Abstract: A system for determining a distance to a region of interest. The system may be used to adjust focus of a motion picture camera. The system may include a first camera configured to have a first field of view, and a second camera configured to have a second field of view that overlaps at least a portion of the first field of view. The system may include a processor configured to calculate a distance of the selected region of interest relative to a location by comparing a position of the selected region of interest in the first field of view with a position of the selected region of interest in the second field of view.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance to a region of interest. The system may be used to adjust focus of a motion picture camera. The system may include a first camera configured to have a first field of view, and a second camera configured to have a second field of view that overlaps at least a portion of the first field of view. The system may include a processor configured to calculate a distance of the selected region of interest relative to a location by comparing a position of the selected region of interest in the first field of view with a position of the selected region of interest in the second field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting screen contents and adaptive enablement of screen content coding modes. Encoding mode decision may be made adaptive to include or exclude screen content coding (SCC) modes. In some embodiments, a screen content decision is based on one or more statistics characterizing a distribution of meaningful colors (e.g., chroma) and/or intensities (e.g., luma) determined for a population of pixels of an input picture. In some embodiments, a screen content decision is based on one or more statistics characterizing the pure flat area of an input picture and the area with extreme sharp edges. Pictures may be encoded according to a mode selection that is adaptive to the screen content decision, for example selecting between encoding modes that include SCC modes, or selecting between encoding modes that exclude SCC modes.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an article with a defect detection tool includes receiving one or more articles at an inspection station and inspecting one of the received one or more articles by evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool. The defect detection tool includes a clear body including a surface element sized to correspond to the at least one physical defect in the article. Evaluating the article for at least one physical defect with the defect detection tool includes applying the defect detection tool against the article to align the surface element with a potential physical defect in the surface of the article and determining that the at least one physical defect is present when the potential physical defect has a size equal to or larger than a size of the linear element or a size of the circular element.

Abstract: An image capture device assembly includes a light source that emits a reference light pattern, an image capture device, and a control device that controls the light source and the image capture device. The light source emits the reference light pattern to a subject with high brightness and low brightness, respectively, under the control of the control device. The image capture device captures an image of the reference light pattern and the subject in a high brightness irradiation state and outputs a first image signal to the control device. The image capture device captures an image of at least the subject in a low brightness irradiation state and outputs a second image signal to the control device. The control device generates a reference light pattern image signal from a difference between the first image signal and the second image signal.

Abstract: A method for generating a composite image includes receiving a first image that includes an eyeglass lens illuminated by a first illumination source radiating electromagnetic radiation in a first polarization state, and receiving a second image that includes the eyeglass lens illuminated by a second illumination source radiating electromagnetic radiation in a second polarization state. The second polarization state is different from the first polarization state, and the second illumination source is spatially separated from the first illumination source. The method also includes identifying, in the first image, a first portion that represents a reflection of the first illumination source on the eyeglass lens, and generating the composite image in which the first portion is replaced by a corresponding second portion from the second image. The first portion and the second portion represent substantially a same portion of the eyeglass lens.

Abstract: A method for generating a composite image includes receiving a first image that includes an eyeglass lens illuminated by a first illumination source radiating electromagnetic radiation in a first polarization state, and receiving a second image that includes the eyeglass lens illuminated by a second illumination source radiating electromagnetic radiation in a second polarization state. The second polarization state is different from the first polarization state, and the second illumination source is spatially separated from the first illumination source. The method also includes identifying, in the first image, a first portion that represents a reflection of the first illumination source on the eyeglass lens, and generating the composite image in which the first portion is replaced by a corresponding second portion from the second image. The first portion and the second portion represent substantially a same portion of the eyeglass lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflection correction method for correcting digital microscopic images. Here, the reflection correction method comprises: illuminating an object, the illuminating of the object having at least two illumination patterns. Creating an illumination pattern image of the object for each illumination pattern. Calculating at least one partial reflection image, in each case by means of a combination of corresponding two illumination pattern images. Calculating a reflection-corrected image of the object by means of a suitable combination of at least one illumination pattern image and at least one partial reflection image. And, in this case, each illumination pattern as at least one active illumination source, and each illumination pattern is different from all others. Furthermore, the invention relates to an associated reflection-correcting device.

Abstract: An endoscopic system including an endoscope device that outputs image data, an illumination device that illuminates a body of a patient, and circuitry that obtains, from the image data, at least two frames each captured with a different illumination state, generate, from at least two obtained frames, a composite image that has a reduced specular reflection light component with respect to at least one of the obtained frames, and generate a video signal including the composite image.

Abstract: In general, an imaging system to synchronously record a spatial image and a spectral image of a portion of the spatial image is described. In some examples, a beam splitter of the imaging system splits an optical beam, obtained from a viewing device, into a first split beam directed by the imaging system to a spatial camera and a second split beam directed by the imaging system to the entrance slit of an imaging spectrograph that is coupled to a spectral camera. An electronic apparatus synchronously triggers the spatial camera and the spectral camera to synchronously record a spatial image and a spectral image, respectively.

Abstract: Some implementations relate to determining whether glare is present in captured image(s) of an object (e.g., a photo) and/or to determining one or more attributes of any present glare. Some of those implementations further relate to adapting one or more parameters for a glare removal process based on whether the glare is determined to be present and/or based on one or more of the determined attributes of any glare determined to be present. Some additional and/or alternative implementations disclosed herein relate to correcting color of a flash image of an object (e.g., a photo). The flash image is based on one or more images captured by a camera of a client device with a flash component of the client device activated. In various implementations, correcting the color of the flash image is based on a determined color space of an ambient image of the object.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance to a region of interest. The system may be used to adjust focus of a motion picture camera. The system may include a first camera configured to have a first field of view, and a second camera configured to have a second field of view that overlaps at least a portion of the first field of view. The system may include a processor configured to calculate a distance of the selected region of interest relative to a location by comparing a position of the selected region of interest in the first field of view with a position of the selected region of interest in the second field of view.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping fluid objects on a substrate using a microscope inspection system that includes a light source, imaging device, stage for moving a substrate disposed on the stage, and a control module. A computer analysis system includes an object identification module that identifies for each of the objects on the substrate, an object position on the substrate including a set of X, Y, and ? coordinates using algorithms, networks, machines and systems including artificial intelligence and image processing algorithms. At least one of the objects is fluid and has shifted from a prior position or deformed from a prior size.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring Web page content associated with processing a resource request are provided. A client computing device generates a sample image corresponding to a set of resources rendered in response to a resource request. A processing component, such as an image analysis component, then compares the sample image with an averaged reference image to identify a compared image. The averaged reference image is determined from averaging a pixel intensity value for each pixel in a first reference image with a pixel intensity value for each pixel in a second reference image. These first and second reference images both correspond to the same set of requested resources. The processing component then weights the compared image to produce a weighted compared image and determines whether a sum of the intensity values for each pixel in the weighted compared image exceeds a threshold. Aspects of systems and methods for generating an alert message if the threshold is exceeded are also provided.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus, system, and method, each of which: acquires a master image serving as an inspection reference, the master image being generated based on image data to be printed as a printed image; acquires a read image read from the printed image; extracts a neighboring region neighboring an edge region of the master image; determines whether a change amount of density of pixels in the neighboring region falls within a predetermined range; based on a determination that the change amount of density of pixels in the neighboring region falls within the predetermined range, calculates a statistic of density of pixels in a corresponding region of the read image, which corresponds to the neighboring region of the master image; and determines existence or non-existence of a defect in the corresponding region of the read image based on the statistic of the corresponding region.

Abstract: A system configured to detect defects in an inspection image generated by collecting signals arriving from an article, the system comprising a tangible processor which includes: (i) a distribution acquisition module, configured to acquire a distribution of comparison values, each of the comparison values being indicative of a relationship between a value associated with a pixel of the inspection image and a corresponding reference value; (ii) a fitting module, configured to fit to the distribution an approximation function out of a predefined group of functions; and (iii) a defect detection module, configured to: (a) set a defect detection criterion based on a result of the fitting; and to (b) determine a presence of a defect in the inspection image, based on the defect detection criterion.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically photographing vehicles in a drive-thru structure is provided where the passage of a vehicle triggers an automated process that captures a series of vehicle images, and uploads the captured images to a web template for display and recordation. The images captured have controlled reflections from multiple angles and perspectives. A viewer is able to discern whether there are surface imperfections, scratches, and dents on a vehicle surface. Reflections are controlled in the structure or circular chamber with curved walls that are covered with a light scattering sheet material such as a white canvas or gray walls. The lighting style used to illuminate the vehicle within the structure is a sunset horizon style of lighting, where the lights are hidden below the curved wall that may be gray or white so as to use a sunset style reflection on the vehicle surface through subtractive lighting.

Abstract: A method for sentencing a manufactured component as a pass or fail is described. The method involves zoning a two-dimensional image of the component, weighting individual zones according to their importance in the load bearing function and comparing overall weighted dimensions against those of a pre-defined compliant component design. By considering the internal and external dimensions and offsetting variations between zones, a more accurate assessment of compliance can be achieved. It is envisaged that components which might otherwise have been rejected and scrapped may be accepted resulting in material and cost savings.

Abstract: A method for automatically selecting test parameters for an image inspection system using a computer, includes digitizing a reference image or a scanned printed image to determine target values, categorizing the image elements that are present, determining tolerances for the target values based on the categorization, calculating the inspection sensitivity based on target values and the respective tolerances thereof, setting the parameters of the image inspection system based on the inspection sensitivity, and configuring the image inspection using these parameters. An image inspection system for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance to a region of interest. The system may be used to adjust focus of a motion picture camera. The system may include a first camera configured to have a first field of view, and a second camera configured to have a second field of view that overlaps at least a portion of the first field of view. The system may include a processor configured to calculate a distance of the selected region of interest relative to a location by comparing a position of the selected region of interest in the first field of view with a position of the selected region of interest in the second field of view.

Abstract: A method may include projecting, onto a first projection plane of a first projection volume, first points from a point cloud of a setting that are within the first projection volume. Further, the method may include matching a plurality of the projected first points with a cross-section template that corresponds to a line parametric object (LPO) of the setting to determine a plurality of first element points of a first primary projected element. Additionally, the method may include projecting, onto a second projection plane of a second projection volume, second points from the point cloud that are within the second projection volume and matching a plurality of the projected second points with the cross-section template to determine a plurality of second element points of a second primary projected element. Moreover, the method may include generating a parameter function based on the first element points and the second element points.

Abstract: A height detecting apparatus for detecting the height of a workpiece held on a chuck table. The height detecting apparatus includes a single-mode fiber for transmitting return light reflected from the workpiece and next branched by a fiber coupler, a photodetector for detecting the return light emerging from the single-mode fiber and outputting a signal corresponding to the intensity of the return light detected above, and a controller having a memory for storing a table setting the relation between wavelength and height. The controller determines the wavelength corresponding to the highest light intensity from the wavelengths detected by the photodetector in synchronism with the predetermined cycles of sweeping of light having a single wavelength by a Fabry-Perot tunable filter, and then checks this determined wavelength against the wavelength and height set in the table, thereby determining the height of the workpiece held on the chuck table.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for digital dental modeling. One method embodiment includes receiving a three-dimensional data set including a first jaw and a second jaw of a three-dimensional digital dental model and receiving a two-dimensional data set corresponding to at least a portion of the first jaw and the second jaw. The method includes mapping two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data set to the three-dimensional digital dental model by transforming a coordinate system of the two-dimensional data to a coordinate system of the three-dimensional data set. The method includes positioning the first jaw with respect to the second jaw based on the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set. The method includes using at least a portion of the two-dimensional data mapped to the three-dimensional data set as a target of movement of the first jaw with respect to the second jaw in the three-dimensional digital dental model.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a pattern inspection method includes applying a light to a substrate including an inspection target pattern in a plurality of optical conditions, detecting a reflected light from the substrate to acquire a pattern image for each of the optical conditions, outputting a gray value difference between the pattern image and a reference image for each of the optical conditions, and specifying a position of the defect in a stacking direction of the stacked film from a relation of the obtained gray value difference between the optical conditions. The pattern is formed by a stacked film, the optical conditions includes at least a first optical condition for detection of a defect on a surface of the stacked film.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container, such as the height and position of the container.

Abstract: An obstacle alert device is capable of indicating clearly presence of an obstacle approaching a vehicle to a driver, without impairing visibility of a peripheral situation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A portable fluorescence analysis system comprises a fluorescence strip, a fluorescence excitation device and a mobile Internet device. The fluorescence strip comprises a fluorescence probe configured for detecting an analyte within a specimen. The fluorescence excitation device comprises a sleeve and an excitation light source module. The fluorescence strip is arranged at the one open end of the sleeve. The excitation light source module is arranged at the same opening side of the sleeve and configured for providing an excitation light to excite the fluorescence probe to generate fluorescence. The mobile Internet device comprises an image capturing module and configured for capturing a fluorescence image of the fluorescence strip via the other opening of the sleeve and analyzing fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence image to determine the content of the analyte. The above-mentioned system can be applied to the point of care testing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is discloses the development of a new device, system, and method that combines advantages of magnetic resonance and atomic force microscopy technologies, and the utility of the new device, system, and method for a wide range of biomedical and clinical researchers. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for micro-scale spectroscopy is disclosed. The micro-scale spectroscopy device includes a beam having a distal end, a proximal end, a top surface and a bottom surface, where the beam is attached to an anchor at the proximal end and further includes a tip extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface at or near the distal end, and a coil having at least one turn mounted to the top surface of the beam at or near the distal end opposite the tip, where the coil is capable of both transmitting and sensing electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for correcting artifacts in measured image data due to differential scatter rejection in a computed tomography system is provided. A system for correcting artifacts in measured image data due to differential scatter rejection in a computed tomography system is also provided. Additionally, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions thereon for correcting artifacts in measured image data due to differential scatter rejection in a computed tomography system is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a web carrier which can prevent creasing of a web by detecting a sign of creasing of a web during carriage of the web. The web carrier (1) for carrying a sheetlike web (10) by means of a plurality of rollers (2) detects the linear pattern of a waveform generated on the web (10) from an image picked up by means of a camera (imaging means) (3) using an image analysis means (73) in a controller (7), recognizes a state becoming the sign of creasing with the aid of the image and simultaneously analyzes the entering direction of the linear pattern into a guide roller (2c), drives the shaft (20c) of the guide roller (angle adjusting roller) (2c) in the direction of canceling the waveform (so that the web is not creased), and controls an alignment adjusting means (5) such that the web is not creased.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an optical monitoring system configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine. The optical monitoring system is configured to redirect a field of view toward different regions of a component within the interior of the rotary machine while the rotary machine is in operation, and to capture an image of each region.

Abstract: An imaging lens assembly captures return light through a window of a vertical slot scanner from a target located in a range of working distances along an optical axis away from the window, and projects the captured return light onto an array of a solid-state imager. The imaging lens assembly is optically modified for non-uniform magnification within, and for increasing resolution at an outer peripheral region of, a field of view of the array, in an imaging plane generally perpendicular to the optical axis. The magnification is at least partly increased in the imaging plane with increasing radial distance away from the optical axis, to enable reading of the target when tilted relative to the optical axis and located at the outer peripheral region of the field of view.

Abstract: An image reader includes a first calculation unit for calculating an output value from an output value of a photodetector adjacent to a specific photodetector in read-width direction; a second calculation unit for calculating a ratio between a first value and a second value, the first value being an output value of the photodetector disposed in conveyance direction of the specific photodetector, and the second value being an output value of the photodetector adjacent, in the read-width direction, to the photodetector disposed in the conveyance direction of the specific photodetector; and a pixel correcting circuit that multiplies the values obtained by the first calculation unit and second calculation unit, substitutes the product for the output value at the pixel position of the photodetector specified by the pixel detecting circuit, and produces as a line output the substitute together with output values at pixel positions of the photodetectors not specified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting a surface of a wafer with regions of different detection sensitivity. For this purpose, an image of the selected surface of the wafer is acquired using a detector. At least one region handled with a different detection sensitivity than the rest of the wafer may be defined on the surface of the wafer by means of an input unit. The detection sensitivity set for the regions is a percentage less than the detection sensitivity for the surface of the wafer without the regions with the different detection sensitivity.

Abstract: A conoscopic holographic system and a method for imaging a scene characterized by a surface having a three-dimensional shape. The system utilizes an optical source, which illuminates the scene with substantially linear distributions of light, and independent register of a plurality of elementary conoscopic holograms in the image plane. Each elementary conoscopic hologram represents the imaging of a single emitting point of the illuminated scene. The optical source is translated relative to the scene to generate a sequence of optical holograms, and a weighted reconstruction of the holograms is performed, in a computer process, at a median plane to devise the three-dimensional shape of the imaged scene.

Abstract: An image reader includes a first calculation unit for calculating an output value from an output value of a photodetector adjacent to a specific photodetector in read-width direction; a second calculation unit for calculating a ratio between a first value and a second value, the first value being an output value of the photodetector disposed in conveyance direction of the specific photodetector, and the second value being an output value of the photodetector adjacent, in the read-width direction, to the photodetector disposed in the conveyance direction of the specific photodetector; and a pixel correcting circuit that multiplies the values obtained by the first calculation unit and second calculation unit, substitutes the product for the output value at the pixel position of the photodetector specified by the pixel detecting circuit, and produces as a line output the substitute together with output values at pixel positions of the photodetectors not specified.

Abstract: A method for compensating a plurality of sensors comprises exposing each of the plurality of sensors to a scene energy from a scene, exposing each of the plurality of sensors to the scene energy from the scene and a reference signal energy, exposing each of the plurality of sensors to a uniform signal energy, exposing each of the plurality of sensors to the uniform signal energy and the reference signal energy, obtaining reference outputs during each exposure of the plurality of sensors, and determining the scene energy received by each of the plurality of sensors relative to the reference signal energy by combining the sensor and reference outputs obtained.

Abstract: A method for scanning and measuring points of an object is provided. The method includes: (a) selecting a measuring start point and a measuring end point from an image of the object; (b) controlling a laser to move and scan the object from the measuring start point to the measuring end point with a predetermined distance according to X-axis coordinate values and Y-axis coordinate values of the measuring start point and the measuring end point to obtain scanned measuring points; (c) obtaining a vertical distance between each of the scanned measuring points and the laser; and (d) computing measuring results, namely computing a Z-axis coordinate value of each of the scanned measuring points according to the corresponding vertical distance. A related system is also provided.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a two-dimensional detector having a plurality of cells wherein each cell is configured to detect energy or signal passing through an object. The imaging system includes a computer programmed to acquire imaging data for the plurality of cells, identify a cell to be corrected, based on the imaging data, interpolate Ix and Iy for the identified cell based on neighbor cells, and calculate local gradients gx and gy between the identified cell and its neighbor cells based on the interpolation. The computer is further programmed to calculate weighting factors wx and wy based on the local gradients, calculate a corrected final value I(0,0) for the identified cell, and correct the identified cell with the corrected final value.

Abstract: An image reading device comprises: a light source; a first optical element that focuses light emitted from the light source, the emitted light being reflected by a medium in a first detection area; a first detector that outputs first detection information in response to arrival of light in the first detection area; a second optical element that guides to a second detection area a portion of the light emitted from the light source, which portion does not arrive at the reflective medium in the first detection area; a second detector that outputs second detection information responsive to detection of light at the second detection area; and a generator that generates image data of the medium by revising the first detection information on the basis of the second detection information.

Abstract: Specimen laser-scanning microscope with raster scanning illumination and detector modules, which illuminates and detects a specimen by raster scanning. A real-time control device (device) performs synchronous reading-out with the raster scanning pixel cycle. A data port serially communicates with the device using a bidirectional high-speed data stream and with the resources via a serial, bidirectional high-speed data stream with a data conversion to/from parallel to serial. The high-speed data stream is made up of data packets with data bits and type bits and no additional header or protocol bits. The data bits contain data from/on the resources and the type bits code the type of data. Type information is stored in the resources as well as the device. The type information defines processing functions for data types coded by the type bits, and the resources and/or the device determine the data type using type bits and process data coded in the data bits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trolley wire wear measurement device by image processing in which a line sensor is arranged vertically and upward on a roof of an inspection car so that the line sensor looks up to a trolley wire and a lighting means that illuminates the trolley wire is formed by arranging a plurality of point light sources in a straight line in a direction perpendicular to a travelling direction of the inspection car on the inspection car.

Abstract: Photovoltaic thin film quality control is obtained where the thin film is supported by a support and a section of the film is illuminated by a polychromatic or monochromatic illumination source. The source forms on the thin film an illuminated line. The light collected from discrete sampled points located on the illuminated line is transferred to a photo-sensitive sensor through an optical switch. The spectral signal of the light reflected, transmitted or scattered by the sampled points is collected by the sensor, processed and photovoltaic thin film parameters applicable to the quality control are derived e.g. thin film thickness, index of refraction, extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient, energy gap, conductivity, crystallinity, surface roughness, crystal phase, material composition and photoluminescence spectrum and intensity. Manufacturing equipment parameters influencing the material properties may be changed to provide a uniform thin film layer with pre-defined properties.

Abstract: An imaging device using an array of active pixels, with a readout control for outputting from selected regions of interest is disclosed. When used to detect the positions of optically trapped objects, the fast readout rate enables fine control of the optical traps to stabilize the objects. Multiple objects can be controlled while being moved relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring wrinkles on a web in an R2R process. The system includes a laser generation device (100) for projecting a laser beam, emitted in a linear shape, onto a surface of a web (200), which is stopped or moving. A camera (300) captures a band of light, formed when the laser beam generated by the laser generation device (100) is projected onto the surface of the web (200), and transmitting image data of the captured light band. A measurement device (400) calculates coordinates of an arbitrary location on the web (200) on a basis of the image data transmitted from the camera (300), processes an image of the light band on a basis of the calculated coordinates, and displays the processed image. Accordingly, the results of reliable wrinkle measurement are provided for a web in an R2R process.

Abstract: A pattern generator may include an electromagnetic radiation source and an optical system. The electromagnetic radiation source may emit electromagnetic radiation to create a pattern on a workpiece. The optical system may include an optical path for the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic radiation source and may be configured such that an apodization of the electromagnetic radiation is sufficient to optimize a critical dimension linearity for the created pattern.

Abstract: A typical use of linear or two dimensional spectrometers is to expose the detector area, and then shift the photo-electric charges out of the device in a serial fashion. If the illuminating signal is spatially narrow relative to the size of the array, this will drive down the percent of the detector that is utilized, as only a relatively small number of pixels are used to detect the beam. The present invention proposes a method which capitalizes on this spatial under-utilization, and alters the clocking scheme to maximize the read-out speed of the pixels containing signal information. This type of clocking scheme raises the optical power saturation level of the spectrometer. Such an improvement in optical power handling is beneficial for spectrometer based detection of resonant waveguide grating biochemical binding, since in such systems the performance is frequently limited by spectrometer saturation.

Abstract: An optical lens system of a mobile camera is provided. The lens optical system includes: an optical lens in which one pair of incident surfaces corresponding to the divided view angles are adjacently arranged at the center portion, optical beams incident at the divided view angles being transmitted through respective off-axis lens systems; and one pair of image sensors separately arranged under both lower portions of the optical lens to receive the optical beams transmitted through the off-axis lens systems. As one pair of the image sensors is separately arranged on both lower portions of the optical lens, the images formed in the image sensors can be easily combined. Moreover, during the combination of the image, the disparity of the images can be prevented by the narrowed distance between the incident surfaces.

Abstract: In a luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples, luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, an infrared filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the camera. The use of an infrared filter suppresses stray IR radiation resulting from plate phosphorescence (which can result in abnormally high backgrounds and/or alteration of the image received by the camera).

Abstract: A sheet identifying device comprising a light-receiving section (26) for reading each pixel on a sheet which involves color information including a brightness, has a predetermined size, and is handled as one unit, a RAM (114) for storing image data constructed of read pixels, a pixel data increasing/decreasing section (116a) for increasing/decreasing the number of pixels of the image data, and a judging section for judging authentication of the sheet on the basis of the increased/decreased image data.