the second electrode has an outer diameter selected to vary the distance between the electrodes in the length direction so that the plasma generating unit generates a plasma by ionizing a gas flowing between the electrodes at a different position in the length direction based on a pressure of the gas.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer 10 includes built-in detector 24 and external detector 32. When a mountable/removable optical path switcher 23a is installed in a specimen chamber 23, measurement based on detection signals from built-in detector 24 is replaced by measurement based on detection signals from external detector 32. The spectrophotometer further includes a measurement data threshold-value storage unit 51 that stores threshold value T for measurement data from built-in detector 24 or external detector 32, and a light-receiving detector recognition unit 52 that recognizes which detector is able to receive the measuring light beam based on the results of a comparison between threshold value T and measurement data from built-in detector 24 or external detector 32 while the measuring light beam is being introduced into specimen chamber 23.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement on or in a body of water for hyperspectral imaging of material in the water comprises an artificial light source and a hyperspectral imager. These are arranged so that in use light exits the apparatus beneath the surface of the water and is reflected by said material before re-entering the apparatus beneath the surface of the water and entering the hyperspectral imager. The hyperspectral imager is adapted to produce hyperspectral image data having at least two spatial dimensions.

Abstract: Wavelength information indicating a correspondence relationship between a plurality of light receiving elements of a light receiving unit and wavelengths of pieces of lights is stored. First and second intensity distributions of the light related to first and second dispersion images are acquired based on a signal outputted from each of the light receiving elements when a monochromatic light is passed through a opening of a light shielding body and first and second dispersion images related to primary and secondary diffracted light are formed on the light receiving unit. An estimated intensity distribution of the light related to the second dispersion image is calculated from the first intensity distribution according to a predetermined relational expression. A change amount related to the wavelength information is calculated based on the estimated intensity distribution and the second intensity distribution. The wavelength information is corrected according to the change amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for optical detection of particles arranged in a viewing area suitable for being illuminated by radiation with a predetermined wavelength. The system includes an optical detector, and an assembly of metal plasmonic channels arranged in a single plane of which one end is close enough to the viewing area to allow optical information to be transferred from one end to the other of the channels. The channels are arranged such that the assembly forms an array for transferring optical information around the viewing area. The value of at least one spatial characteristic of the array is respectively lower and higher than the wavelength near the ends of the channels that are respectively close to and far away from the viewing area. The system includes an optical decoupler between the ends that are far away from the viewing area and the optical detector.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

Abstract: An oblique incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter which is easy to adjust the focus, achromatic, maintains the polarization and has simple structure is provided. It comprise at least one polarizer (P, A), at least one curved reflector element (OAP1, OAP2, OAP3, OAP4) and at least two flat reflector elements (M1, M2). By utilizing the flat reflector element, the oblique incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter can change the propagate direction of beam, and compensate the polarization changes caused by the reflective focusing unit, make the polarization of beam passed the polarizer unchanged when obliquely incident and focus on the sample surface. The oblique incidence broadband spectroscopic polarimeter can accurately measure the optical constants of sample material, film thickness, and/or the critical dimension (CD) properties or three-dimensional profile for analyze the periodic structure of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an approach for calibrating the sensitivity to polarization, optics degradation, spectral and stray light response functions of instruments on orbit. The concept is based on using an accurate ground-based laser system, Ground-to-Space Laser Calibration (GSLC), transmitting laser light to instrument on orbit during nighttime substantially clear-sky conditions. To minimize atmospheric contribution to the calibration uncertainty the calibration cycles should be performed in short time intervals, and all required measurements are designed to be relative. The calibration cycles involve ground operations with laser beam polarization and wavelength changes.

Abstract: An automated analysis method for an impactor used as a measuring transducer for the selective determination of oil mist or aerosols. The process includes the steps of rotating the deflector plate (5) of the measuring transducer (1) about the symmetry axis thereof and of determining the quantity of oil deposited by means of an optical analyzing device from the extinction of a light beam reflected from deflector plate (5) due to the alternation between the background and the pattern produced by the micronozzles (4).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a flow cytometer includes a flow cell defining a sheath flow encompassing a dyed biological particle, a first optical source irradiating first light onto the flow cell, a second optical source irradiating second light onto the flow cell downstream where the first light is irradiated, a first optical detector detecting scattered light or fluorescence from the biological particle to output a first electrical signal corresponding thereto, a plurality of second optical detectors arranged along the flow cell, each of the second optical detectors detecting fluorescence from the biological particle to output a second electrical signal corresponding thereto, and a signal processor summing the second electrical signals output from the plurality of the second optical detectors in a plurality of time windows estimated based upon when the first optical detector detects the scattered light or the fluorescence, thereby to increase the second electrical signals of the fluorescence from the biolog

Abstract: A turbidity sensor for use in a machine for washing articles, e.g., a washing machine (400). The turbidity sensor comprises a light source (210) for emitting light. The emitted light has a radiant intensity which is variable. The sensor further comprises a light-sensitive element (220) for receiving light emitted from the light source (210). The light source (211) and the light-sensitive element (220) are positioned relative to each other so that, when the light source (210) is in operation, light emitted from the light source (210) can propagate through a washing liquid contained in the washing machine (400) on its way to the light sensitive element (220). The light-sensitive element (220) is configured to measure the radiant intensity of light received at the light-sensitive element (221). Furthermore, the sensor comprises a controller (230) which is communicatively coupled to the light source (210) and the light-sensitive element (220).

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting powder flow along a powder flow path includes a light source and a light detector for detecting light from the light source directed across the powder flow path as powder flows through said powder flow path. A circuit receives the output from the light detector and determines an average or RMS of the signal received by the light detector. The circuit may determine whether there is flow or no flow of powder or whether there is a change in flow rate of powder. Preferably, the apparatus is used in combination with a dense phase powder pump, which causes the powder to flow in pulses from the pump outlet into the powder flow path. More preferably, the light source and detector are enclosed in a housing that is connected between the pump outlet and a powder feed hose which supplies powder to a spray gun or hopper.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object using light comprises providing a light source having a function of illuminating an environment. The light source is driven to emit light in a predetermined mode, with light in the predetermined mode being emitted such that the light source maintains said function of illuminating an environment. A reflection/backscatter of the emitted light is received from an object. The reflection/backscatter is filtered over a selected wavelength range as a function of a desired range of detection from the light source to obtain a light input. The presence or position of the object is identified with the desired range of detection as a function of the light input and of the predetermined mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to holographically illuminated imaging devices including a holographic element for transforming an illumination beam into a focal array of light spots, a scanning mechanism for moving an object across one or more light spots in the focal array of light spots, and a light detector for detecting light associated with the focal array of light spots and generating light data associated with the received light.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system comprising: a splitter configured to receive and split an optical source beam generating a reference beam and a sample beam, the sample beam directed at a sample and interacting with the sample to generate a return beam; a delay module configured to receive and introduce an optical delay in the reference beam, to generate a delayed reflected beam configured to interfere with the return beam to generate an interferogram; a spatial filter system capable of filtering randomly scattered light from at least one of the return beam or the interferogram; and a detector array to receive the interferogram for spatial and spectral analysis.

Abstract: An optical arrangement for the non-contact measurement or testing of properties of a solid's surface, such as curvature, shape, contour, roughness or alignment. An optical arrangement includes structure for establishing a gap between the solid's surface and a reference edge, structure for imaging the gap on a detector, and an analyzing system connected to the detector. The analyzing system is designed to determine gap widths lying adjacent to each other on the basis of the output signals of the detector, and to determine curvature, shape, contour or roughness of the solid's surface on the basis of the gap widths lying adjacent to each other. From the comparison of the images obtained from any two positions within a drilled hole, deductions can be made, among other things, about any tilt between the measuring object and the measuring system.

Abstract: A novel electro-optical sensor for the wideband and normalized translation of the two-dimensional position of a light beam transverse to its traveling direction into electrical position signals. Incident on the sensor is the light beam 122 which is divided with a beamsplitter 121 into a transmitted beam 123 and a reflected beam 124 which both have similar transverse motion behavior as the incident beam. From each of these divided beams the position is determined one-dimensionally with an one-dimensional optical position sensor, 125, 126. The one-dimensional position determination is done by dissecting each divided beam into two beams using a partitioning element. The outputted dissected beams have a power distribution that depends on the position of the divided beam relative to the partitioning element. Each beam is optically coupled to a photo detector which translates its power into an electric current.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a printing system for positioning at least one printed image, the printing system includes a first image bearing surface, the method includes: a) forming a background pattern and at least three fiducials on the first image bearing surface, wherein the background pattern is larger than a first printed image and the at least three fiducials are within an area formed by the first printed image; b) transferring a portion of the first printed image to a second image bearing surface; c) measuring a first residual image on the first image bearing surface, wherein the first residual image is a portion of the background pattern and the at least three fiducials remaining on the first image bearing surface after the step of transferring; and, d) calculating at least one calibration parameter for the printing system based on the measuring of the first residual image.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus includes: a size detecting unit that detects a size of each page of a document to be printed; an orientation detecting unit that detects orientation of each page of the document; a receiving unit that receives a setting of post processing that is to be performed on a printed sheet on which the document is printed; a determining unit that determines whether pages of different sizes, both having one side of the same length and other sides of different lengths, are detected in the document; a rotation control unit that, when the determining unit determines that the pages of the different sizes have been detected, rotates pages so that sides of the same length are aligned on the basis of the setting of the post processing; and an output unit that outputs the document with the pages rotated.

Abstract: This invention provides a printing apparatus which controls power to be supplied to each connected apparatus in detail for each apparatus in accordance with the processing contents of a print job to be executed, and a control method therefor. To accomplish this, the printing apparatus analyzes the processing contents of a print job to be executed. In accordance with the analysis result, the printing apparatus controls at least one of a plurality of sheet feeding apparatuses which supplies a printing medium to the printing apparatus and a plurality of post-processing apparatuses which are receives a printing medium from the printing apparatus to shift to an active state in which normal power is supplied, a power saving state in which power necessary to convey a printing medium is supplied, or an inactive state in which no power is supplied.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for managing information technology devices, and controlling generation of alert notifications in connection therewith.

Abstract: A printer includes a transport section which transports a medium, an image recording section which records and lines up a plurality of images in longitudinal direction of the medium based on an image data set which includes a plurality of image data, and a cutting section which obtains image sheets with one image at a time recorded thereon due to cutting of the medium in a width direction of the medium, where the cutting section is provided with a leading edge cutting section which cuts once at a position on a downstream side in the transport direction with regard to a first image out of the plurality of images, and a between-image cutting section which cuts twice at each position between two adjacent images out of the plurality of images where a predetermined margin has been provided.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus over a network is provided. When being accessed from the information processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus obtains user information on a user of the information processing apparatus and device information on a functional configuration of the information processing apparatus from data received through communication involved in the access, and stores the user information and the device information. When the operator using an operating panel to operate the image forming apparatus corresponds to the user, the image forming apparatus makes settings a function thereof to be provided to the operator in such a manner that the function is made similar to a function of the information processing apparatus indicated in the device information.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises a first installer for installing a driver corresponding to the image output apparatus, wherein the first installer is executed to install, in the information processing apparatus, a first driver and a second installer for installing a second driver, the installed first driver includes: unit configured to generate a first print queue to connect to a first connection port of the image output apparatus; unit configured to transmit an address acquisition request and acquire an address of a second connection port of the image output apparatus; and unit configured to, upon accepting an instruction to generate a second print queue using the print server as a connection destination, launch the second installer to install the second driver, and generate the second print queue, and the launched second installer generates the second print queue using the address of the second connection port that is acquired.

Abstract: A printer driver acquires capability from a print device to thereby acquire information (difference capability) regarding the difference between capability and a printer driver support function. The printer driver determines a print setting (a print setting to be transmitted) to be processed by the print device and a print setting (a print setting to be applied) to be processed by the printer driver based on the difference capability. When the selected print setting is the print setting to be transmitted, the printer driver transmits the print setting and original data to the print device. When the selected print setting is the print setting to be applied, the printer driver applies the print setting to original data to thereby generate print data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an operation controlling method of an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus using the said operation controlling method. The image forming apparatus is provided with a main controlling unit and a development unit, wherein a first information is stored in the development unit, and the main controlling unit determines an operation controlling on the image forming apparatus based on the first information when a power source is turned from OFF to ON in a state of when a cover of the image forming apparatus is closed or when the cover of the image forming apparatus is changed from open to closed in a state of when the power source is ON.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing device for printing onto a recording medium; a media advance system for moving the recording medium into position to be printed on by the printing device when the printing system is in an operating mode; a connector for receiving AC line voltage; a power supply for converting the AC line voltage into a plurality of DC voltages; a wireless communication device for receiving image data; a controller for controlling printer operation when the printing system is in the operating mode, and for turning off at least one of the plurality of DC voltages when the printing system is in a low power mode; and an energy storage device for powering the wireless communication device when the printing system is in the low power mode.

Abstract: A variable printing system includes: an image forming apparatus including an engine for variable printing; a device communicatively connected to the image forming apparatus; a first control section included in one of the image forming apparatus and the device; and a second control section included in one of the image forming apparatus and the device. The first control section acquires setting information of the engine corresponding to a job instructing variable printing, and performs one of adding the setting information into the job, and storing the setting information in a form of a database. The second control section analyses an output result of a job which has been executed and setting information of the engine corresponding to the job, and instructs the engine, based on a result of the analysis, to change a setting of the engine corresponding to a job to be executed or being executed.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus includes a body, an image reading unit, a document cover and a locking member. The image reading unit is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The document cover is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The locking member is movable to a first position and a second position and includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion. In response to a movement of the document cover to the opened position, the locking member moves to the first position and locks the image reading unit to the closed position. In response to a movement of the image reading unit to the opened position, the locking member moves to the second position and locks the document cover to the closed position.