Abstract: A physical information acquisition method in which a corresponding wavelength region of visible light with at least one visible light detection unit coupled to an image signal processing unit is detected, each said visible light detection unit comprising a color filter adapted to transmit the corresponding wavelength region of visible light; a wavelength region of infrared light with at least one infrared light detection unit coupled to the image signal processing unit is detected; and, with the signal processing unit, a first signal received from the at least one visible light detection unit by subtracting a product from said first signal is corrected, said product resulting from multiplication of a second signal received from the at least one infrared light detection unit and a predetermined coefficient factor.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an irradiation unit for radiating, to an object, light having a plurality of wavelength regions, and an image pickup unit for picking up an image that is obtained when the light having the wavelength regions is radiated by the irradiation unit and an image that is obtained when the light is not radiated by the irradiation unit. Based on both images, a wavelength region from among the wavelength regions is determined in which the intensity of external light is low. The irradiation unit is then controlled to radiate light having an increased emission intensity for the light having the wavelength region in which the intensity of external light is low.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source with a first luminescent portion that outputs light with a first wavelength range and a second luminescent portion that outputs light with a second wavelength range, the wavelength ranges being different from each other; a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected from an original irradiated by the light source; a scanning portion that shifts a reading position of the original in a vertical scanning direction by changing a relative position between the original and the light-receiving portion; a switching portion that alternately turns on the first and second luminescent portions when the scanning portion shifts the reading position, wherein a vertical scanning resolution for a first data obtained when the first luminescent portion is turned on is independently set from a vertical scanning resolution for a second data obtained when the second luminescent portion is turned on.

Abstract: A method is described for assessing at least one characteristic of a fluid held in a container that utilizes visible—near infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics. A method is also provided for calibrating VIS-NIR analyser(s) operating in transflectance mode for one or more characteristics of a fluid.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fire condition in a monitored region including the operations of: concurrently monitoring the region using: a plurality of fire combustion product emission band sensors, each band sensor sensitive to radiation within a respective waveband which includes at least part of a respective fire combustion product emission band of a plurality of fire combustion products, the plurality of fire combustion products equal to n; a first reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a first reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths shorter than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and a second reference band sensor sensitive to radiation within a second reference waveband which includes at least some wavelengths longer than the n fire combustion product emission bands; and using the band sensors to obtain n+2 measurement values of radiation intensity emitted from the monitored region in determining the presence or absence of the fire condition.

Abstract: An imaging system (FIG. 3) is disclosed that has a wavelength dependent focal shift caused by longitudinal chromatic aberration in a lens assembly (203) that provides extended depth of field imaging due to focal shift (213,214) and increased resolution due to reduced lens system magnification. In use, multiple wavelengths of quasi-monochromatic illumination, from different wavelength LEDs (206,207) or the like, illuminate the target, either sequentially, or in parallel in conjunction with an imager (200) with wavelength selective (colored) filters. Images are captured with different wavelengths of illumination that have different focus positions (208,209), either sequentially or by processing the color planes of a color imager separately. Extended depth of field, plus high resolution are achieved. Additionally, information about the range to the target can be determined by analyzing the degree of focus of the various colored images.

Abstract: An image sensor is provided which includes a multilayer structure having a first light receiving unit to extract a signal corresponding to color information of incident light of a visible region and a second light receiving unit to extract a signal corresponding to light of an infrared region and white light corresponding to the visible region.

Abstract: A multi-band focal plane array architecture operative to detect multiple spectral image. The multi-band focal plane array architecture has an integrated readout circuit, a plurality of first detectors integrated in the readout circuit and a plurality of second detectors deposited on the readout circuit. Preferably, the first detectors are operative to detect visible signals and the second detectors are operative to detect infrared signals. The first and second detectors are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, in alternate rows or columns, or at least partially overlapped with each other to realize simultaneous detection in two different wavelength bands. The architecture may also have an additional integrated readout circuit flip-chip bonded to the integrated readout circuit. By forming a plurality of third detectors on the additional integrated readout circuit, a tri-band focal plane array may be realized.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for outputting an image corresponding to a situation of a subject to an outside, including: a far-infrared camera for detecting an electromagnetic wave in a far-infrared radiation region; a visible-light camera for detecting a visible light, the visible-light camera including a luminance determining portion for determining the situation depending on a luminance of the detected visible light, and a lightness determining portion for determining the situation depending on lightness of the detected visible light; and a switching-over portion for switching an image captured by the far-infrared camera, and an image captured by the visible-light camera over to each other in accordance with the determination made by the luminance determining portion and the determination made by the lightness determining portion.

Abstract: An inspection device includes a light source emitting ultraviolet light onto a banknote conveyed on a conveyance path, a light source emitting infrared light onto the banknote, a photosensor for detecting light from the banknote, a light source control processing portion for controlling the light sources while individually switching the light sources at high speed, and a discrimination processing portion. The discrimination processing portion first imports each of two detection signals (output signals) from the photosensor, which are obtained by substantially within an identical period of time when the banknote is illuminated with the light through sequential lighting of the light sources and calculates an output ratio of the photosensor. Then the calculated output ratio of the photosensor is compared and collated with reference data preliminarily stored in a memory, determining authenticity and denomination of the banknote.

Abstract: A method of displaying together IR image data and visible light image data corresponding to the same field of view in the same image is disclosed, comprising displaying IR image data in at least a first portion of the image and visible light image data in at least a second portion of the image. The method is characterized by the step of displaying the IR image data according to a colouring scheme adapted to the temperature range relevant to the first portion of the image. The resolution in the relevant temperature range may be increased by applying the entire range of colours available in the colouring scheme to the selected temperature range.

Abstract: A camera that can capture a visible light image and an infrared image of a target scene. The camera includes a focusable infrared lens and a display. The display provides the visible light and infrared images in a focus mode or an analysis mode. In the focus mode, the percentage of infrared imagery of the target scene is relatively higher to assist the user in focusing the infrared image. In analysis mode, the percentage of infrared imagery is relatively lower to assist the user in analyzing and visualizing the target scene. The modes may be switched manually or automatically.

Abstract: A smart thermal imaging and inspection of wheels for the automatic inspection and analysis of railroad car wheels but can also be used for wheeled object that contain a bearing. The inventive device includes a thermal imaging camera, visual imaging camera, imaging processing unit. Users interface which allows for all parameters to be set.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a transmission path, an electromagnetic-wave input unit through which an electromagnetic wave enters the transmission path, an electromagnetic-wave detector configured to detect the electromagnetic wave propagating through the transmission path, and a bent portion provided in the transmission path. The electromagnetic wave propagates through the transmission path while radiating to the periphery of the transmission path. The bent portion is provided in the transmission path for allowing an interaction to occur between a test subject and the electromagnetic wave in the transmission path. When the test subject is positioned relative to the bent portion, the electromagnetic-wave detector detects a change in the state of the electromagnetic wave caused by the interaction occurring between the test subject and the electromagnetic wave in the bent portion. The detected information provides a basis for obtaining information on the test subject.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor that is photosensitive vis-à-vis at least part of the radiation in the infrared range and at least part of the radiation in the visible range. This sensor is provided with a filter affecting all or part of a receiving zone of the sensor and able to filter radiation in the wavelengths to which the sensor is sensitive according to a filtering level that varies locally.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring ozone in the atmosphere. The apparatus utilizes a fiber optic cable connected to a collimating lens located outdoors and a spectrometer that is located indoors. A pan-and-tilt positioning unit having a pan-axis capable of tracking an azimuth angle of the Sun, and a tilt-axis capable of tracking an elevation angle of the Sun, is utilized for automatically pointing the collimating lens directly at the Sun and taking readings for column ozone determination on any given day of the year. The apparatus and method utilizes a computer that is in electrical communication with the spectrometer and the pan-and-tilt unit.

Abstract: A method of fusing IR image data and visible light image data corresponding to the same field of view in the same image is disclosed, comprising displaying IR image data in at least a first portion of the image and visible light image data in at least a second portion of the image. The method is characterized by the step of displaying the IR image data according to a colouring scheme adapted to the temperature range relevant for the first portion of the image. The resolution in the relevant temperature range is increased by applying the entire range of colours available in the colouring scheme to the selected temperature range.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (DA) for analyzing microscopic elements, comprising firstly a measuring space (CM) for microscopic elements to be analyzed, secondly at least one source (S) delivering conjugated rays at the measuring space (CM), having at least two different analyzing wavelengths and designed to interact with the microscopic elements in the measuring space (CM) to form interacting rays, thirdly coding means (M) for encoding the rays upstream of the measuring space (CM) with different codes, fourthly optical filtering means (FO) for selectively filtering the interacting rays of fluorescence and/or diffusion depending on their wavelength, fifthly detecting means (DE, DF) for transforming into electric signals part at least of the interacting rays from the measuring space (CM), and sixthly analyzing means (MA) including decoding means (DRE, DRF) for decoding the electric signals to enable data representing the analyzed microscopic elements to be determined.

Abstract: A system and method employing infrared laser spectrography and dual wavelength modulation to monitor the concentration of a gas, such as oxygen or carbon dioxide, in the sample vial, or to monitor the pressure in the sample vial, to thus detect for microorganism growth in the sample vial. The system and method each employ an energy emitting device, such as an infrared laser, a detector and a signal analyzer, such as a spectroscopy device. The infrared laser emits toward the container infrared energy having a substantially single wavelength substantially equal to a wavelength at which the gas absorbs the infrared energy. The detector detects a portion of the energy signal that passes through the container, and the signal analyzer spectroscopically analyzes the detected portion of the energy signal to determine whether the gas exists in the container, or to determine the pressure in the container.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a camera unit, a panorama-image generating section generating a panorama image of the entire area by combining a plurality of unit images obtained by the camera unit, a panorama-image storage/management section storing and managing the panorama image generated by the panorama-image generating section, a thermal camera photographing an object that has a temperature falling within a preset temperature range as a thermal image, a direction controller sequentially shifting the photographing direction of the thermal camera within the area being photographed, a thermal-image generating section combining a plurality of thermal images provided by the thermal camera, an image-synthesizing section synthesizing the panorama image generated by the panorama-image generating section, with the panorama thermal image generated by the thermal-image generating section, and a display displaying the synthesized image generated by the image-synthesizing section.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to method and apparatus for obtaining a multimodal hyperspectral image of a sample for widefield spectral analysis. An apparatus according to one embodiment may include a plurality of optical lenses configured to interchangeably receive photons and focus the photons; a plurality of tunable filters positioned in a filter housing, each tunable filter selectively receiving the focused dispersed photons from one of the plurality of optical lenses, each tunable filter providing wavelength-selective filtered photons; a first optical camera and a second optical cameras for selectively receiving the wavelength-selective filtered photons from each of the plurality of tunable filters and combining said filtered photons to form a hyperspectral spatially accurate, wavelength-resolved image of the sample.

Abstract: A quantum nanodot camera, comprising: a quantum nanodot camera sensor including: at least one visible pixel sensor configured to capture scenes including actors and/or objects in a visible band; and at least one IR pixel sensor configured to capture motions of at least one quantum nanodot (QD) marker tuned to emit a narrowband IR signal.

Abstract: An IR camera for recording and presenting a thermal image of an object includes optical receiving elements for focusing infra-red radiation received from the object onto a focal plane array and processing elements for receiving and processing the data from the focal plane array to form a thermal image, presentation elements for presenting the thermal image and storage elements for storing the thermal image. The IR camera further includes receiving elements for receiving from at least one humidity sensor arranged to provide humidity information, information about the humidity in a least one measuring point on the object, and forwarding the humidity information to the processing elements, the processing elements the processing elements being arranged to include the humidity information in the thermal image. In this way the camera can directly identify any points on the object where there is risk for damp.

Abstract: A real-time bulk material analyzing system is disclosed for analyzing the elemental characteristics of bulk material passing by the system on a moving conveyor belt. An exemplary embodiment includes a source of illumination emitting white light for exciting bulk material to be analyzed, and a hyperspectral imaging spectrometer for capturing spectral reflectance from bulk material excited by the illumination source. A non-hazardous source of excitation can be used, which allows the bulk material to pass unobstructed and undisturbed through the detector array.

Abstract: A sensor for color and depth information capture is disclosed. A filter passes selected wavelengths according to a predetermined pattern to the sensor. The sensor measures light intensities passed by the filter. In one embodiment, the wavelengths passed by the filter correspond to red, green, blue and infrared light. The intensity values can be used for interpolation operations to provide intensity values for areas not captured by the sensor. For example, in an area corresponding to a pixel for which an intensity of red light is captured, interpolation operations using neighboring intensity values can be used to provide an estimation of blue, green and infrared intensities. Red, green and blue intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide visible color image information. Infrared intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide depth and/or surface texture information.

Abstract: A method for the detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms using Raman scattered light and transmitted light in the near infrared spectral region. The method may include passing the Raman scattered light and transmitted light through a FAST fiber array spectral translator.

Abstract: An optical lens 1 makes three components of visible light and near infrared light in different wavelength regions severally form images at different locations according to their wavelengths. An imaging element 2 has a plurality of pixels, which include pixels having a visible light detection section 6 and pixels having a near infrared light detection section 8. The visible light detection section 6 has three detectors 3, 4, and 5 which detect three components of visible light which form images at locations of different depths in the same pixel according to their wavelengths. The near infrared light detection section 8 has a near infrared light detector 7 which detects near infrared light which forms an image at a location of a depth different from the depths at which the three components of visible light form images.

Abstract: An imaging system (FIG. 3) is disclosed that has a wavelength dependent focal shift caused by longitudinal chromatic aberration in a lens assembly (203) that provides extended depth of field imaging due to focal shift (213,214) and increased resolution due to reduced lens system magnification. In use, multiple wavelengths of quasi-monochromatic illumination, from different wavelength LEDs (206,207) or the like, illuminate the target, either sequentially, or in parallel in conjunction with an imager (200) with wavelength selective (colored) filters. Images are captured with different wavelengths of illumination that have different focus positions (208,209), either sequentially or by processing the color planes of a color imager separately. Extended depth of field, plus high resolution are achieved. Additionally, information about the range to the target can be determined by analyzing the degree of focus of the various colored images.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electromagnetic radiation sensing device with integrated housing including two superimposed sensors. A first sensor detects one first wavelength range, and a second sensor detects a second wavelength range. The first sensor is arranged inside a protective housing, whereof at least the upper wall includes the second sensor. The wavelengths of the first range, for example included in the infrared domain are, preferably, greater than the wavelengths of the second range, which can be included in the visible or ultraviolet domain. The first sensor is, preferably, a bolometer comprising a sensitive elements and support element forming electrical connection elements between the first sensor and/or the second sensor and an electronic processing circuit.

Abstract: SiC at least about 400 micrometers thick, and preferably within the range of about 400-2,000 micrometers thick, is employed to detect electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength less than about 10 micrometers via an acoustic absorption mechanism. The SiC body preferably has a non-dopant impurity level low enough that it does not interfere with a single crystal structure for the SiC, and an approximately uniform thickness with an approximately flat radiation receiving surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for detecting whether a corona discharge has occurred external or internal to equipment in which a broadband optical spectra sensor is placed. The broadband optical spectra sensor senses both the ultraviolet energy of the corona discharge and the infrared energy of afterglow of the discharge when the discharge occurs internal to the equipment. The sensed broadband optical spectra signal is processed and a determination is made as to whether the corona discharge occurred external or internal to the equipment from the pulse width of the sensed energy pulse.

Abstract: A plurality of imagers, each responsive to a different wavelength range of light radiation, share the same optical system of lenses. An optical film on a substrate is used to split the light beam emanating from the shared optical system. The first wavelength range is reflected by the film to a first imager. The second wavelength range is transmitted through the film and the substrate to a second imager.

Abstract: A device for improving the view in a motor vehicle. It includes with a radiation source for illumination of the vehicle environment with infrared radiation, an infrared sensitive camera for detecting at least a part of the illuminated vehicle environment and a display for presenting the image information detected by the camera. In accordance with the invention, the camera is provided with an IR-filter which exhibits areas of differing transmission characteristics. The IR-filter thereby exhibits at least one area with a degree of transmission of approximately 70% for visible light or parts thereof and preferably at least a second area with a degree of transmission of approximately or less than 10?5 for visible light. By this design of the device for improving the view in a motor vehicle it is made possible to provide a reliable detection if the vehicle environment and thereby to more reliably map out the road traffic.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation image of the collimated beam. The filtered images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample. Two efficient means for performing three dimensional near infrared chemical imaging microscopy are provided.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for image recognition includes a plurality of optical sensor elements (R,G,B) of a first type, the sensor elements being arranged in a raster layout and responding to light in the visible wavelength range. The sensor arrangement also includes further sensor elements (IR) of a second type. The further sensor elements respond to light in the invisible wavelength range.

Abstract: A dual wavelength focal plane has a first array of infrared sensing pixel elements and a second array of visible light pixel elements adapted to be selective to colors encountered while driving an automobile. The second array is selective to the colors red, blue and green, so being selective to traffic control signals, including brake lights of other automobiles. The arrays are vertically stacked on a monolithic silicon substrate. The arrays are electrically coupled to a processor and display to integrate the infrared and color pixel elements into a view for a driver of the automobile.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation image of the collimated beam. The filtered images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample. Two efficient means for performing three dimensional near infrared chemical imaging microscopy are provided.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging workstation includes both UV and VNIR sensors together in a single enclosure. Each sensor captures an image of a target or specimen, resulting in respective UV and VNIR data sets which are then merged into a single hyperspectral data set that includes a highly correlated contiguous spectral bands throughout a range of from 200 to 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: A device for measuring particulate matter includes a light source that emits light, a receiver positioned to receive light emitted from the light source, and a detection unit in communication with the receiver. The detection unit detects an amount of particulate matter based upon the light received by the receiver.

Abstract: A multi-spectral detector for use in a passive/active system and a method for use in identifying an object in a field of view are disclosed. The multi-spectral detection system comprises an optically dispersive element, a detector array, and an integrated circuit. The optically dispersive element is capable of separating received LADAR radiation and radiation received from a scene into a plurality of spectral components and distributing the separated spectral components; and a detector array. The detector array includes a plurality of detectors capable of detecting the LADAR radiation; and a plurality of detectors capable of detecting the spectral components of the scene radiation. The integrated circuit is capable of generating a plurality of electrical signals representative of predetermined characteristics of the detected LADAR radiation and the detected spectral components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring particulates in vehicle emissions. An ultraviolet light beam having a predetermined wavelength, and an infrared light beam having a predetermined wavelength are propagated through the exhaust plume of a vehicle that has passed on the road. The reduction in intensities of the light beams are measured. The reduction in intensity of the ultraviolet light is due to scattering of the light by particles in the exhaust. A portion of the reduction in intensity of the infrared light is due to absorption of the light by carbon dioxide in the exhaust and a portion of the reduction in intensity is due to the scattering of light by the particles in the exhaust. To distinguish between the two, a portion of the infrared light is run through a test cell with a known amount of carbon dioxide. The reduction in intensity is measured and compared with the reduction in intensity of the infrared light passing through the exhaust plume.

Abstract: A spectrum measuring apparatus for measuring infrared, Raman and fluorescence spectra. The spectrum measuring apparatus includes an infrared source, a laser source, an infrared up-conversion object lens, an object lens, a dual color lens, an ocular, a narrow band filter, a visible light image capturing device and a sample pedestal. The infrared spectrum is measured by the infrared up-conversion object lens. The Raman and fluorescence spectra are measured by the object lens.

Abstract: In a wide band light sensing pixel array (100) comprising pixel groups (105), a ratio of a visible exposure period to a near infrared exposure period is controlled by a control circuit (108) to be essentially equivalent to a ratio of a second nominal sensitivity to a first nominal sensitivity. The visible exposure period is an exposure period of a set of visible light pixels having the first nominal sensitivity. The near infrared exposure period is an exposure period of a near infrared light pixel having the second nominal sensitivity. A subset of the set of visible light pixels and the near infrared light pixel in each pixel group (105) and circuit components associated only with the subset can be turned off during a reduced color mode.

Abstract: An imaging system using a color shutter receives signals indicative of color information in a plurality of planes together with infrared information and a signal indicative of the infrared radiation alone. The infrared radiation signal may be subtracted from the signals associated with the color planes to develop signals free of infrared radiation effects for each of the desired color planes. In addition an infrared signal is available which may have useful applications in some situations. In this way, color information color bands may be obtained without the need an infrared filter and infrared information is retained for use in other applications if desired. In addition infrared and dark current information may be derived that can be used for dark current correction.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging workstation includes both UV and VNIR sensors together in a single enclosure. Each sensor captures an image of a target or specimen, resulting in respective UV and VNIR data sets which are then merged into a single hyperspectral data set that includes a highly correlated contiguous spectral bands throughout a range of from 200 to 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: The optical member used in an actual-use wavelength region in the infrared region has a substrate 11 and an optical thin film consisting of a plurality of layers that are formed on the substrate 11. The film forming apparatus comprises an optical monitor 4 which measures the spectroscopic characteristics in a specified wavelength region in the visible region, an optical monitor 5 which measures the spectroscopic characteristics in a specified region in the infrared region, and an actual-use wavelength region optical monitor which measures the spectroscopic characteristics in the actual-use wavelength region. The film thicknesses of the respective layers that are formed are determined on the basis of the spectroscopic characteristics measured by either the monitor 4 or monitor 5, and the set film thickness values of layers that have not yet been formed are adjusted on the basis of these film thicknesses.

Abstract: A flame detection device for detecting a flame caused by a fire, including a light attenuation filter for attenuating 90% or greater of light with wavelengths in a visible to near-infrared band radiated from the flame. The flame detection device further includes an imager for photographing an image of the attenuated light incident thereon, and a processing section for deciding the flame from the image obtained by the imager.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation image of the collimated beam. The filtered images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample. Two efficient means for performing three dimensional near infrared chemical imaging microscopy are provided.

Abstract: A decentralized method and system for vehicle emissions testing preferably uses the OBD unit of the vehicle to be tested. A preferred implementation of the method and system includes a remote overview or supervisory location in communication with a plurality of decentralized inspection stations or test locations. Supervisory personnel at the remote overview location are in video and data communication with the inspection location and thus are able to monitor and audit all aspects of the OBD testing process, including a review of the actual test data.

Abstract: An image reading method for forming an image on a transmission original irradiated with visible light and infrared light by an image forming optical system and reading the image by reading means, comprising an image forming magnification correction step of correcting a difference between the image forming magnification of a visible-light image and the image forming magnification of an infrared-light image by the image forming optical system, so that the image reading apparatus can be miniaturized and simplified and defects such as foreign matters and flaws on the original can adequately be corrected.