Patents Issued in March 10, 2015
  • Patent number: 8976342
    Abstract: A method for estimating the transverse component Vtrans of the velocity of the air comprises the following steps: emitting a focused laser beam; acquiring an electrical signal resulting from the transit of a particle across the beam at a point of transit; analyzing the signal so as to obtain a spectrogram revealing an elongate mark representative of the transit; estimating the duration of traversal of the laser beam by the particle and the slope of the mark; deducing from the duration and from the slope the distance between the point of traversal of the beam and the focusing point; determining the radius of the beam at the point of transit; deducing the transverse component from the radius and from the duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Xavier Lacondemine, Gregory Baral-Baron, Jean-Pierre Schlotterbeck, Philippe Rondeau
  • Patent number: 8976343
    Abstract: Method and system for laser crystal degradation compensation are disclosed. The method includes: defining a plurality of sites on a frequency converting crystal; determining a degradation rate associated with each of the plurality of sites; determining an amount of time T wherein a site is continuously operable within a tolerated variation of at least one beam parameter, the amount of time T being determined based on the tolerated variation of the at least one beam parameter and the degradation rate; determining an amount of time t wherein t is a fraction of T; and iteratively shifting among the plurality of sites, wherein each of the plurality of sites is utilized continuously for a duration of time t for each iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick C. Genis
  • Patent number: 8976344
    Abstract: A live fiber identifier tool includes a head portion having a slot. A cable containing a pair of optical fibers can be inserted in the slot and forced to bend inside the head portion when a trigger is operated. Any light signal in a given fiber partially leaks from the fiber and exits the cable bend. Two photo detectors are located so that one of the detectors receives more light from the cable bend than the other detector depending on the signal direction in the given fiber. Processing components coupled to the detectors and the indicator define a threshold factor that corresponds to a determined difference between the outputs of the detectors. If the difference between the detector outputs does not exceed the threshold factor, an indicator on the tool reports that light signals are traveling in the pair of optical fibers in opposite directions along the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Yue Liang, Ryuji Takaoka
  • Patent number: 8976345
    Abstract: A fitting tip of fiber-optic connector endface inspection microscope for inspecting angled connector endfaces includes a relay lens fixed inside its internal channel and is designed such that when it is received in an intended connector adapter and mounted to the inspection microscope, the normal line to the connector endface forms an acute angle ? with the optical axis of the relay lens; the ray exiting from the relay lens and conjugate to the ray along the normal line is aligned with the optical axis of the inspection microscope; and as a result the connector endface is imaged on an imaging plane within the focusing adjustment range of the inspection microscope. The best image of the connector endface is obtained when the angle ? is half of the inclined angle of the angled connector endface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lightel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ge Zhou, Shangyuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8976346
    Abstract: An optical coupling lens includes a refraction surface, a first total reflection surface, a second total reflection surface, a first aligning member and a second aligning member. The refraction surface, the first total reflection surface and the second total reflection surface are orderly connected end to end. The first aligning member and the second aligning member are formed on the refraction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi Hung
  • Patent number: 8976347
    Abstract: Light that is scattered by a defect on a wafer is very weak, and a PMT and an MPPC are used as detection methods for measuring the weak light with high speed and sensitivity. The methods have a function of photoelectronically converting the weak light and multiplying an electron, but have a problem in that a signal light is lost and an S/N ratio is reduced because the quantum efficiency of the photoelectron conversion is as low as 50% or less. Direct light is amplified prior to the photoelectron conversion. The optical amplification is an amplification method in which the signal light and light of pump light are introduced into a rare-earth doped fiber, a stimulated emission is caused, and the signal light is amplified. In the present invention, the optical amplification is used. The amplification factor is changed according to various conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mizuki Oku, Kei Shimura
  • Patent number: 8976348
    Abstract: Wafer inspection method to perform wafer inspection based on photo map information. The wafer inspection method may include: detecting a sample center location on a wafer; compensating the detected sample center location to a compensated center location based on photo map information; and detecting defective dies included in the wafer based on the compensated center location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hwan-seok Jang, Jang-man Ko, Jun-seog Seong, Ho-bong Shin, Kil-su Lee, Chang-hun Lee
  • Patent number: 8976349
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a particle-based image display having a plurality of imaging cells is disclosed. The method includes filling the plurality of imaging cells with a plurality of first particles, identifying a defect associated with one or more of the imaging cells, and repairing the defect within a unit corresponding to part of the plurality of imaging cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jui-Yu Lin, Jen-Ming Chang, Jiunn-Jye Hwang, Jung-Yang Juang, Ming-Hai Chang, Hao-Jan Wan
  • Patent number: 8976350
    Abstract: A method of determining the carbon content of an iron alloy may include starting of the measurement of a sample in a spark spectrometer, creation of a plasma in a pre-sparking phase, detection and recording of an intensity signal for the carbon, calculation and cutting out of an unstable plasma phase, calculation of an excessive rise in the carbon signal, and calculation of the content of dissolved and undissolved carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Spectro Analytical Instruments GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Van Driel, Bruno Van Stuijvenberg
  • Patent number: 8976351
    Abstract: A system that simultaneously measures the translational temperature, bulk velocity, and density in gases by collecting, referencing, and analyzing nanosecond time-scale Rayleigh scattered light from molecules is described. A narrow-band pulsed laser source is used to probe two largely separated measurement locations, one of which is used for reference. The elastically scattered photons containing information from both measurement locations are collected at the same time and analyzed spectrally using a planar Fabry-Perot interferometer. A practical means of referencing the measurement of velocity using the laser frequency, and the density and temperature using the information from the reference measurement location maintained at constant properties is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by NASA, The George Washington University
    Inventors: Daniel Bivolaru, Andrew D. Cutler, Paul M. Danehy
  • Patent number: 8976352
    Abstract: A microparticle analysis apparatus includes at least: a detecting unit having one or a plurality of light sources and a plurality of photodetectors, configured to emit excitation light from the light sources, and to detect light emitted from microparticles on which the excitation light is irradiated, at the photodetectors; a first storage unit configured to store, for each microparticle, data detected at the photodetectors of the detecting unit based on detected time; and a second storage unit configured to store data relating to a particular microparticle of detected data stored in the first storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Muraki, Masashi Saitoh, Shigemi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 8976353
    Abstract: A lid for multiwell plates, allowing improved optical measurement of liquid samples within its wells, while mitigating evaporation from said samples, is disclosed. A surface element protrudes from the bottom of the lid into the fluid within a well. The protruding element may be hollow or solid such that light directed into the element may act to capture or direct the beam while preventing backscatter from reaching one or more detectors. The protruding element may direct the beam from the well without requiring the beam to pass through a fluid/air interface. The angle and shape of the lid surfaces and/or light absorbing/blocking colorization may be employed to minimize or eliminate back reflection. Evaporation is controlled by physically capping the well with the lid, either sealing against the face at the top of the well or the inside surface of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Michael I. Larkin, Amy D. Hanlon, Daniel I. Some, Richard J. Sleiman, David N. Villalpando
  • Patent number: 8976354
    Abstract: An optical apparatus has a light detecting section which detects light and emits transmitted light where linearly polarized light, which is converted by a polarizing section, is transmitted through a subject. In addition, the optical apparatus has an orthogonal separating section which orthogonally separates the emitted light from the light detecting section and a light reception section which receives light which is orthogonally separated by the orthogonal separating section. A calculation apparatus outputs a rotation control signal to a rotation apparatus and rotation controls the light detecting section so that the rotation plane is orthogonal with regard to an optical path of the transmitted light. Then, the calculation apparatus measures the polarization state of the transmitted light, which is transmitted through the subject S using the intensity with which the light, is received by the light receiving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Yamada, Michihiro Nagaishi
  • Patent number: 8976355
    Abstract: A substrate is loaded onto a substrate support of a lithographic apparatus, after which the apparatus measures locations of substrate alignment marks. These measurements define first correction information allowing the apparatus to apply a pattern at one or more desired locations on the substrate. Additional second correction information is used to enhance accuracy of pattern positioning, in particular to correct higher order distortions of a nominal alignment grid. The second correction information may be based on measurements of locations of alignment marks made when applying a previous pattern to the same substrate. The second correction information may alternatively or in addition be based on measurements made on similar substrates that have been patterned prior to the current substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Cornelis Theodorus Van Der Sanden, Richard Johannes Franciscus Van Haren, Hubertus Johannes Gertrudus Simons, Remi Daniel Marie Edart, Xiuhong Wei, Michael Kubis, Irina Lyulina
  • Patent number: 8976356
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a measurement mark includes: a first line pattern, first lines extending in a first direction, the first lines arranged in a second direction in the first line pattern, the first line pattern capable of forming a first moire pattern by overlapping with an arrangement pattern including a pattern, and a first polymer and a second polymer being alternately arranged in the pattern; a second line pattern, second lines extending in the first direction, the second lines being arranged in the second direction in the second line pattern, the second line pattern capable of forming a second moire pattern by overlapping with the arrangement pattern; and a reference pattern with a reference position configured to assess a first shift amount from the reference position of the first moire pattern and a second shift amount from the reference position of the second moire pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Komine, Yosuke Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8976357
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light receiving element (for example a photodiode) and an angle limiting filter that limits the incidence angle of incidence light with respect to the light receiving area of the light receiving element. When a wavelength of the incidence light is denoted by ?, a height of the angle limiting filter is denoted by R, and a width of an opening of the angle limiting filter is denoted by d, “d2/?R?2” is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Uematsu, Yoshiyuki Terashima, Yoichi Sato, Atsushi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8976358
    Abstract: Validation verification data quantifying an intensity of light reaching a detector of a spectrometer from a light source of the spectrometer after the light passes through a validation gas across a known path length can be collected or received. The validation gas can include an amount of an analyte compound and an undisturbed background composition that is representative of a sample gas background composition of a sample gas to be analyzed using a spectrometer. The sample gas background composition can include one or more background components. The validation verification data can be compared with stored calibration data for the spectrometer to calculate a concentration adjustment factor, and sample measurement data collected with the spectrometer can be modified using this adjustment factor to compensate for collisional broadening of a spectral peak of the analyte compound by the background components. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Feitisch, Xiang Liu, Hsu-Hung Huang, Wenhai Ji, Richard Cline
  • Patent number: 8976359
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to metal or dielectric nanostructures of the subwavelength scale within the grating lines of optical diffraction gratings. The nanostructures have surface plasmon resonances or non-plasmon optical resonances. A linear photodetector array is used to capture the resonance spectra from one of the diffraction orders. The combined nanostructure super-grating and photodetector array eliminates the use of external optical spectrometers for measuring surface plasmon or optical resonance frequency shift caused by the presence of chemical and biological agents. The nanostructure super-gratings can be used for building integrated surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrometers. The nanostructures within the diffraction grating lines enhance Raman scattering signal light while the diffraction grating pattern of the nanostructures diffracts Raman scattering light to different directions of propagation according to their wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventor: Junpeng Guo
  • Patent number: 8976360
    Abstract: To provide a surface plasmon sensor for measuring a refractive index by which a refractive index can be easily measured with high accuracy without relying on an absorption curve. The surface plasmon sensor includes: a reflection plate which includes a metal layer having a periodic structure and on which a specimen is arranged; a light source which irradiates an incident light to the reflection plate; a light receiving part which receives a reflected light reflected on the reflection plate; and a measurement part which measures a refractive index of the specimen based on phase information on two kinds of waves which are included in reflected light reflected on a periodic structure surface and differ in polarization direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan
    Inventors: Toyonori Matsuda, Hiroyuki Odagawa
  • Patent number: 8976361
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes an illumination device including a surface light source, a detector configured to detect a light intensity distribution formed on a light-receiving surface by reflected light, and a processor configured to obtain the reflection characteristic based on first data of the light intensity distribution detected by the detector. The processor is configured to estimate, based on the first data, second data of a light intensity distribution formed by specular reflected light and third data of a light intensity distribution formed by diffuse reflected light in a case where a point light source is disposed at each position in a light-emitting region of the surface light source, and to estimate, based on the second data and the third data, a light intensity distribution formed by reflected light from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Kato
  • Patent number: 8976362
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing carbon nanotubes on substrates such as silicon, titanium, copper, stainless steel and other substrates, where the carbon nanotubes are blacker than existing paints and coatings, thereby providing an exponential increase in stray light suppression depending on the number of bounces of such treated surfaces. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better absorb and radiate unwanted energies. Further, the alternate substrates offer strength of material for numerous components and in numerous physical applications. The present invention is also directed to techniques for improving the adhesion of the nanotubes to the alternate substrate materials and also extending the wavelength of operation from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared portion of the spectrum (0.2 microns to 120 microns wavelength).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space Administration
    Inventors: John G. Hagopian, Stephanie A. Getty, Manuel A. Quijada
  • Patent number: 8976363
    Abstract: A probe system includes an imager and an inspection light source. The probe system is configured to operate in an inspection mode and a measurement mode. During inspection mode, the inspection light source is enabled. During measurement mode, the inspection light source is disabled, and a structured-light pattern is projected. The probe system is further configured to capture at least one measurement mode image. In the at least one measurement mode image, the structured-light pattern is projected onto an object. The probe system is configured to utilize pixel values from the at least one measurement mode image to determine at least one geometric dimension of the object. A probe system configured to detect relative movement between a probe and the object between captures of two or more of a plurality of images is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Clark Alexander Bendall, Kevin George Harding, Thomas Karpen, Guiju Song, Li Tao
  • Patent number: 8976364
    Abstract: A microfabricated optical gyroscope that utilizes a linear array of micron scale optical ring resonators closely spaced to allow evanescent coupling of electromagnetic fields in adjacent resonators. Within each resonator, the optical Sagnac effect produces a phase difference between clockwise and counterclockwise propagating light that is proportional to the inertial rotation rate perpendicular to the plane of the resonator. The disclosure enhances the overall sensitivity to rotations by varying the strengths of the evanescent coupling between resonators and/or the circumferences of the resonators. The size and coupling strengths control the optical interference between resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of The Stevens Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christopher Sorrentino, John Robert Emmet Toland, Christopher Search, Rainer Martini
  • Patent number: 8976365
    Abstract: A material sensing apparatus comprises an excitation source configured to induce waves in a workpiece, and an optical waveguide interferometer configured to sense the induced waves in the workpiece. The optical waveguide interferometer comprises a probe segment having a probe segment end, and an adjustable coupler configured to permit setting a gap between the probe segment end and the workpiece. A controller is coupled to the adjustable coupler and configured to set the gap between the probe segment end and the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Montgomery, Randy L. Carmean, Charles Franklin Middleton, IV, James G. Tonti
  • Patent number: 8976366
    Abstract: A measurement system for monitoring an LED chip surface roughening process is described. A reflective illuminator can run reflectance measurements. A vertical positioning means can adjust a distance between an objective lens and an industrial sample. A horizontal positioning means can move objects in XY plane, and is specifically configured to hold the industrial sample and a reference sample. An optical sensor can acquire images of the industrial sample. A spectrometer can acquire reflectance spectrums of the industrial sample and the reference sample. A processor can control these components. The processor can perform deskew, and calculate an average reflectance and an oscillation amplitude from the reflectance spectrums of the industrial sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Zeta Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James Jianguo Xu, Ken Kinsun Lee, Rusmin Kudinar, Ronny Soetarman, Hung Phi Nguyen, Zhen Hou
  • Patent number: 8976367
    Abstract: A surface measurement module for 3-D triangulation-based image acquisition of a subject-under-inspection and under observation by at least one camera. The module having: (a) casing housing an optical system comprising a plurality of lens elements positioned between a fixed-pattern optic and a light source; (b) an output of said fixed-pattern optic comprising a multi-frequency pattern comprising a plurality of pixels representing at least a first and second superimposed sinusoid projected simultaneously, each of the sinusoids represented by the pixels having a unique temporal frequency and each of the pixels projected to satisfy I n p = A p + ? k = 1 K ? B k p ? cos ? ( 2 ? ? ? ? ? f k ? y p + 2 ? ? ? ? ? kn N ) Eq . ? ( 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seikowave, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bellis, Daniel L. Lau
  • Patent number: 8976368
    Abstract: Methods for performing a scheme that results in a refined measurement pattern within an optical grid are provided. Physically adjusting spacing of elements within an optical grid to achieve enhanced resolution is historically unfeasible, as reduction of the spacing causes light sensors of the optical grid to pick up false signals when reading light beams. Technology introduced by the present invention generates a virtual reduced spacing of the elements within the optical grid by using two signals that are slightly different. These slightly different signals can accomplish, at least, quarter-grid spacing resolution within the optical grid. Additionally, the enhanced resolution derived from the virtual reduced spacing is employed to govern movement of a motor. The motor movement is in response to one or more changes of direction such that the motor is operating in its linear range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Khalid El Akel, Jean-Pierre Stang, Bernard Serres
  • Patent number: 8976369
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a thin-film-formed wafer, being configured to calculate a film thickness distribution of a thin film of the thin-film-formed wafer having the thin film on a surface of a substrate, wherein light having a single wavelength ? is applied to a partial region of a surface of the thin-film-formed wafer, reflected light from the region is detected, reflected light intensity for each pixel obtained by dividing the region into many pieces is measured, a reflected light intensity distribution in the region is obtained, and the film thickness distribution of the thin film in the region is calculated from the reflected light intensity distribution. The method enables a film thickness distribution of the micro thin film (an SOI layer) that affects a device to be measured on the entire wafer surface at a low cost with a sufficient spatial resolution in a simplified manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 8976370
    Abstract: An measuring apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a relationship, regarding an irradiation condition predetermined based on a correlation between a characteristic of each of beams of reflected light obtained from a plurality of patterns different from one another in a thickness of a residual layer in a recessed portion and the thickness of the residual layer of each of the plurality of patterns, between the characteristic of the reflected light from each pattern and the thickness of the residual layer of the pattern; and a processing unit configured to, based on a characteristic of reflected light from a pattern formed on a substrate irradiated with light under the irradiation condition and the relationship stored in the storage unit, obtain a thickness of a residual layer in a recessed portion of the pattern formed on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Miyakawa, Kazuhiro Sato, Ken Minoda, Hideki Ina
  • Patent number: 8976371
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a pair of cursor members movable in a width direction, and guide grooves configured to guide the cursor member to move in the width direction. The cursor member includes a cursor base, a cursor rising portion being in contact with or in proximity to an end of the sheet, and a connecting portion. The cursor base has a cursor plane extending in parallel to a sheet loading face with a difference of step with respect to the sheet loading face. An edge in the width direction of the cursor base extends linearly. The connecting portion extends from the sheet loading face side to a reverse side via the guide groove at a portion in the feeding direction of the inside edge of the cursor base. The connecting portion has a face connecting portion which connects the sheet loading face with the cursor plane smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Fukuma
  • Patent number: 8976372
    Abstract: On a touch-panel display of an image forming apparatus, pieces of information are displayed divided into five areas, that is, a system area , a function selecting area, a preview area, an action panel area and a task trigger area, of which arrangement is kept unchanged even when operational modes are switched. With such an arrangement, the same or similar pieces of information are displayed on an area arranged at the same position even in different operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsaku Tohki, Takaya Nakatani
  • Patent number: 8976373
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image processing apparatus includes a plurality of control sections each of which performs analysis processing of analyzing data of page description language form to generate intermediate language data and rendering processing of generating rendering data based on the intermediate language data generated by the analysis processing, the plurality of control sections capable of performing the analysis processing and the rendering processing parallelly with each other; and a storage section which stores the intermediate language data and the rendering data, and at least any one of the plurality of control sections obtains information with regard to a vacant capacity of the storage section, and at least any one of the control sections discontinues the analysis processing being performed by at least any one control section and performs the rendering processing based on the information with regard to the vacant capacity of the storage section and a predetermined set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nogawa, Fumihito Akiyama, Masahiro Ozawa, Jun Kuroki, Takahisa Matsunaga, Yasufumi Aoyama, Kunikazu Satou, Yasutaka Shimohara
  • Patent number: 8976374
    Abstract: A method used in first and second information processing apparatuses in communication with an image forming apparatus. The method includes a transfer step of transferring print setting information for controlling the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus to the second information processing apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring the print setting information transferred in the transfer step from the second information processing apparatus, an input step of inputting the print setting information acquired in the acquisition step into a printer driver in a form that can be identified by the printer driver; and a print control step of controlling a printing operation by using the print setting information inputted in the input step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Abe
  • Patent number: 8976375
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which has an operating panel capable of providing a screen display and a Web browser. The image forming apparatus includes a storage for storing predetermined text that is data to be entered into a text entry box of a Web page; a text entry limiting portion for, when the Web page displayed on the operating panel by the Web browser contains the text entry box, limiting text to be entered into the text entry box to the predetermined text stored in the storage; a display processing portion for, when the text entry limiting portion limits text to be entered, displaying, on the operating panel, a screen for a user to designate the predetermined text as text to be entered into the text entry box; and an operation processing portion for informing the Web browser of the predetermined text designated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Okihisa Yoshida, Masakazu Murakami
  • Patent number: 8976376
    Abstract: A first RIP processing unit reads cache data from a first cache unit. The first RIP processing unit transmits first RIP-processed variable part data to a printer. Since an identifier read by the first RIP processing unit is not a transmitted identifier, the first RIP processing unit transmits RIP-processed reuse part data to the printer. A second RIP processing unit reads cache data from a second cache unit. The second RIP processing unit transmits second RIP-processed variable part data to the printer. Since an identifier read by the second RIP processing unit is a transmitted identifier, the second RIP processing unit does not transmit the RIP-processed reuse part data to the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Isoguchi, Kenta Nagai, Rui Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8976377
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a first power supply state, a second power supply state, and a third power supply state includes a receiving unit configured to receive a job, a determination unit configured to determine whether the image forming apparatus is shifted from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, or from the first power supply state to the third power supply state based on a type of the received job, and a control unit configured to shift the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the determination result of the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 8976378
    Abstract: A method for validating a splitting operation accesses a document and a catalog tree. The method selects a subset of the total pages in the document. The method splits a section of branches from the catalog tree using a splitter in a user device. Each branch corresponds to a page included in the subset. The method processes the subset using the branches to generate split output pages. The method analyzes each split output page to determine if the file split correctly. In response to a split failure, the method determines if the split failure is related to one of a structure error and a metadata syntax error. In response to a correct split, the method provides the print job to an associated output device in communication with the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Robinson, Karthikeyan Mahadevan, Dan Q. Bui
  • Patent number: 8976379
    Abstract: A method to automatically convert a format of a file through an image forming apparatus, the method including displaying list of tasks executable by the image forming apparatus and a list of files stored in the image forming apparatus, selecting a task to be executed from the list of tasks and a file from one or more files stored in the image forming apparatus that is an object of the selected task, converting a format of data of the selected file into a bitmap format and converting the bitmap format of the data into a format that is compatible with the selected task, and executing the selected task using the converted file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8976380
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of more quickly executing a fail-safe function for shifting to a power state different in power consumption. The apparatus can operate in power states different in power consumption. A controller controls the apparatus. A power supply controller controls supply of power. A reset circuit resets the controller. When a power switch is operated by a user, a monitoring time period, set in advance, is decided according to a type of user's operation and the power state. One of operations to be executed when the monitoring time period has elapsed, for causing the controller to cut off the supply of power to the controller and for causing the reset circuit to reset the controller, is set according to the type of user's operation and the power state. The set operation is executed when the decided monitoring time period has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasutomo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8976381
    Abstract: A printing apparatus determines whether software to be updated is software related to a GUI display function. If the software to be updated is determined to be software related to the GUI display function, the printing apparatus performs control to display information about a status of the own apparatus during execution of the update by using a CUI display function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Suwabe
  • Patent number: 8976382
    Abstract: In a digital multifunction peripheral having a function of preventing unauthorized duplication, a situation is prevented in which a document to which encoded images having contradictory contents are added is created. An apparatus having a control unit configured to perform detection processing of an encoded image for a document image and add a different encoded image to a document image form which an encoded image is detected by the detection processing and output the document image, characterized in that the control unit does not perform output of a document image to which the different encoded image is added upon receipt of an instruction not to perform the detection processing from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoya Kakutani
  • Patent number: 8976383
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for document printing management and control and source tracking. A printing management service program runs at a server end. A printing monitoring service program runs at a client end. The printing management service program saves client end information, monitors and manages a client end computer, sets a printing management policy, and delivers operation instructions to the client end. The printing monitoring service program collects the client end information, sends the client end information to the server end, and executes the operation instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Peking University Founder Group Co., Ltd., Peking University, Beijing Founder Electronics Co., Ltd., Peking University Founder R&D Center
    Inventors: Wenfa Qi, Shuchang Han, Gaoyang Wang, Lidong Wang, Bin Yang
  • Patent number: 8976384
    Abstract: A print release environment includes a client computing device, an imaging device and an active directory. The client stores an imaging job on a local hard disk. The client registers itself with the active directory indicating an existence of the job. Upon a user logging in to the imaging device to retrieve an imaged media corresponding to the imaging job, the imaging device queries the active directory for possible clients. The imaging device contacts client(s) and retrieves a list of jobs available to the user. The user selects their job and the client releases it direct to the imaging device. The client deletes the imaging job upon successful imaging of the media and undoes its registration with the active directory, unless further imaging jobs exist for the user. Encryption techniques are contemplated to secure the data of the imaging job end-to-end from the client to the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Wilhelm Marquardt, Christian Feige
  • Patent number: 8976385
    Abstract: A printing apparatus is caused to print an image in which elements included in a document are arranged on a page by a print control method. The document, which includes the elements and information for arranging the elements, is acquired. An element disposed on an edge of the page is detected from among the elements included in the acquired document. The printing apparatus is caused to print an image in which the elements included in the document are arranged on the page and in which the element disposed on the edge of the page is expanded to a predetermined output area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michihei Murayama, Kiyoshi Katano
  • Patent number: 8976386
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an intermediate command generating unit configured to convert print setting information to an intermediate command based on first definition data in which a rule for converting from the print setting information to the intermediate command is defined; and a print command generating unit configured to convert the intermediate command to a print command, which is interpretable by an image forming apparatus, based on second definition data in which a rule for converting from the intermediate command to the print command is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Mukasa
  • Patent number: 8976388
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a request is received at a first computer system included within a first domain. The request is a request to send content to a network connected printer identified according to a printer identifier attributing the printer to a second domain, wherein the printer is included within a third domain. A validation request message is sent to a second computer system within the second domain requesting validation of the printer identifier. Responsive to receipt of validation information from the second system, the content, or a content availability message that the content is available to be obtained by the printer, is sent to a third computer system within the third domain, for the third system to forward to the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Rajesh Bhatia
  • Patent number: 8976389
    Abstract: A printing apparatus receives a transmission request of information to be used by an information processing apparatus to transmit an image to the printing apparatus via an image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus including the image. The printing apparatus transmits the information to the information processing apparatus if the transmission request is received. Then, the printing apparatus acquires the image that the information processing apparatus transmits using the information and prints the acquired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ritsuto Sako
  • Patent number: 8976390
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus having improved user-friendliness in setting the setting values that represent contents of operation to be performed by the image processing apparatus. In a case that a login user has changed at least one setting value during the login, a CPU of the image processing apparatus causes a SRAM to store a setting value before change corresponding to the changed setting value. When the user logs out, the setting value changed by the user during the login is returned to the setting value before change that is stored in the SRAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takuma Yasukawa
  • Patent number: 8976391
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is connected to a server and an image forming device that store image forming device information in such a manner that the mobile terminal can communicate with the server and the image forming device. The mobile terminal acquires image forming device information from the selected server and/or image forming device. When the acquired image forming device information includes duplication of an image forming device, an image forming device list is generated by removing the duplication. Information of an image forming device to be used is displayed on a user interface of the mobile terminal. A usable image forming device is selected and presented to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihito Nanaumi
  • Patent number: 8976392
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises: a unit which holds information of a plurality of hot folders; a unit which holds a condition for ranking the plurality of hot folders; a unit which generates a list of the plurality of hot folders ranked according to information of the plurality of hot folders, the condition, and information of print data input to a first hot folder of the plurality of hot folders, and to present the list; a unit which receives selection of a second hot folder as a movement destination of the print data input to the first hot folder from the plurality of hot folders indicated in the list; and a unit which moves the print data input to the first hot folder to the second hot folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Matsuyama