Abstract: A method for monitoring fabrication processes of finely structured surfaces in a semiconductor fabrication includes the steps of providing reference signatures of finely structured surfaces, measuring at least one signature of a test specimen surface, comparing the measured signature with the reference signatures, and classifying the test specimen surface by using the comparison results, wherein the measurement of the reference signatures is carried out by measuring the local distribution and/or intensity distribution of diffraction images on production prototypes having a specified quality. The classification is preferably carried out here with a neural network having a learning capability and/or a fuzzy logic. Furthermore, a device for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring properties of a moving paper web. The arrangement comprises measuring means for measuring paper properties, in connection with which a plane-like support surface is arranged. The plane-like support surface supports the paper web and extends substantially over the whole width of the paper web in the cross-direction relative to the direction of travel of the paper web. An opening arrangement formed by at least one opening is arranged on the support surface for measuring properties of the paper web.

Abstract: A method of media type differentiation includes the steps of providing a media sensor including a specular detector that provides a specular signal output having a signal level related to an amount of the reflected specular light received; providing a highly reflective surface positioned to face the media sensor; interposing a print media sheet between the media sensor and the highly reflective surface; using the media sensor to measure a first amount of the reflected specular light and determining a first signal level of the specular signal output of the specular detector; and using the first signal level to differentiate the print media sheet as being one of a transparency media sheet or a high glossy media sheet.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for analyzing data obtained during manufacture of a web of paper or paperboard on a machine. The system comprises a computer including a database module, a statistical analysis module, and a processor for executing the modules. The database module contains measurements of quality parameters obtained from the web during manufacture. The statistical analysis module is executed by the processor to analyze the measurement data and estimate a target shift in at least one quality parameter that could be made if the controllable variations were removed. The target shift can be transformed into an economic amount (i.e., dollar value) by the statistical analysis module to assist the mill operator with making well informed, economic based decisions. The system further includes a diagnostic module capable of automatically identifying machine parameters that correlate to quality parameters that caused the web to fall outside the desired quality specifications.

Abstract: A certification system and method for inspecting of a roll of web material through a web inspection system which includes the inspection of the roll of web material to determine the number, type and location of one or more detectable flaws along the web material. This data “object” representation of the roll map is recorded, and then compared to predetermined product set-up parameters and machine vision hardware integrity data to determine the accuracy of the web inspection. The generated “certification” assures with a substantial degree of precision that the machine vision hardware is calibrated and operating correctly, and that the correct system setup parameters for the particular web product being inspected are being applied.

Abstract: The evaluation reference tape includes at least one recess formed on a magnetic recording layer of a magnetic tape by processing the magnetic recording layer. In the method and apparatus for manufacturing the magnetic recording layer, at least one recess is formed on the magnetic recording layer of the magnetic tape by a laser beam or laser beams in a visible region, an ultraviolet region or both which is incident on the magnetic recording layer of the magnetic tape while the magnetic tape is transported in the longitudinal direction. The evaluation reference tape can perform sensitivity correction of a dropout testing apparatus in accordance with a depth or size of a defect of the magnetic tape and evaluation of the recording/replaying system of the magnetic tape without destroying the evaluation reference tape itself. The method and apparatus can efficiently manufacture the evaluation reference tape.

Abstract: An optical object detector including a feed path, a reference pattern facing the feed path, and an optical sensor configured to view the reference pattern through the feed path, absence of the reference pattern from the view of the optical sensor indicating presence of an object in the feed path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber optic media thickness sensor used in a print media or document processing device. The invention is further directed to a method for measuring media thickness in a media processing device using a fiber optic sensor.

Abstract: A paper skew detection apparatus in an inkjet printer. The paper skew detection apparatus includes a first light emitter positioned below the paper being transported to irradiate light onto the paper; a second light emitter spaced apart from the first light emitter a predetermined distance and positioned below the paper being transported to irradiate light onto the paper; and a detector positioned on one side of a carriage to receive light emitted by the first and second light emitters. Here, the carriage holds an ink cartridge, below which a print head to discharge ink is installed, and reciprocates rectilinearly in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of the paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating distinguishing authenticity features comprising diffraction elements on a document which is illuminated by an illumination source. The distinguishing authenticity element which is to be examined, diffracts the beam of the illuminating source and projects it onto an evaluating unit in the device. In order to be independent of the nature and location of the diffraction pattern, the diffraction pattern derived from the document to be examined is projected onto a screen and the image of the pattern recorded and evaluated by a camera (matrix or cells).

Abstract: In the present invention, an identification code representing that a playing card constitutes a prescribed group is given to the playing card in order to discover an abnormal playing card mingled in with genuine playing cards for illicit purposes. The identification code is read from each of a plurality of playing cards constituting the prescribed group so as to determine whether the playing card is a genuine playing card or an abnormal playing card. The identification code may be provided on the playing card in a condition invisible to the human eye under normal usage conditions.

Abstract: A system of classifying incoming media entering an inkjet printing mechanism identifies transparency media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The media is first optically scanned using a blue-violet light at an initial intensity to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance data. If useable, the data is compared with known values to classify the media so an optimum print mode tailored for the particular media is used. The early transparency detection system avoids time-consuming further steps trying to classify the media as photo media, plain paper, and the like, and facilitates fast printing of transparencies, which can be critical in the business environment when making last minute changes for a presentation. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: A media sensing apparatus includes a media sensor including a light source for generating a light beam, and a diffuse detector positioned in relation to the light source for detecting diffuse light components reflected from a sheet of print media. A media support is provided having a detection portion. The detection portion is located such that the media sensor faces the detection portion. The detection portion is configured to direct specular light components reflected from the detection portion to the diffuse detector in an absence of the sheet of print media being interposed between the media sensor and the detection portion.

Abstract: A measuring device useful for measuring mechanical properties of highly flexible or limp sheet materials. The device includes a base, a pair of clamping members, with one of the clamping members being movable away from and toward the second clamping member. A load sensor is mounted in one of the clamping means for measurement of the required mechanical properties.

Abstract: A sheet curl measurement system and method and an automatic sheet decurling system controlled thereby for the printed paper sheets output of printer. The sheet curl may be remotely sensed without contacting or interfering with the motion of the sheets in their normal sheet path, using a simple but accurate optical sheet curl sensor operating on a portion of the moving sheet at an angle thereto and perpendicularly thereto, with displacement insensitive optics, in both an angular direction substantially parallel to the sheet movement direction and an angular direction substantially transverse to the sheet movement direction, with ratioing of the two output signals.

Abstract: A printhead alignment sensor for an ink jet printer includes at least two terminals defining a gap therebetween. An electrical measuring device detects a change in an electrical parameter between two of the terminals when ink is in the gap between the at least two terminals.

Abstract: A device and a method for processing valuable documents, such as securities, involves the separating of sheets of such documents into strips of documents. These strips are inspected and are subsequently cut into individual valuable documents, such as banknotes.

Abstract: A light-and-shade inspection apparatus and method therefor include an image pick-up device for picking up an image of an object across a dimension (e.g., width) thereof to produce an image data, a projection operational portion for calculating a projection data by adding together a predetermined number of the image data, the image data being produced at each scan of the image pick-up device at a predetermined position along the width of the object, a background lightness operational portion for calculating, based on the projection data produced by the projection operational portion, a background lightness of the object across its width, and a difference operational portion for subtracting the background lightness produced by the background lightness operational portion from the image data produced by the image pick-up device, thereby substantially eliminating variations of the background lightness across the width of the object from the image data.

Abstract: A system of classifying the type of incoming media entering an inkjet or other printing mechanism is provided to identify the media without requiring any special manufacturer markings. The leading edge of the incoming media is optically scanned using a blue-violet light to obtain both diffuse and specular reflectance values. A Fourier transform of these reflectance values generates a spatial frequency signature for the incoming media. The spatial frequency is compared with known values for different types of media to classify the incoming media according to major categories, such as transparencies, glossy photo media, premium paper and plain paper, as well as specific types of media within these categories, such as matte photo premium media and high-gloss photo media. An optimum print mode is selected according to the determined media type to automatically generate outstanding images without unnecessary user intervention. A printing mechanism constructed to implement this method is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a linear position of a moveable member having a code disposed thereupon. The code includes a succession of data fields having at least n characters and including a frame-synch symbol at predetermined intervals in the code. A sensor reads the code on a predetermined portion of the moveable member. The predetermined portion of the member includes code having at least one frame-synch symbol and n characters. The sensor transmits a data signal as a function of the read code. A processing device is coupled with the sensor to receive the data signal. The processing device transmits a position signal as a function of the data signal, with the position signal being indicative of the linear position of the moveable member.

Abstract: A defective roll in a strip processing line, e.g. an aluminum alloy strip cleaning line, may create an undesirable mark on the strip material. Where a plurality of rolls are in use, the defective roll is identified by providing a downstream inspection station which includes a data processor. When a mark on the strip passes the inspection station, the processor is activated whereby the rolls go through a timed opening and closing sequence. During this sequence, if no mark is observed on the strip at the time when a repeat of the mark would be expected, the lapsed time is compared to a data base and the defective roll is thereby identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for plain dyeing a textile web of fabric by means of a padding mangle. The squeezing force distribution between the rollers of the padding mangles is controlled according to the dye distribution in the web of fabric which is still provided with the initial humidity on the output of the padding mangle, whereby said dye distribution is measured on certain points by means of a dye measuring appliance. Measuring the dye of the humid web of fabric is simplified and the measured result is improved when a dye receiver is used as the dye measuring device, whereby said receiver separately detects the radiation of a white light source according to pure dyes, said radiation being reflected on the web of fabric in a diffuse manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring stress in a thin film and method of manufacturing a probe used therefor. The stress measurement apparatus of the present invention comprises a light source unit, a sensor unit which introduces light from the light source to the backside of a substrate and introduces the light reflected therefrom to a photodetector, a photodetector, and a unit which processes the intensity of detected light through an amplification. The sensor unit is a fiber-optic bundle probe which comprises a plurality of input optical-fiber strands, a plurality of output optical-fiber strands that are placed symmetrically around each of the input optical-fiber strands, and a capillary tube for integrating these optical-fiber strands by inserting them therein. In the arrangement of the optical-fiber strands, a simulation program can be used which simulates the experimental results for the best sensitivity.

Abstract: A printer, which can detect a media sheet type, includes: a light emitting source and a reflector, the light emitting source being capable of emitting light in a light emission direction towards the reflector, the reflector being arranged in light emission direction and being capable of reflecting light emitted by the light emitting source in a light reflection direction; a detector being arranged such that it can detect reflected light; and a controller connected to the reflector, the controller being capable of modulating a characteristic of the reflected light.

Abstract: A device and associated method useful for determining whether a disk has a chipped edge. The preferred device includes a laser that radiates a laser beam to the disk in the vicinity of its edge. The preferred device also includes a radiation detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation from the laser after the radiation has been transmitted, reflected, retracted or scattered by the disk. A chip in the vicinity of the edge of the disk will direct the electromagnetic radiation differently than an intact disk edge. Therefore, the radiation detector can utilize changes in the detected electromagnetic radiation in order to determine whether the edge of the disk is intact or whether it has a defect, such as an edge chip.

Abstract: A surface of an optical sensor which faces on a paper money transport path is covered by transparent antistatic covers in order to prevent to as great an extent as possible the adhering of dust and dirt to the optical sensor.

Abstract: A certification system and method for inspecting of a roll of web material through a web inspection system which includes the inspection of the roll of web material to determine the number, type and location of one or more detectable flaws along the web material. This data “object” representation of the roll map is recorded, and then compared to predetermined product set-up parameters and machine vision hardware integrity data to determine the accuracy of the web inspection. The generated “certification” assures with a substantial degree of precision that the machine vision hardware is calibrated and operating correctly, and that the correct system setup parameters for the particular web product being inspected are being applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an information record medium is provided. The apparatus includes an emitting device, a light receiving device and a determining device. The emitting device respectively emits a plurality of light beams whose wave lengths are different from each other. Then, the light receiving device receives respective reflection lights from an information record medium of the emitted respective light beams, and outputs light reception signals respectively corresponding to the received reflection lights. After that, the determining device determines a type of the information record medium in accordance with a ratio between the outputted respective light reception signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the color and/or composition of a material. A sample of the material is illuminated with at least three illumination bands singly or in combination, said illumination bands collectively substantially spanning at least the visible range. The light reflected or transmitted by the sample is measured with at least four light detector elements responsive to light in wavelength bands which substantially span the visible range when the sample is illuminated. The measured reflected or transmitted light is compared to the light reflected or transmitted by a reference material of known apparent emissivity or transmissivity and the apparent emissivity or transmissivity of the sample is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a thread, for example the weft thread in a loom of the type in which the weft is driven through the shed of the loom with the aid of a jet, such as a gas jet, for example an air jet, and which has a reed with a longitudinal channel for the weft. An arm with a free end is placed in a position at which it is desirable to monitor the weft. The arm free end has at least one light source for illuminating the monitoring point and any weft located there. A number of light-sensitive elements on the arm free end are aimed towards the channel of the reed to sense the light reflected therefrom. Each light sensitive element generates an electric signal corresponding to the reflected light and is connected to an evaluator circuit for adding the signals regardless of whether the weft at the monitoring point results in an increase or a reduction of the signals obtained from the light-sensitive elements, to generate a signal corresponding to the absolute value of the signals.

Abstract: Drive systems for moving the optics sled in a laser servowriting system used to provide a servo pattern on the media of a magnetic data storage disk are disclosed. The drive systems include multiple actuators located about the centroidal axis of the optics sled. Moments induced by the multiple actuators acting on the optics sled can be balanced by varying the forces applied to the optics sled by the actuators. Also disclosed are control systems and methods for balancing the forces provided by the actuators by varying the gains on the signals driving the actuators.

Abstract: A method and a measuring machine for analyzing at least one property of a paper web (7). According to the invention a jumbo roll (5) from a paper machine is placed in a measuring machine and its paper web (7) is conveyed from an unreeling section (1), through a measuring section (3) to a reeling section (2). A measuring sequence is performed which comprises stepwise feeding of the paper web and measuring the property in the measuring section, when the paper web is stationary, within a web-width measuring area which in the machine direction corresponds to said step length, by scanning traversing a measuring sensor. The values recorded are transmitted to a computer unit for processing and conversion to a visual form.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the color quality of color patches printed on a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of using an imaging device to receive light reflected from the printed image on the substrate to produce a signal. The signal is transmitted from the imaging device to a computer and processed in the computer. Processing the signal in the computer includes the steps of digitizing the signal to produce a digitized array of pixels, each pixel having an associated color value, determining a portion of the pixels within the digitized array corresponding to the color patch, determining an acceptable range of color values for the pixels in the portion of the pixels, determining for each pixel in the portion of pixels whether the color value is within the acceptable range, and computing an aggregate color value for the color patch by averaging the color values of each pixel in the portion of pixels including only those color values within the acceptable range.