Abstract: LIDAR measurement systems employing a multiple channel, GaN based illumination driver integrated circuit (IC) are described herein. In one aspect, the multiple channel, GaN based illumination driver IC selectively couples each illumination source associated with each measurement channel to a source of electrical power to generate a measurement pulse of illumination light. In one aspect, each pulse trigger signal associated with each measurement channel is received on a separate node of the IC. In another aspect, additional control signals are received on separate nodes of the IC and communicated to all of the measurement channels. In another aspect, the multiple channel, GaN based illumination driver IC includes a power regulation module that supplies regulated voltage to various elements of each measurement channel only when any pulse trigger signal is in a state that triggers the firing of an illumination pulse.

Abstract: A distance measuring device includes a calculating section that calculates, based on phase information acquired by a first device and a second device, at least one of which is movable, a distance between the first device and the second device. The first device includes a first transceiver that transmits three or more first carrier signals and receives three or more second carrier signals using an output of a first reference signal source. The second device includes a second transceiver that transmits the three or more second carrier signals and receives the three or more first carrier signals using an output of a second reference signal source. The calculating section calculates the distance based on a phase detection result obtained by reception of the first and second carrier signals and corrects the calculated distance based on information concerning an amplitude ratio of the first carrier signals received by the second transceiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a sensor holder adapted to float with a bobbing action when partially submerged in a liquid, while maintaining an air pocket within a first open holder end above the liquid, and removably retaining an electronic sensor in a liquid tight compartment disposed within a second holder end submerged in the liquid. In an illustrative example, the holder may be a substantially conical funnel. The open holder end may be, for example, open to the atmosphere, permitting wireless connection with the electronic sensor. In some examples, the holder may slidably retain a float rod adapted to allow the liquid to freely and vertically displace the holder as the liquid level varies. Various examples may advantageously provide automatic adjustment of the holder position to preserve a wireless connection with a retained electronic fishing sensor, maintaining the air pocket above the sensor as the liquid level varies.

Abstract: System and methods are provided which involve a radar system that includes one or more signal generators configured for generating a composite radar waveform formed by combining different component waveforms; and a detector for detecting reflected signals from the composite waveform and determining velocity and distance measurements of a target relative to a host vehicle. Advantageously, the first and second component waveforms are selected such that the composite waveform is able to meet two different sets of resolution requirements with respect to at least one of: (i) the velocity measurement of the target vehicle relative to the host vehicle and (ii) the distance measurement of a target vehicle relative to the host vehicle. Notably, each of the different sets of resolution requirements is pre-selected based on a different type of detection scenario.

Abstract: A portable radar system that may leverage the processing power, input and/or display functionality in mobile computing devices. Some examples of mobile computing devices may include mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers and similar devices. The radar system of this disclosure may include a wired or wireless interface to communicate with the mobile computing device, or similar device that includes a display. The radar system may be configured with an open set of instructions for interacting with an application executing on the mobile computing device to accept control inputs as well as output signals that the application may interpret and display, such as target detection and tracking. The radar system may consume less power than other radar systems. The radar system of this disclosure may be used for a wide variety of applications by consumers, military, law enforcement and commercial use.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance separating a vehicle and an identifier is disclosed. The method includes transmitting, from the vehicle to the identifier, a first train of first sinusoidal signals, receiving, by the identifier, an image train of second sinusoidal signals corresponding to the first sinusoidal signals, generating, by the identifier, measurements of phases and amplitudes of the second sinusoidal signals that are altered from the first sinusoidal signals by transmission from the vehicle to the identifier, constructing a frequency spectrum based on the measurements and a second image train received by the vehicle from the identifier, where the frequency spectrum is constructed by detecting spectral lines of the first image train and the second image train, performing an inverse Fourier transform of the frequency spectrum to obtain a temporal signature, and calculating the distance on the basis of an intermediate time associated with a maximum of the temporal signature.

Abstract: An apparatus including an antenna and a processing device. The antenna includes a steerable array. The steerable array may transmit a signal at an angle of transmission toward a portion of an object. The steerable array may receive a reflection of the signal off of the portion of the object. The processing device may be coupled to the antenna. The processing device may determine a digital representation of the portion of the object in view of the reflection of the signal.

Abstract: Whether or not motion compensation is necessary is determined for each of received radio wave signals acquired through observation on the basis of information on a difference between an planned trajectory and an actual trajectory of a platform (103), and a motion compensation process is performed on the received radio wave signals for which the motion compensation is determined to be necessary. An image generation process is performed on the received radio wave signals on which the motion compensation process has been performed and the received radio wave signals on which the motion compensation process has not been performed depending on the results of determination, so that a SAR image of an observation object is generated.

Abstract: An integrated radio-frequency circuit for a radar sensor, having a clock input that is designed to receive a clock signal produced externally to the integrated radio-frequency circuit, having a local oscillator that is designed to produce a local radio-frequency signal, having a radio-frequency input that is designed to receive an external radio-frequency signal produced externally to the integrated radio-frequency circuit, and having a changeover switch that is coupled to the local oscillator and to the radio-frequency input and is designed to change over between the local radio-frequency signal and the external radio-frequency signal for the production of a radar signal. In addition, a corresponding radar sensor and a corresponding operating method, are also described.

Abstract: A distance determination system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a transmitter configured to transmit a first pulse at a first frequency and a second pulse at a second frequency; a receiver configured to receive audio signals; and a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to detect whether an intermodulation product of the first pulse and the second pulse is present and above a threshold amplitude in an audio signal received by the receiver; and determine, based at least in part on whether the intermodulation product of the first pulse and the second pulse is detected to be present and above a threshold amplitude, whether a distance to a surface is greater than a distance corresponding to the first pulse and the second pulse.

Abstract: An ultrasonic input includes two or more ultrasonic transceiver units having transducers separated from each other by a predetermined spacing and a processor coupled to the transceiver units. In some implementations one unit transmits while two receive and in other implementations one unit transmits and receives while the other just receives. The transmitter sends an ultrasonic pulse and first and second receivers receive echoes of the ultrasonic pulse from an object. The processor and/or transceiver units use first and second receive signals to determine first and second time-of-flight (ToF) measurements corresponding to times between transmitting an ultrasonic pulse and receiving an echo of the ultrasonic pulse.

Abstract: Objects are sensed by a distance sensor of a vehicle. Reflected signals are received as echo signals by the driving-environment sensor. Object distance is calculable, for example, from the propagation time of the signals. Of the sensed objects, those objects are identified which, e.g., based on their spatial disposition, are parking-space-delimiting objects. It is possible to differentiate between objects delimiting a parking space to the side (e.g., parked vehicles) and lateral parking-space delimitations (e.g., a curbstone) by evaluating the echo signals. The parking-space-delimiting objects are classified through characteristic structures of the echo signals assigned to the parking-space-delimiting objects, and an object class is assigned to each parking-space-delimiting object.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve example systems and methods for remote sensing of objects. In one example, a system includes a light source, a camera, a light source timing circuit, an exposure window timing circuit, and a range determination circuit. The light source timing circuit is to generate light pulses using the light source. The exposure window timing circuit generates multiple exposure windows for the light pulses for the camera, each of the multiple exposure windows representing a corresponding first range of distance from the camera. The range determination circuit processes an indication of an amount of light captured at the camera during an opening of each of the multiple exposure windows for one of the light pulses to determine a presence of an object within a second range of distance from the camera, the second range having a lower uncertainty than the first range.

Abstract: Methods and systems of correlating sensed position data with terrestrial features receive sensed position data from a position sensing system operatively associated with a moveable object; select a reduced set of snap point candidates from terrestrial data based on a sensed position point; choose a best snap point candidate from among the reduced set of snap point candidates based on a plurality of predictive variables and corresponding weighting factors for each snap point candidate in the reduced set of snap point candidates; and snap the sensed position point to the best snap point candidate to produce a snapped position point. The selecting, choosing, and snapping processes are performed in substantially real time so that the systems and methods correlate the sensed position data from the moveable object with terrestrial features in substantially real time.

Abstract: A method of operating a global positioning receiver is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of satellites. At least a measurement from and location of each satellite is determined based on the received plurality of signals. An approximate vehicle velocity vector is determined based on the received plurality of signals. A dot product between a line of sight between each satellite and a vehicle having the receiver and the determined vehicle velocity vector is determined. Each measurement associated with each determined dot product that is below a minimum dot product threshold is removed to obtain a resultant set of measurements. A position solution based on the resultant set of measurements is then determined.

Abstract: A first measuring device measures a location of its own vehicle relative to each feature point on a surrounding structure around a road surface on which the vehicle. A first feature-point is provided which, based on output from the first measuring device, acquires coordinates of the each feature point expressed in a coordinate system of the first measuring device, and uses a self-location to convert the coordinates into an external coordinate. A feature-point trajectory generation section is provided to generate, based on the first coordinates, a trajectory of the feature point group. A second measuring device measures a location of its own vehicle relative to a feature point located rearward of the feature point measured by the first measuring device. An anomaly determination section is provided to determine that anomaly occurs in a self-location estimation device if the second coordinates are on the trajectory.

Abstract: Method/system for determining location of a mobile device having modules that are part of a terrestrial-based location system and part of a satellite-based global positioning system. The system comprises a remote system. The mobile device activates one of the location determining modules of the mobile device, the type of activated module selected according to a location module type datum in a message received from the remote system. The mobile device establishes a connection with the remote system and the remote system receives the determined location. A type of location determining module next used by the mobile device is determined or a period of time before the module device next determines location is determined. A message is sent from the remote system to the mobile device, comprising determined type of location determining module to be next used and/or the period of time before the module device next determines its location.

Abstract: A detection element can obtain a high-resolution radiation image having a high signal intensity and a high S/N ratio. A detection element including a substrate having a through hole, an insulating layer arranged inside of the through hole, a through electrode arranged further to the inner side of the through hole than the insulating layer, a resin layer having insulating properties and having an opening portion exposing the through electrode, a first electrode arranged above the through electrode and the resin layer, the first electrode being connected to the through electrode through the opening portion, and a second electrode arranged above the resin layer, the second electrode being separated from the first electrode.

Abstract: An X-ray detector assembly includes a polymeric substrate having a lower surface and an upper surface, and an X-ray detector disposed on the upper surface of the polymeric substrate. The X-ray detector includes a thin-film-transistor array disposed on the substrate, an organic photodiode disposed on the thin-film-transistor array, and a scintillator disposed on the organic photodiode. A metal barrier extends substantially over the lower surface of the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: Detector module designs for radiographic imaging include first and second layers of scintillator rods or pixel arrays oriented in first and second directions. The first and second directions are transversely oriented to define a light sharing region between the first and second layers. Encoding features may be disposed in, on or between the first and second layers, and configured to modulate propagation of optical signals therealong or therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising: obtaining a substrate comprising an electronic system in or on the substrate, and a plurality of electric contacts on a first surface of the substrate, the electronic system being electrically connected to the electric contacts; obtaining a chip comprising an X-ray absorption layer, the X-ray absorption layer comprising an electrode; electrically connecting the electrode to at least one of the electric contacts by bonding the chip to the substrate; and thinning the substrate at a surface opposite the first surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfabrication technology for producing sensing cells, for use, for example, in molecular electronic transducer (MET) based seismometers devices. In some aspects, a method for fabricating a sensing element is provided. The method includes providing a first wafer including a first substrate, a second substrate, and a first insulating layer between therebetween, etching a first fluid throughhole through the first substrate, the first insulating layer, and the second substrate, and coating the first substrate and second substrate with a first and second conductive coating, respectively. The method also includes providing a second wafer including a third substrate, a fourth substrate, and a second insulating layer therebetween, etching a second fluid throughhole through the third substrate, the second insulating layer, and the fourth substrate, and coating the third substrate with a third conductive coating from top and the fourth substrate with a fourth conductive coating from back.

Abstract: Systems and methods of optical link communication with seismic data acquisition units are provided. The systems and methods can perform at least portions of seismic data acquisition survey. A plurality of seismic data acquisition units can be deployed on a seabed. An optical communications link can be established between an extraction vehicle and at least one of the seismic data acquisition units. A frequency of the at least one seismic data acquisition unit can be syntonized or synchronized via the optical communications link. The at least one seismic data acquisition unit can be instructed to enter a low power state subsequent to syntonizing the frequency of the at least one seismic data acquisition unit. The seismic data acquisition unit can exit the low power state and acquire seismic data in an operational state.

Abstract: Seismic data obtained from a seismic survey conducted of a subterranean region is received. The seismic data includes multiple frequency components, having a frequency bandwidth. A target, to-be-picked horizon is identified by displaying well data on the seismic section and correlating the seismic reflector with layer tops in the well data. A horizon represents a seismic reflector between two geological layers in the subterranean region. A single frequency that gives rise to a predetermined continuity along the target horizon is determined from the frequency bandwidth of the seismic data. The seismic data is filtered to mono-frequency volumes. The mono-frequency seismic volumes include a single frequency component. A horizon is picked corresponding to the target horizon based on the mono-frequency volumes. The identified horizon corresponding to the target horizon is output for determining geological features of the subterranean region based on the identified horizon.

Abstract: A method is described for seismic imaging including receiving a seismic dataset representative of a subsurface volume of interest and an earth model; decomposing the seismic dataset into a set of data sub-sets based on a decomposition function; imaging each data sub-set using the earth model to generate a set of image sub-sets; and combining the set of image sub-sets based on a criterion to create a high resolution seismic image. The method may be executed by a computer system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a prestack separating method for a seismic wave, including: receiving P-wave, S1-wave and S2-wave of the seismic wave, wherein the P-wave, S1-wave and S2-wave are reflected from different points; projecting the P-wave, S1-wave and S2-wave into a Z-R-T coordinate system, so as to generate a projection matrix, wherein Z is a vertical component, R is a component of a source-to-receiver azimuth and T is a component orthogonal to the R component; forming vectors of the P-wave, S1-wave and S2-wave as a composite vector; transforming the composite vector to an anisotropic wave vector matrix according to base vectors on the vector directions of the P-wave, S1-wave and S2-wave; and performing a rotation transformation of an affine coordinate system on the anisotropic wave vector matrix to generate a wave separation matrix, thereby solving a problem of error prediction result of fracture parameters caused by the “mode leakage” phenomenon.

Abstract: A method for wavefield separation of sonic data is provided. The method comprises estimating direct phases of waveforms of sonic data observed with two or more sensors by using cross-correlation of waveform traces at adjacent sensor locations, removing the direct phases from the observed waveforms, and extracting event signals from the waveforms after removing the direct phases.

Abstract: A method for acquiring seismic data comprises operating a seismic vessel towing at least one of a seismic streamer with a plurality of seismic sensors and a seismic source. The inline distance between the vessel and one or more other vessels is adjusted according to a predefined function, where the seismic vessels travel along offset seismic acquisition lines, by increasing and reducing the in-line distance during the acquisition of the seismic data.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a method of acquiring seismic data. The method may include towing an array of marine seismic streamers coupled to a vessel. The array comprises a plurality of lead-in cables and streamers, and the plurality of lead-in cables comprises an innermost lead-in cable and an outermost lead-in cable with respect to a center line of the vessel. The method may also include towing a plurality of source cables and one or more seismic sources such that the one or more seismic sources are positioned between the innermost lead-in cable and the outermost lead-in cable.

Abstract: Embodiments, including apparatuses, systems and methods, for automatically attaching and detaching seismic devices to a deployment cable, including a plurality of autonomous seismic nodes. A node installation system may include a moveable node carrier coupled to a cable detection device and a node attachment device that is configured to move a direct attachment mechanism on a node into a locking or closed position about the deployment cable. In an embodiment for retrieval and/or detachment operations, the system may also be configured to automatically detect the position of a node and remove the node from the deployment line by actuating the direct attachment mechanism into an open or unlocked position. Other devices besides a node may be attached and detached from the deployment line if they are coupled to one or more direct attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for determining a thickness of a well casing are described. In some aspects, the thickness of the well casing is determined based on results of comparing a measured waveform and model waveforms. The measured waveform and model waveforms are generated based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing.

Abstract: A mobile detection device for an evaluation of a location information of one or more occluded utility lines. The device comprises at least two magnetic detector units with detection coils for an alternating magnetic field. An electronic signal evaluation unit derives the location information of the utility line according to a difference in the electrical signals from the detector units. A spectral analyzing unit derives a spectral signature of a detected signal and a data link is established to a server, at which an identification of a type or class of one or more utility lines is derived by comparing the spectral signature to a database of signatures of known utility lines. A resulting utility line identification information is provided to the detection device. A visualisation unit of the device charting the one or more utility lines with the utility line location information and providing the utility line identification information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having, as a sensor for detecting an object arranged behind an article that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation, a coil assembly having a first transmitting coil (1.1) and a first receiving coil (2.1) arranged orthogonally with respect to the first transmitting. An evaluation unit evaluates the output signals from the coil assembly. The fact that the coil assembly comprises the first transmitting coil (1.1) and at least one further transmitting coil (1.2, 1.3, 1.4), and the first receiving coil (2.1) and at least one further receiving coil (2.2, 2.3, 2.4), wherein axes (1.5, 1.6) of the first and of the at least one further transmitting coil are orthogonal to each other, and the axes (1.5, 1.6) of the first and second transmitting coil intersect the axis (2.5) of the first receiving coil (2.1) that is orthogonal to the first and second transmitting coils (1.1, 1.2), means that a device is provided that reduces or even eliminates the grating effect.

Abstract: The invention is a method for optimizing working (EXP) of a deposit of fluid traversed by a network of fractures that involves determining the transitory exchange terms between matrix blocks and fractures (FFA, FFN), for any type of available information (INFO) concerning the network of fractures, regardless of the level of knowledge of the fractured environment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to marine streamer cleaning. An embodiment provides a streamer cleaning apparatus comprising: a housing comprising an inlet configured to receive a streamer and an outlet configured to dispatch the streamer; and scraper lamellas coupled to the housing, wherein the scraper lamellas are arranged to form an opening to receive the streamer. Methods of cleaning a streamer and streamer cleaning systems are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating an effect of multiple seismic sources concurrently on a geologic formation are provided. Data is read from a seismic source file that describes at least two seismic source types. The concurrent propagation of acoustic energy from the at least two seismic sources types through the geologic formation is modeled. A seismic output file is then generated.

Abstract: A method and system are described for creating a subsurface model and using the subsurface model in hydrocarbon operations. In the method and systems, a global model and one or more local models are obtained. A simulation is performed with the global model to generate global deformation results. The global deformation results are used to determine boundary conditions for the one or more local models. The one or more local models are simulated to generate local deformation results which include fracture characterization for the local model. The global model may or may not be updated based on the local deformation results from the simulation of the local model.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a weather data processing apparatus includes a storage configured to store weather data observed by a weather radar, and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire three-dimensional data of a cumulonimbus from the weather data; to detect a core of the cumulonimbus by using a principal component analysis process of the three-dimensional data; to calculate core detection data for displaying the core; and to execute a display process for effecting three-dimensional display of the cumulonimbus, and display of the core, based on the three-dimensional data of the cumulonimbus and the core detection data.

Abstract: Disclosed are high refractive index, hydrophobic, acrylic materials. These materials have both high refractive index and a high Abbe number. This combination means the materials have a low refractive index dispersion and thus are especially suitable for use as intraocular lens materials. The materials are also suitable for use in other implantable ophthalmic devices, such as keratoprostheses, corneal rings, corneal implants, and corneal inlays.

Abstract: An optical element may include a substrate. The optical element may include a first anti-reflectance structure for a particular wavelength range formed on the substrate. The optical element may include at least one layer disposed on a portion of the first anti-reflectance structure. The optical element may include a second anti-reflectance structure for the particular wavelength range formed on the at least one layer. A depth between a first surface of the first anti-reflectance structure and a second surface of the second anti-reflectance structure, a first index of refraction of the first anti-reflectance structure, a second index of refraction of the second anti-reflectance structure, and a third index of refraction of the at least one layer may be selected to form a diffractive optical element associated with a particular phase delay for the particular wavelength.

Abstract: A gas barrier film has a support, an inorganic layer and an organic layer on one surface of the support, and a light diffusion layer containing a binder and a light diffusion agent on the other surface of the support. The binder has a graft copolymer which has an acryl polymer as a main chain and a urethane polymer or a urethane oligomer having an acryloyl group terminal as a side chain, an acryl polymer which has methacrylate as a side chain, and a graft copolymer which has an acryl polymer as a main chain and a urethane polymer or a urethane oligomer having a polycarbonate group terminal as a side chain.

Abstract: A lens structure formed by materials in different refractive indexes includes a sphere, a first lens and a separation layer which is disposed between the sphere and the first lens. The sphere and the first lens have a different refractive index and the sphere is a round ball. The first lens is formed on the sphere that part of the sphere is exposed out of the first lens, and the first lens includes a first light absorption curve. The separation layer includes a transparent section opposite to the first light absorption curve. When a light beam passes through the second portion of the sphere to form a first light condensing effect and enter the sphere, the light beam will then pass through the transparent section to enter the first lens, forming a second light condensing effect after passing through the first light absorption curve.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens with truncated apexes includes a first lens surface that defines at least one portion of a Fresnel surface profile. The at least one portion of the Fresnel lens surface profile is defined by a plurality of truncated Fresnel structures. Each truncated Fresnel structure of the plurality of the truncated Fresnel structures corresponds to a respective slope facet, a respective draft facet and a respective flat apex surface located between the respective slope facet and the respective draft facet. Also disclosed are a method of making a Fresnel lens mold, and a method of making the Fresnel lens with truncated apexes using the Fresnel lens mold.

Abstract: A wavelength multiplexing device is disclosed. When light is irradiated on a first longitudinal end region of a metal nano-structure, surface plasmon polaritons are generated in the first longitudinal end region. The surface plasmon polaritons and the light are coupled with each other to form first coupled surface plasmon polaritons, wherein the first coupled surface plasmon polaritons propagate along and on a surface of the metal nano-structure. When the first coupled surface plasmon polaritons reach a two-dimensional material layer, excitons are induced in the two-dimensional material layer, wherein the induced excitons and the first coupled surface plasmon polaritons are coupled with each other to form second coupled surface plasmon polaritons. The second coupled surface plasmon polaritons propagate along and on a surface of the metal nano-structure toward a second longitudinal end thereof.

Abstract: A diffusive layer including a laminate of a plurality of transparent films is provided. At least one of the plurality of transparent films includes a plurality of diffusive elements with a concentration that is less than a percolation threshold. The plurality of diffusive elements are optical elements that diffuse light that is impinging on such element. The plurality of diffusive elements can be diffusively reflective, diffusively transmitting or combination of both. The plurality of diffusive elements can include fibers, grains, domains, and/or the like. The at least one film can also include a powder material for improving the diffusive emission of radiation and a plurality of particles that are fluorescent when exposed to radiation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a diffraction grating includes generating an ionized gas, passing the ionized gas through a gating structure to selectively directed gas toward a substrate, injecting an etchant gas into the directed gas, and exposing a surface of the substrate to the directed gas and the injected etchant gas to form grating structures on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel, and a grating layer arranged inside or outside of the display panel. Along a direction pointing from a center of a sight concentration area of the display device to a non-sight concentration area of the display device, a grating period of the grating layer decreases gradually. When incident light incident on the grating layer is diffracted at an area of the grating layer corresponding to the non-sight concentration area of the display device, the obtained light of non-zero order diffraction falls into a sight of a viewer.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition including: a plurality of quantum dots, wherein the quantum dot includes an organic ligand with a hydrophobic moiety bound to a surface of the quantum dot; a binder; a photopolymerizable monomer having a carbon-carbon double bond; a photoinitiator; and a solvent, wherein the binder includes a multiple aromatic ring-containing polymer including a main chain including a carboxylic acid group and a backbone structure incorporated in the main chain, wherein the backbone structure includes a quaternary carbon atom, which is a part of a cyclic group, and two aromatic rings bound to the quaternary carbon atom, and wherein the plurality of quantum dots are dispersed in the binder.

Abstract: A multilayer film including: a first long-length substrate; and an optically anisotropic layer containing cured liquid crystal molecules, the optically anisotropic layer being directly disposed on a surface of the first substrate, wherein the surface of the first substrate has a surface tension of 35 to 45 mN/m and an orientation-regulation force generated by stretching, and the optically anisotropic layer has a slow axis along approximately the same direction as an orientation direction of the first substrate by the stretching; and an optical compensation sheet, a ?/4 wave plate, a polarizing plate, a circularly polarizing plate, a liquid crystal display device, and an organic electroluminescent display device having the optically anisotropic layer, as well as production methods thereof.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for controlling an optical axis of a birefringent material includes an illumination system. The illumination system illuminates the birefringent material that is formed on a curved optical surface with polarized light. The polarized light forms a pattern on the photoalignment material deposited on the curved optical surface. In some configurations, the manufacturing system applies a liquid crystal layer on the formed pattern. The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal director whose orientation is determined by the pattern formed.