Abstract: A laser scanning sensor includes a laser light-emitting element to emit a pulse laser beam, a light-receiving element to receive a returned reflected beam, a rotary polygon mirror having a plurality of reflecting surfaces to change the travelling direction of the pulse laser beam, and a drive motor to rotate the rotary polygon mirror in a predetermined direction. The sensor also includes an encoder to detect the rotation status of the rotary polygon mirror and to generate a reference signal and trigger signals for the respective reflecting surfaces, and a control/calculation unit to produce a projection pulse train in a specific pulse cycle after a delay time from the generation of a trigger signal for each of the reflecting surfaces, and to acquire distance information per pulse, based on the time after the start of emission of the pulse laser beam before the return of the reflected beam.

Abstract: An image display apparatus of the present invention includes: a beam emitting section (10) that radially emits a plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5) in a horizontal direction; a mirror rotary member (20) having a rotation axis (Pc) and an inner surface, the inner surface having a plurality of mirror surfaces (21) that reflects each of the plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5), the mirror rotary member as a whole rotating about the rotation axis (Pc) as a center to thereby perform, by the plurality of mirror surfaces (21), scanning with each of the plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5) emitted from the beam emitting section (10) in the horizontal direction; and a screen (2) to be irradiated with the plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5) with which the scanning is performed by the plurality of mirror surfaces (21).

Abstract: A head-up display device and a display method thereof are provided. the head-up display device includes: an image source configured to generate and emit light having image information; a first polarization control device configured to receive the light and convert the light into a first polarized light or a second polarized light having a polarization direction different from a polarization direction of the first polarized light; and a focal length switching device configured to transmit the first polarized light and the second polarized light and have different deflection effects on the first polarized light and the second polarized light, such that the first polarized light and the second polarized light passing through the focal length switching device are projected onto a projection screen to respectively present virtual images which are at different distances from the projection screen.

Abstract: A dual-drive device for sequential scanning includes a moving part comprising a frame and an optical instrument that is positioned on the frame and is rotatable about a first axis with respect to the frame so as to be slowed down or immobilized in a plurality of successive positions about the first axis, a motor configured to set the moving part in rotation about the first axis in a first direction of rotation at a constant speed, the moving part comprising a first actuator positioned on the frame and configured to actuate the rotation of the optical instrument about the first axis with respect to the frame in the first direction of rotation in order to pass from a first position to a successive position from the plurality of successive positions, and in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, in order to slow down or immobilize the optical instrument in the successive position.

Abstract: A quantum computing system includes an input port for receiving a data stream comprising a plurality of bits. Orbital angular momentum processing circuitry receives the data stream and applies at least one of a plurality of orbital angular momentum function modes to each of the plurality of bits of the data stream. Each of the plurality of orbital angular momentum function modes comprises separate orbital angular momentum states that are orthogonal to each other. DLP processing circuitry associated with the orbital angular momentum processing circuitry generates a hologram for applying the at least one of the plurality of orbital angular momentum function modes to each of the plurality of bits of the data stream. At least one quantum gate receives each of the of the plurality of bits of the data stream having at least one of the plurality of orbital angular momentum functions applied thereto via at least one gate input and generates a quantum circuit output via at least one gate output responsive thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves forming a method of fabricating a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) device. A plurality of openings is formed in a first side of a first substrate. A dielectric layer is formed over the first side of the substrate. A plurality of segments of the dielectric layer fills the openings. The first side of the first substrate is bonded to a second substrate that contains a cavity. The bonding is performed such that the segments of the dielectric layer are disposed over the cavity. A portion of the first substrate disposed over the cavity is transformed into a plurality of movable components of a MEMS device. The movable components are in physical contact with the dielectric the layer. Thereafter, a portion of the dielectric layer is removed without using liquid chemicals.

Abstract: An imaging device and method of projecting an image is provided, the imaging device including a beam source; at least one beam director including at least one encoded image including a horizontal component and a vertical component relative to an orientation of the imaging device; where a beam produced by the beam source is incident upon a surface of the at least one beam director, and the beam is redirected by the at least one beam director onto a projection surface; and an actuator fixed to the at least one beam director such that the at least one beam director is moveable relative to the beam source such that the beam traces out the at least one encoded image on the projection surface; where the actuator is configured to repeatedly move the at least one beam director such that the at least one encoded image appears visible.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control circuit for a movable mirror. The control circuit includes driving circuitry configured to drive the movable mirror with a drive signal to effectuate oscillating of the movable mirror, opening angle determination circuitry configured to determine an opening angle of the movable mirror, and amplitude control circuitry. The amplitude control circuitry is configured to a) first cause the driving circuitry to generate the drive signal as having an upper threshold drive amplitude, and b) then later cause the driving circuitry to generate the drive signal as having a nominal drive amplitude, as a function of the opening angle of the movable mirror being equal to a desired opening angle.

Abstract: There are provided a reflecting module for optical image stabilization (OIS) and a camera module including the same. The reflecting module for OIS includes: a housing; a rotation holder supported by a sidewall of the housing through a rotation frame; a reflecting member provided on the rotation holder; a driving part providing driving force to the rotation holder so that the rotation holder is moved relative to the housing; and a pulling yoke provided in the housing so that the rotation holder is supported by the sidewall of the housing by attractive force between the pulling yoke and a magnet of the driving part provided on a lower surface of the rotation holder.

Abstract: An image projection apparatus includes a light source, an image generation unit configured to receive light from the light source and generate an image based on the received light, a projection optical system unit configured to project the image generated by the image generation unit, a heat dissipation unit configured to dissipate heat of the image generation unit, and a movable member configured such that a position of the movable member is movable relative to the projection optical system unit, wherein the image generation unit and the heat dissipation unit are mounted on the movable member.

Abstract: The present invention prevents image quality degradation due to pixel enlargement even when using an increased angle of inclination on projecting an image obliquely from a laser scanning display device. A swing mirror is controlled so that the scanning line density in the vertical direction of a display section is uniform in accordance with information including the angle of inclination, the distance of projection, and the display size of the display device with respect to the display section. A lens control driver is controlled so that a collecting lens has a focal point on the display section in accordance with a scanning position in the vertical direction of the swing mirror. The swing mirror or an image correction processing unit is controlled so that a display size in the horizontal direction of a display image on the display section is uniform regardless of the scanning position in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for selection of a preferred image from multiple captured images. An image corresponding to a photograph time t=0 may be retrieved from a circular buffer and stored as a preferred image. Alternative images captures before and after the t=0 image may be retrieves and stored in an alternative image location. The t=0 image and preferred images may be presented to a user in a user interface. The user may select a preferred image for the photograph from among the t=0 image and the alternative images.

Abstract: A laser scanning system for scanning a laser beam of a hair cutting device includes a laser scanning device for generating a scanning movement of the laser beam and a movable optical device for adjusting and/or focusing the laser beam. The laser scanning device includes an arrangement with at least one movable optical element which is mechanically coupled to the movable optical device, and an optical system fixed to the laser scanning device. The movable optical element is arranged to inter-relate a position of the movable optical device to a mobile access-position where the laser beam enters the optical system. Further, the optical system is arranged to inter-relate said mobile access-position to at least one corresponding position where the laser beam is incident on the movable optical device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for projecting an image on a surface is provided. More specifically, the method for highlighting information within an image displayed by a projection unit includes receiving a video signal; decoding the video signal; controlling a panel driver to drive a light engine within a predefined power range to display the video signal; and causing the panel driver to enter an overdrive mode driving the light engine at a power level above the preset power range for a period of a scan of the video signal at which information to be highlighted is displayed.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a substrate and at least one MEMS unit disposed on the substrate. The MEMS unit includes at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, at least one landing element, and a hinge layer. The first electrode is disposed on the substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the substrate. The landing element is disposed on the substrate. The hinge layer includes a hinge portion and at least one cantilever portion. The hinge portion is connected to the second electrode. The cantilever portion is connected to the hinge portion. The cantilever portion has a first opening and at least one spring disposed in the first opening and connected to at least one side of the first opening. When a voltage difference exists between the first electrode and the second electrode, the hinge portion is distorted and the spring thus touches the landing element.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a projector includes a light source unit, a light scanning unit, and a focus controller. The light source unit emits laser light. The light scanning unit includes a holder and a reflective surface. The holder is capable of a first rotation operation around a first direction. The reflective surface is held by the holder and is capable of a second rotation operation around a second direction intersecting the first direction. The light scanning unit scans the laser light by the first and second rotation operations. The focus controller is provided between the light source unit and the light scanning unit in an optical path of the laser light to modify a convergence of the laser light. An angle between a plane including the first and second directions, and an image surface is not less than 80 degrees and not more than 100 degrees.

Abstract: A laser projection system includes a light source, an optical scanning component, a focusing component, a speckle reduction diffusing surface, and an optical collimating component. The light source may include at least one laser configured to emit an output beam. The focusing component focuses the output beam at a first focused point. The speckle reduction diffusing surface is selectively introduced into an optical path at the first focused point. The optical collimating component collimates the output beam onto the optical scanning component. At least a portion of a scanned laser image is generated on a projection surface by operating the laser for optical emission of encoded image data and controlling the optical scanning component to scan the output beam. The optical collimating component images the first focused point at a second focused point at the projection surface when the speckle reduction diffusing surface is in the optical path.

Abstract: A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions, at least one of which is sinusoidal. A digital phase lock loop locks to the sinusoidal movement of the mirror. A free-running pixel clock is provided. An interpolation component interpolates pixel intensity data from adjacent pixels based on the position of the mirror when a pixel clock arrives.

Abstract: A method for displaying or capturing an image comprises directing an illumination beam onto a mirror of a highly resonant, mirror-mount system and applying a drive signal to a transducer to deflect the mirror. In this method, the drive signal has a pulse frequency approaching a resonance frequency of the mirror-mount system. The method further comprises reflecting the illumination beam off the mirror so that the illumination beam scans through an area where the image is to be displayed or captured, and, addressing each pixel of the image in synchronicity with the drive signal to display or capture the image.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light source for emitting light having high directivity; a reflecting plate for reflecting the light emitted by the light source; a liquid crystal layer that the light reflected by the reflecting plate penetrates; a position detector for detecting a position of eyes of a user viewing a display image on the liquid crystal layer to generate position information regarding the position of eyes; a reflection angle controller for controlling a rotation angle of the reflecting plate based on the position information; and a light emission controller for controlling light intensity and a light-emitting angle of the light source according to the rotation angle of the reflecting plate. This configuration enables to effectively radiate the light emitted by the light source toward the eyes of the user.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, or method is provided for imaging and for capturing visuals to provide image manipulation options for increasing resolution of subject images. A system, apparatus or method for increasing resolution of subject images using a camera to deliver unexposed photographic emulsion or a digital image and to generate images of greater resolution by modifying digital images or modifying digital and emulsion images.

Abstract: An image display device is provided, by which variations in drive sensitivity of a scan mirror is corrected. Processing executed by a CPU in a laser projector includes the steps of: driving a scanner mirror in a vertical direction; allowing at least one of a green laser and red/blue lasers to emit light; calculating stay time in a light-receiving region in a photoreceptor; comparing the calculated stay time with ideal stay time Tideal; decreasing a tilt of a drive signal for driving the scanner mirror in the vertical direction if the calculated stay time is shorter than the stay time Tideal; and increasing the tilt of the drive signal if the calculated stay time is longer than the stay time Tideal.

Abstract: In a home system in which a TV receives video from various sources over directional wireless links such as 60 GHz links, a mirror apparatus is provided that can be configured to physically steer a signal toward a receiver on the TV to optimize received signal strength. In this way, RF energy that otherwise would be radiated in non-productive directions away from the receiver is reflected toward the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle-mounted type of camera capable of being reduced in the space required for installation on the windshield of a vehicle. An imaging unit 15 is provided on a substrate 19 and has an optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The substrate 19 is set up in parallel with respect to the windshield of the vehicle. A lens 14 is disposed on the optical axis. A mirror 16 is also provided on the optical axis of the imaging unit 15, and is adapted to change a direction of the optical axis to a frontward direction of the vehicle, thus guiding frontward visual field information of the vehicle to the imaging unit 15. The mirror 16 is retained in an attachment 11. The attachment 11 can be engaged with and disengaged from an enclosure 12 that holds the lens 14.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner for a scanned beam display may comprise a scanning platform having a mirror disposed thereon to reflect a beam of light impinging on the mirror, a drive coil disposed on the scanning platform to scan the reflected beam of light in response to a drive current applied to the drive coil. The drive coil has coil winding segments having a narrower width in one or more regions of the drive coil, and has coil winding segments having a greater width in one or more other regions of the drive coil to provide a the drive coil with a reduced electrical resistance.

Abstract: A scanning image display apparatus includes: a scanning unit rotating a mirror to scan a light flux from a light source; an input unit to input a display condition of an image; and a controller changing a rotation angle of the mirror in the scanning unit in accordance with a signal from the input unit. According to the scanning image display apparatus, the display condition (e.g., size, aspect ratio) of the image can be changed without using trimming.

Abstract: A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions, at least one of which is sinusoidal. A position sensor provides a position signal that represents an angular displacement of the mirror. The position signal is amplified by an amplifier with time variant characteristics. A beam position determination component compensates for the time variant characteristics of the amplifier.

Abstract: A projection system that includes a singe light modulation device and a plurality of light sources of different wavelengths. Each wavelength of light is incident on the light modulation device at a spatially distinct location and a temporally distinct time. The use of a scanning mirror allows the projection system to sequentially form, in full-color, each of the columns or rows of an image. The projection system is characterized by the reduction of color separation or the rainbow effect due to the rendering of each column or row in full color.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. A deflector deflects a light emitted from a light source. A first optical system leads the light emitted from the light source to the deflector. A second optical system includes at least one optical element, and leads the light deflected by the deflector onto a surface to be scanned. The first enclosure holds the light source, the deflector, and the first optical system, and the second enclosure holds the at least one optical element included in the second optical system.

Abstract: An apparatus, system or method for increasing quality of digital image capture is provided. Imaging and, more particularly, capturing visuals to provide image manipulation options are provided to increase resolution of the subject images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image processing method, an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method, and an image display device and an image display method, which can faithfully pick up and display the colors of an object. Slit light of an optical image of the object that has passed through a slit 42 is divided into a spectrum by a light divider 43. A light sensor 44 outputs image data based on the spectrum of the slit light of the optical image of the object. A micromirror array 74 causes the exiting of reflection light formed by extracting spectrum portions based on the image data from a spectrum of incident white light from a light divider 73. The spectrum portions of the reflection light exiting from the micromirror array 74 are synthesized by a spectrum synthesizer 77 and are projected onto a screen 111. The present invention is applicable to the image processing system.

Abstract: A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide one or more electrical paths for application of voltages to the one or more optical elements. In another embodiment a method of providing an electrical signal to a plurality of optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with a variable aperture lens system. High resolution scans use a relatively small aperture size, and scanning speed is relatively slow. Low resolution scans use a relatively large aperture size, and scanning speed is increased. Fast scans are limited to lower sampling rates, which in turn permit more optical blurring relative to high sampling rates. Accordingly, the incremental cost of the larger aperture is minimized by permitting the lens aberrations specifications to be relaxed at larger apertures. Preferably, an electronic variable aperture is provided, for example, by use of electronically controlled polarization plates or by use of electrochromic substances.

Abstract: Laser projection system suitable for commercial motion picture theaters and other large screen venues, including home theater, uses optical fibers to project modulated laser beams for simultaneously raster scanning multiple lines on screen. Emitting ends of optical fibers are arranged in an array such that red, green and blue spots are simultaneously scanned onto the screen in multiple lines spaced one or more scan lines apart. Use of optical fibers enables scanning of small, high resolution spots on screen, and permits convenient packaging and replacement, upgrading or modification of system components. Simultaneous raster scanning of multiple lines enables higher resolution, brightness, and frame rates with available economical components. Fiber-based beam coupling may be used to greatly enhance the flexibility of the system.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for bi-directional progressive scanning in a display system. The method includes receiving image data for an image to be displayed, forward scanning the image data in a first direction using a linear array of controllable light elements, and reverse scanning the image data in a second direction opposite to the first direction using the linear array. Another embodiment disclosed relates to an apparatus for bi-directional progressive scanning. The apparatus includes a linear array of controllable light elements, and a scanner driver that drives a scanner apparatus using a drive signal that is applied to drive both forward and reverse optical scanning of an image by the linear array.

Abstract: A light reflection and diffraction element for enhancing the contrast of an image display device. In an off state of the element, a portion exhibiting a cyclic structure for diffracting incident light in a region where reflective members having reflection surfaces are aligned is reduced by preventing the generation of unrequired diffracted light. For example, by covering connection regions of the ribbon reflective members by light shielding masks, incident light is shielded. Preferably, any uneven state of the reflection surfaces of the ribbon reflective members is controlled, and a correlation length is made small.

Abstract: Light beams having different wavelengths emitted from red and blue semiconductor lasers and a laser diode pumped green solid-state laser are incident on respectively different surfaces of a color combining element and are overlaid on a single light path. Multiple beam interference films of the color combining element allow only the light beams having the oscillating wavelengths corresponding to the respective light sources to pass therethrough or reflect thereon so as to combine the light beams. A collimator collimates the light beams so that the beam waist of the light beams lies around a projection plane. When two-dimensional scanning is performed by radiating the light beams onto a micromechanical mirror and then onto a galvanometer mirror for scanning light in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively, a color image is displayed on the projection plane by arranging pixels in array, each pixel consisting of overlapping pulses of light of three colors.

Abstract: A one-dimensional image is formed by reflecting the light from a one-dimensional display device having a plurality of light emitting sections or light emitting sections disposed in one direction by a projection optical system three times or more. Then, a two-dimensional image is obtained by optically scanning the one-dimensional image by a light deflection means in a surface including a direction perpendicular to the disposing direction of the light emitting sections or the light emitting sections in the one-dimensional display device. A magnification projecting system is provided to project the two-dimensional image by magnifying it as it is as an intermediate image. A requirement for high resolution can be coped with by employing the one-dimensional display device as well as a small and less expensive light scanning apparatus and two-dimensional image forming apparatus can be realized thereby.

Abstract: An image input device comprises a mirror body which is designed in a polygonal prism form and has side peripheral surfaces each formed of a mirror face, image pickup light from a subject being reflected from the mirror face, and a linear sensor for talking the image pickup light reflected from each mirror face of the mirror body to perform photoelectric conversion on the image pickup light. The mirror body is arranged so that the length direction thereof is substantially parallel to the length direction of the linear sensor, and disposed so as to be rotatable around a shaft at the center of the bottom surface which are substantially perpendicular to the length direction of the mirror body.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for bi-directional progressive scanning in a display system. The method includes receiving image data for an image to be displayed, forward scanning the image data in a first direction using a linear array of controllable light elements, and reverse scanning the image data in a second direction opposite to the first direction using the linear array. Another embodiment disclosed relates to an apparatus for bi-directional progressive scanning. The apparatus includes a linear array of controllable light elements, and a scanner driver that drives a scanner apparatus using a drive signal that is applied to drive both forward and reverse optical scanning of an image by the linear array.

Abstract: A light beam display employs a polygon reflector to scan one or more light beams in horizontal scan lines on a display screen. A horizontal scan line correction lens is provided in the optical path between the display screen and the polygon reflector to correct scan line bowing. An optical mechanical element is provided for vertically shifting the light beams so as to illuminate different scan lines of the display screen. Control electronics is employed to adjust the timing on a line by line basis to correct vertical pixel line distortion introduced by the correction lens.

Abstract: A scanner is provided with a variable aperture lens system. High resolution scans use a relatively small aperture size, and scanning speed is relatively slow. Low resolution scans use a relatively large aperture size, and scanning speed is increased. Fast scans are limited to lower sampling rates, which in turn permit more optical blurring relative to high sampling rates. Accordingly, the incremental cost of the larger aperture is minimized by permitting the lens aberrations specifications to be relaxed at larger apertures. Preferably, an electronic variable aperture is provided, for example, by use of electronically controlled polarization plates or by use of electrochromic substances.

Abstract: An arrangement for displaying video images on a projection surface, in which the display is carried out on the projection surface at an inclination, comprises a source for the emission of a substantially parallel light bundle for a sequential illumination of image points of the video image, which source can be intensity-modulated, a deflection device for scanning the light bundle in two dimensions, and a control device which controls the intensity modulation for the light bundle as well as the deflection of the light bundle in accordance with a function that is obtained through a calculated distortion correction of the image, at least with respect to the inclination. A method for the compensation of geometric image errors in video images is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic camera adopts an image pickup and optical system of a mirror scan type in which a mirror for scanning is disposed at a forward side of a taking lens. A line image sensor relatively scans an object while rotating the mirror to perform photographing. When controlling the exposure, the taking lens is moved synchronously along with rotation of the mirror to adjust the focal position thereof each time a slender sub-image of the object is picked up by the CCD. Driving the taking lens to focus the sub-image each time of scanning the sub-image enables picking up an entirety of the object image perfectly in a focused state.

Abstract: A composite higher resolution image of an object can be obtained by combining or patching together multiple low-resolution camera images to form a composite image having a higher resolution. Each low-resolution camera image represents a subsection of an object (also referred to as “object subsection”) to be scanned. For example, each subsection may represent a quadrant of a document page. With the use of a periscope, the image visible to the camera can be shifted to capture images of the various object subsections. Mosaicing techniques are used to combine these camera images into a composite image of the object. This approach to scanning improves the resolution of documents scanned while using existing low cost video cameras.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of realizing highly reliable search with high precision by obtaining a clear view image over a wide view. In particular, a reflection mirror is formed so as to correspond to an image pick-up element at a focus surface of a converging lens of an image pick-up camera and the image pick-up camera is arranged to be capable of freely performing scanning by a scanning mechanism portion. As a result, with the image pick-up camera kept performing linear scanning, the reflection mirror performs triangular scanning in a direction opposite to the scanning direction of the image pick-up camera for every frame cycle T and a light wave taken in by the converging lens is introduced to the image pick-up element for every one frame, thereby to obtain a static view image. The desired object is thus achieved.

Abstract: Laser projection system suitable for commercial motion picture theaters and other large screen venues, including home theater, uses optical fibers to project modulated laser beams for simultaneously raster scanning multiple lines on screen. Emitting ends of optical fibers are arranged in an array such that red, green and blue spots are simultaneously scanned onto the screen in multiple lines spaced one or more scan lines apart. Use of optical fibers enables scanning of small, high resolution spots on screen, and permits convenient packaging and replacement, upgrading or modification of system components. Simultaneous raster scanning of multiple lines enables higher resolution, brightness, and frame rates with available economical components. Fiber-based beam coupling may be used to greatly enhance the flexibility of the system.

Abstract: An improved optical photolithography system and method provides predetermined light patterns generated by a direct write system without the use of photomasks. The Direct Write System provides predetermined light patterns projected on the surface of a substrate (e.g., a wafer) by using a computer controlled component for dynamically generating the predetermined light pattern, e.g., a spatial light modulator. Image patterns are stored in a computer and through electronic control of the spatial light modulator directly illuminate the wafer to define a portion of the polymer array, rather than being defined by a pattern on a photomask. Thus, in the Direct Write System each pixel is illuminated with an optical beam of suitable intensity and the imaging (printing) of an individual feature is determined by computer control of the spatial light modulator at each photolithographic step without the use of a photomask.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a two-dimensional image of an object by means of an image sensor and a scanning mechanism is provided with a light source for emitting light for irradiating the object. The light source is lighted in response to a request made by a CPU for the commencement of photographing and is allowed to go out after the termination of photographing.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a scanning optical system scans an image surface in a main scanning direction by focusing a deflected light beam onto the image surface as a beam spot, the scanning optical system providing an amount of linearity at an outer peripheral end of the image surface. An optical writing unit controls ON/OFF state of a light source in accordance with an image signal. A frequency dividing unit generates a secondary frequency of a pixel clock, which is equal to an initial frequency of the pixel clock divided by an integer. An electrical correction unit adjusts the secondary frequency of the pixel clock with respect to each of respective pixels included in the image signal, when the beam spot is located near the outer peripheral end of the image surface, so as to obtain uniform-velocity characteristics.