Abstract: Side edge position detection processing includes adjustment of the light amount of light-emitting devices, a process of determining a threshold value for detecting the side edge position, and a process of reading out the side edge position. If a sensor is provided between a transfer roller pair and a registration roller pair as in conventional devices, sufficient processing time cannot be ensured. Therefore, the sensor is provided between the conveyance roller pair and the registration roller pair, and the light amount adjustment is executed before the registration roller pair that is being stopped for skew correction is driven. Further, the processes of determining the threshold and reading out the side edge position are executed after driving of the registration roller pair is resumed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet based on a job; a sheet conveyance unit configured to convey a sheet through a conveyance path; and a control unit configured to control conveyance of a sheet, in which, when a jam has occurred in a sheet of during conveyance, the control unit sets order information of dischargeable sheets among unusable sheets remaining inside the apparatus after occurrence of the jam based on whether there is an unusable sheet on which image formation has been completed in the image forming unit, and discharges the unusable sheet to an outside of the apparatus through the conveyance path based on the set order information.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage portion, an image processing portion, a display portion, a touch panel portion for detecting a touched position, and a processing portion. The storage portion stores image data. The image processing portion performs image processing on the image data. The display portion displays a preview image indicating image data content. The processing portion recognizes touched positions, recognizes a rectangular region having a diagonal connecting two touched positions, recognizes the specified region on the basis of sections overlapping with the rectangular region among a plurality of sections obtained by dividing the preview image, and controls the image processing portion to perform the process on data of a part of the image data corresponding to the specified region.

Abstract: A lathe tool rest including a light source for improving the illumination of the workpiece is described. The tool rest includes a vertical post having an upper end, a horizontal tool arm attached to the upper end of the post, and an LED illumination strip attached to the front side of the tool arm. The front side of the tool arm preferably includes a horizontal recess With the LED illumination strip being mounted within the recess.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an image of a seal impression. N still images of a face of a seal are combined. N is at least 2. The N still images of the face correspond respectively to N beams of light that had previously irradiated the face in succession from N respective different directions respectively corresponding to N different angles of incidence of the light on the face. The combining of the N images include generating in the composite image a common area of pixels that commonly appears on the face of the seal in all still images of the N still images. The common area includes a character area pertaining to where an engraved character is located on the face of the seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission and reception unit for the detection of an angle of rotation comprising a light transmitter (20), a light receiver (22) and a transparent support (24) which is arranged therebetween and which lies areally on the light receiver (22) and covers it, wherein the light transmitter (20) is attached to the support (24) and irradiates in a direction (28) away from the light receiver (20), wherein the light transmitter (2) is arranged centrally above the light receiver (22) such that received light (32) can be incident past the light transmitter (22) on the light receiver (32) and to a rotary encoder comprising such a unit.

Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus includes an optically transmissive structure having planar first, second, and third faces, two or more light sources located outside the structure adjacent the first face, and a photodetector array located outside the prism adjacent the first face. The structure, light sources, and photodetector array are configured such that light from the light sources that is totally internally reflected at an optical interface between the prism and a sample outside the structure proximate the second face is reflected at the third face and incident on a portion of the photodetector array that depends on a refractive index of the sample. The light sources are positioned with respect to the structure and photodetector array such that the totally internally reflected light from each light source corresponds to a different range of refractive index of the sample and maps to a corresponding portion of the photodetector array.

Abstract: A medium accumulating device has an accumulation table on which a medium is accumulated, an elastic member that supports the accumulation table, and an accumulation table detector that detects lowering of the accumulation table. The accumulation table is sensed to determine whether the accumulation table lowers below a predetermined position to thereby determine whether or not a medium is accumulated on the accumulation table.

Abstract: Multi-spectral defect inspection for 3D wafers is provided. One system configured to detect defects in one or more structures formed on a wafer includes an illumination subsystem configured to direct light in discrete spectral bands to the one or more structures formed on the wafer. At least some of the discrete spectral bands are in the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range. Each of the discrete spectral bands has a bandpass that is less than 100 nm. The system also includes a detection subsystem configured to generate output responsive to light in the discrete spectral bands reflected from the one or more structures. In addition, the system includes a computer subsystem configured to detect defects in the one or more structures on the wafer using the output.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

Abstract: 1st and 2nd pulsed waves are transmitted along 1st and 2nd transmit beams where at least one of the beams is broad in at least one direction, and the transmit timing between said 1st and 2nd pulsed waves are selected so that the pulsed wave fronts overlap in an overlap region R(r,t) that propagates along at least one measurement or image curve ?(r) in the material object. At least the scattered signal produced by nonlinear interaction between said 1st and 2nd waves in the overlap region is received and processed to form a nonlinear interaction scattering image signal along ?(r). The measurement or image curve ?(r) can be scanned laterally by either changing of the relative transmit timing between the 1st and 2nd pulsed waves or the direction of at least one of the 1st and 2nd transmit beams, or both. The methods are applicable to image nonlinear scattering sources for both electromagnetic and elastic waves, and combinations of these.

Abstract: A packaging machine and a device for monitoring a roll with film material wound thereon is disclosed. By means of a sensor arrangement, an end of the film material on the roll may be detected. The sensor arrangement includes at least one optoelectric sensor arranged stationary relative to a front side of the roll. The optoelectric sensor is designed such that a portion of an outer circumference of the rotating roll may be detected.

Abstract: An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.

Abstract: An optical system for detecting light from a 2D area of a sample (36) comprises a collection lens (34) for collecting light from a collection region of the sample. A light detector (44) is positionally fixed with respect to the sample, and a reflector arrangement (61) directs collected light to the detector. The reflector arrangement comprises movable components and the collection lens (34) is movable relative to the sample. The collection lens and the movable components are configurable to define different collection regions, and the movement of the components effects a direction of the light from the collection region to a substantially unchanged area of the light detector (44). This arrangement avoids the need for a bulky detector in order to detect signals from a 2D sample area formed by scanning across the sample.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for the detection of orientation features on a material web.

Abstract: Printing of color imagery onto a rewritable color surface is accomplished by providing an applicator with an alignment subsystem capable of sensing an alignment marker of one or more colors dots from multiple local color dot patterns as the applicator scans the surface to align the applicator's print head to the local color dot patterns. The alignment subsystem uses the sensed alignment markers to determine an absolute position on the rewritable color surface at a resolution of the individual color dots in the local color dot pattern and to align the state values for the corresponding portion of the color image to the individual color dots in the local color dot patterns on said surface.

Abstract: RF particles that can render more difficult fabrication of counterfeit notes and the like, can generate radiofrequency magnetic fields by oscillation of a tank circuit having a particular resonant frequency, and that can easily and reliably supply electric power for oscillation, RF powder, and a method for exciting the RF powder are provided. In an RF powder particle, a coil (inductance element) serving as an antenna and a capacitor (capacitance element) connected to the coil are formed on an insulating film surface of a substrate. The inductance element and the capacitance element form a tank circuit, and a photovoltaic cell for supplying power to the tank circuit is disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes the steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

Abstract: A method for identifying a piece of wood amongst a plurality or for determining its rotation includes the operating steps of: acquiring at least one piece of real X-ray information about the piece of wood; calculating, based on a tomographic reconstruction, a piece of virtual X-ray information in the same way as in the acquisition of the real X-ray information; comparing the real and virtual X-ray information to verify whether they match; and repeating the calculation and comparison steps up to obtaining the matching, and/or, for identification method only, selecting a different tomographic reconstruction and reiterating the calculation and comparison steps and, if necessary, the repetition and/or selection steps.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element, including an object-detection device that includes a plurality of parts for detecting an object in an area of the motion element, wherein the object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and an electronic unit that controls the motion of the motion element and is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches, wherein in the blocked state an object and motion element does not trigger a safety mode, and wherein shut-off means are provided which, when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, transfer one or more parts of the object-detection device into the blocked state.

Abstract: A method for discrimination between a first (308) and a second surface (304) type based on reflectivity has a light source (416) that illuminates on a media surface. A photosensor (420) receives and measures the reflection value from the surface. A first gain element adjusts a voltage from the photosensor and a second gain element adjusts a current measurement supplied to the light source. A subtractor (530) for subtracting the first adjusted voltage (534) and the adjusted measurement (538) are subtracted to provide an output value close to zero with respect to the second surface and near a maximum with respect to the first surface. The adjusted reflection value and a threshold reference value (428) are compared (124) and indicates whether the first surface or the second surface is present.

Abstract: Reflected light caused by the state of the surface of a wafer, a foreign material, or a defect is superimposed on a haze frequency component caused by the type and thickness of a film or a surface irregularity. In order to detect a haze frequency component caused by a haze present on the surface of an object to be inspected, light propagating from the object to be inspected is detected and converted into an electric signal. The electric signal is sampled at a predetermined sampling time interval and converted into digital data. A frequency component caused by a foreign material, a defect or the like is separated from the digital data to ensure that a haze frequency component is selected. The haze frequency component is caused by a stain attached to the surface of the wafer, hazy tarnish, a surface irregularity or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for sensing a cigarette filter, comprising: a plurality of rotary conveyance drums (12) delivering a first cigarette filter and second cigarette filters into which the first cigarette filter is divided by a cutter; two sensors (18) disposed adjacent to the rotary conveyance drum (12) to detect the second cigarette filters; an opto coupler connected to the two sensors (18) and operated by AND logic; a HIP connected to the opto coupler, it controlling a device of supplying cigarette filters to reject a cigarette having defects; and, a PLC connected with the HIP, it controlling the device of supplying cigarette filters, wherein the two sensors (18) detect active charcoal filters located at both ends of the second cigarette filters, the HIP controls the device such that the cigarette having defects are rejected when signals sensed by the sensors (18) are different from signals sensed from the normal active charcoal filter, the PLC controls the operation and stop of the device by pe

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis provide a compact sensor configuration. A first sensor unit has a first sensing field transversely directed toward the travel path axis and defining a first scanning zone. A second sensor unit has a second sensing field transversely directed toward the travel path axis and defining a second scanning zone. The first and second sensing fields are crossing one with another at a location sufficiently remote from the first and second scanning zones so as to not adversely affect the generation of sensor output data, while providing a compact arrangement of sensor units.

Abstract: A method for testing a mask article includes the steps of electrically connecting the mask article to an electrical sensor, applying a bias voltage to a plurality of testing sites of the mask article with a conductor, measuring at least one current distribution of the testing sites with the electrical sensor, and determining the quality of the mask article by taking the at least one current distribution into consideration.

Abstract: An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.

Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for the detection of orientation features on a material web.

Abstract: A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure is also provided.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor, comprising a first strip having transmitter elements and/or receiver elements, a second strip having transmitter elements and/or receiver elements, wherein the transmitter elements of one strip form transmitter/receiver pairs with receiver elements of the other strip for the formation of a protective field, and an evaluation unit for the evaluation of the received light of the receiver elements, wherein a light beam between the transmitter elements and receiver elements counts as interrupted when received light falls below a first lower switching threshold and as not interrupted when a first lower switching threshold is exceeded and wherein an object detection signal can be transmitted when at least one light beam is interrupted, characterized in that for the evaluation of the received light of at least one receiver element a second upper switching threshold is provided in the evaluation unit the value of which lies above the value of the first lower switching threshold, with a signa

Abstract: A method for matching a precursor ion with one or more related product ions includes providing input data sets obtained from sample injections, each of the data sets including a precursor ion and one or more product ions, normalizing the input data sets in accordance with a single retention time for the precursor ion, determining which product ions are within a predetermined retention time window with respect to the single retention time, and, if a product ion is within the predetermined retention time window for a specified number of the input data sets, determining that the product ion is related to the precursor having the single retention time. An apparatus for analyzing a sample includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module in communication with the chromatography module, and control unit in communication with the chromatography module and the mass-spectrometry module.

Abstract: An apparatus for discrimination between a first (308) and a second surface (304) type based on reflectivity has a light source (416) that illuminates on a media surface. A photosensor (420) receives and measures the reflection value from the surface. A first gain element adjusts a voltage from the photosensor and a second gain element adjusts a current measurement supplied to the light source. A subtractor (530) for subtracting the first adjusted voltage (534) and the adjusted measurement (538) are subtracted to provide an output value close to zero with respect to the second surface and near a maximum with respect to the first surface. The adjusted reflection value and a threshold reference value (428) are compared (124) and indicates whether the first surface or the second surface is present.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a physiological parameter includes a garment that includes a fabric that exhibits both a light transmission property and a light reflection property. The amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric changes when the fabric stretches in response to motion, such as the motion induced by physiological activity (e.g., heart rate). The system includes at least one source of radiation having wavelength(s) in the range of 400 to 2200 nanometers and at least one detector responsive to such incident radiation. The source and detector are associated with the fabric such that the reception of incident radiation by the detector is directly affected by a change in the amount of light transmitted through the fabric relative to the amount of light reflected by the fabric when the fabric stretches.

Abstract: An inspection region is specified using the design information to perform region division for measurement through a scatterometry method. The obtained detection data is classified by pattern into a periodic region and a non-periodic region. A spectroscopic characteristic is detected by an optical sensor to extract features. The extracted features are compared with features stored in a feature map database for each region to evaluate a state of a patterned medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting defects in a circuit pattern is described. The apparatus includes at least one laser unit for radiating a laser beam onto a first end of a circuit pattern formed on a substrate. The apparatus also includes a capacitor sensor disposed opposite a second end of the circuit pattern, which is connected to the first end of the circuit pattern through a via hole, in a non-contact manner. The apparatus also includes a voltage source connected to the capacitor sensor and configured to apply a voltage. The apparatus also includes a measurement unit connected to the capacitor sensor and configured to detect variation in impedance generated in the capacitor sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, including a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to monitoring for optical faults in an optical system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults. The method includes detecting, via a light sensor directed toward an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor, and comparing an intensity of light detected to one or more threshold intensity values. The method further includes identifying an optical system fault condition based on comparing the intensity of light detected to one or more threshold values, and modifying operation of the optical system.

Abstract: A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element. The safety system includes an object-detection device for detecting an object in an area of the motion element. The object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and has an electronic unit with which the motion of the motion element can be controlled and which is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches in the blocked state an object or motion element will not trigger a safety mode and when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, at least part of the object-detection device is transferred into the blocked state.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a sheet of glass comprises an illumination module, a collimating lens system, a telecentric imaging lens system and a Time Delay Integration line-scan camera. The illumination module has a low coherence light source emitting light. The collimating lens system has a focal point on the main axis thereof on which focal point its light source is located. The collimating lens system produces a collimated sheet of light from the emitted light. This collimated sheet of light passes through the sheet of glass. The telecentric imaging lens system concentrates the sheet of light passed through the sheet of glass on an image formation plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring sample milling in a charged-particle instrument has a variable-tilt specimen holder attached to the instrument tilt stage. The variable-tilt specimen holder includes a first pivoting plate having a slot for holding a specimen rotatably supported in the specimen holder. The first pivoting plate has a range of rotation sufficient to move the axis of thinning of the specimen from a first position where the tilt stage is placed at its maximum range of tilt and the angle between the preferred axis of thinning of the specimen and the axis of the ion beam column of the instrument is greater than zero, to a second position where the axis for thinning of the specimen is substantially parallel to the axis of the ion-beam column. A light detector intercepts light passing through the specimen as it is thinned to determine an endpoint for milling of the specimen.

Abstract: In one example, a media sensing system for a printer includes: a light source; a light sensor for receiving light from the light source; and a portable filter removably supported between the light source and the light sensor. The filter is configured to reduce the amount of light received by the light sensor from the light source. In another example, a method for aligning a media sensing system includes: a light source emitting light toward a light sensor; filtering the emitted light before it reaches the light sensor; the sensor sensing filtered light; and, if a desired amount of filtered light is not sensed by the sensor, then adjusting the position of the light source and/or the light sensor until the desired amount of filtered light is sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A first method locates a component positioned underneath a surface of a target object using a pointing instrument, wherein a position of the component in the target object coordinate system is known. The first method includes calculating an orientation of the aim point axis of the instrument in the instrument coordinate system for the aim point axis of the instrument to be aligned with the component using at least an inverse calibration matrix, the position of the component in the target object coordinate system, and inverse kinematics of the instrument. The first method also includes rotating the aim point axis of the instrument to the calculated orientation. Second and third methods also are described for locating an access panel for accessing the component and/or maintenance zones in which the component resides.

Abstract: A new method is presented for characterizing the associative properties of a solution of macromolecules at high concentration. Sample aliquots spanning a range of concentrations are injected sequentially into a light scattering photometer. Equilibrium association constants and association stoichiometry are derived from an analysis of the angular and concentration dependence of the scattering signals. Thermodynamic nonideality, which becomes important at high concentrations, is dealt with in the analysis in a simplified manner which is applicable to multiple associated species.

Abstract: In various embodiments, microengineered phantoms with microvascular networks serve as calibration standards for perfusion imaging systems.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus includes: a transmission member that is provided facing a conveying path on which a medium is conveyed and that transmits light from the medium being conveyed on the conveying path; a detecting section that detects the medium or an image on the medium from the light which is transmitted through the transmission member, wherein the light is received by a light-receiving member of the detection section; an opposing member that is provided on an opposite side of the conveying path from the transmission member and has at least a first opposing surface that faces the transmission member; and a guide member provided at a downstream side of the opposing member in the conveying direction, and guides the medium downstream in the conveying path. The opposing surface is closer to the detecting section at a downstream side than at an upstream side thereof in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A method for matching a precursor ion with one or more related product ions includes providing input data sets obtained from sample injections, each of the data sets including a precursor ion and one or more product ions, normalizing the input data sets in accordance with a single retention time for the precursor ion, determining which product ions are within a predetermined retention time window with respect to the single retention time, and, if a product ion is within the predetermined retention time window for a specified number of the input data sets, determining that the product ion is related to the precursor having the single retention time. An apparatus for analyzing a sample includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module in communication with the chromatography module, and a control unit in communication with the chromatography module and the mass-spectrometry module.

Abstract: There is provided an on-line detection system and method for a weld of a steel strip, which can emit a laser beam onto the surface of a steel strip moving at a high speed and measure the reflectivity of the laser beam reflecting from the same, thereby detecting the weld of the steel strip easily on-line. In the on-line detection system, reflectivity measuring means emits a laser beam onto a moving steel strip and continuously measuring the reflectivity of the laser beam returning from the surface of the steel strip, and signal processing means detects a weld of the steel strip based on change in the reflectivity measured on the weld.