Abstract

A beam detector apparatus (1) comprising: beam emitter apparatus (2); reflector apparatus (3), locatable across a volume to be monitored; and beam receiver apparatus (4). The beam emitter apparatus (2) is capable of creating a first linearly polarised beam of light of first linear polarisation and directing said first linearly polarised beam of light towards the reflector apparatus. The reflector apparatus (3) is capable of either: receiving the first linearly polarised beam of light and modifying such light into a beam having circular polarisation, elliptical polarisation or being unpolarised, and reflecting said circularly polarised, elliptically polarised or unpolarised beam of light towards the beam receiver apparatus; OR receiving the first linearly polarised beam of light and reflecting such light towards the beam receiver, and modifying such light into a beam having circular polarisation, elliptical polarisation or being unpolarised. The beam receiver apparatus (4) is capable of receiving said circularly polarised, elliptically polarised or unpolarised light and creating therefrom a second linearly polarised beam of light, in which the first and second linearly polarised beams of light have different polarisation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/53 - Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke
• G01J 1/04 - Optical or mechanical part
• G08B 13/184 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelengthActuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interruption of a radiation beam or barrier using radiation reflectors

Abstract

Image scanning apparatus comprises a plurality of imaging sensors for generating image data; a focusing system and a scanning system. The focusing system defines an optical axis and directs light received from a target on to the imaging sensors. Each imaging sensor is positioned with respect to the focusing system such that, the light directed to the imaging sensor has an optical focus level with respect to the target which is different from each other imaging sensor, and the light is received from a position on the target with respect to the optical axis which is different from the respective position for each other imaging sensor. The focusing system comprises a optical path modifier so as to generate a first light path between the optical path modifier and at least one of the plurality of imaging sensors, and a second light path between the optical path modifier and at least one of the imaging sensors, wherein the first light path is different from the second light path. The scanning system is arranged in use to cause the target to be moved relative to the optical axis such that an image of the target may be generated using the image data from the plurality of image sensors. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes

Abstract

A cell deposition and imaging apparatus comprises: a printing mechanism comprising at least one channel, the at least one channel of the printing mechanism arranged to: receive a sample of a cell-carrying fluid comprising at least one cell-type; and deposit the sample of the cell-carrying fluid onto a target area of a substrate, an imaging system arranged to image the target area; and a transportation system arranged to move the target area between a printing position, in which the target area is located substantially adjacent to the printing mechanism, and an imaging position, in which the target area is located substantially adjacent to the imaging system; wherein the imaging system comprises an imager capable of imaging a region of the substrate wherein the region is smaller than the target area and the imaging system is arranged to image all of the target area by moving the target area relative to the imager.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12M 1/26 - Inoculator or sampler
• C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
• C12M 1/36 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology including condition or time responsive control, e.g. automatically controlled fermentors
• C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a microscope scanner (1) comprising a line scanner (3). Pre-scan data is generated for a target (6) comprising a sample, wherein generating the pre-scan data comprises: obtaining a pre-scan image of the target (6) from a pre-scan; and identifying one or more sample-containing regions (24) and one or more sample-free regions (26) of the target (6) from the pre-scan image. An imaging scan is then performed of a scanning region of the target (6) including the one or more sample-containing regions (24) and the one or more sample-free regions (26). The scanning speed of the line scanner (3) is adjusted along the image scan path based on the pre-scan data so that the target (6) is imaged at a higher scanning speed within the one or more sample-free regions (26) than in the one or more sample-containing regions (24).

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 21/00 - Microscopes
• G01N 21/64 - FluorescencePhosphorescence
• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a microscope scanner. A first imaging scan is performed of one or more area(s) of interest, AOI, on a target (6) comprising a sample. This involves moving a detector array (3) relative to the target (6) along an image scan path and acquiring an image of the target at each of a plurality of locations along the image scan path. Focus control data is generated during the imaging scan, wherein generating focus control data comprises calculating a focus merit value at each said location along the image scan path. The focal height of the detector array (3) is then adjusted along the image scan path based on said focus merit values. The efficacy of the first imaging scan is analysed using the focus control data and a change to one or more scanning parameters from the first imaging scan is determined, for the performance of a second imaging scan, based on this analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 21/24 - Base structure
• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes

Abstract

A beam detector apparatus (1) comprising: beam emitter apparatus (2); reflector apparatus (3), locatable across a volume to be monitored; and beam receiver apparatus (4). The beam emitter apparatus (2) is capable of creating a first linearly polarised beam of light of first linear polarisation and directing said first linearly polarised beam of light towards the reflector apparatus. The reflector apparatus (3) is capable of either: receiving the first linearly polarised beam of light and modifying such light into a beam having circular polarisation, elliptical polarisation or being unpolarised, and reflecting said circularly polarised, elliptically polarised or unpolarised beam of light towards the beam receiver apparatus; OR receiving the first linearly polarised beam of light and reflecting such light towards the beam receiver, and modifying such light into a beam having circular polarisation, elliptical polarisation or being unpolarised. The beam receiver apparatus (4) is capable of receiving said circularly polarised, elliptically polarised or unpolarised light and creating therefrom a second linearly polarised beam of light, in which the first and second linearly polarised beams of light have different polarisation.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 13/184 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelengthActuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interruption of a radiation beam or barrier using radiation reflectors
• G08B 17/103 - Actuation by presence of smoke or gases using a light emitting and receiving device

Abstract

A method of printing using a print head comprising first and second print arrays, each comprising a plurality of nozzles. Each of the first print array nozzles emits a droplet of a first volume and each of the second print array nozzles emits a droplet of a second volume, wherein the first volume is less than the second volume. The method comprises: a. receiving image data comprising a received tone value for a pixel; b. selecting one of the print arrays corresponding to the pixel location; c. mapping the received tone value to a mapped tone value using a tone mapping for the selected print array; d. comparing the mapped tone value with a threshold value for the location of the pixel; and e. generating a control signal for the selected print array if the mapped tone value corresponds to the threshold value in a predetermined manner.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/205 - Ink jet for printing a discrete number of tones
• H04N 1/405 - Halftoning, i.e. converting the picture signal of a continuous-tone original into a corresponding signal showing only two levels
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods and apparatus for flame detection, comprising sensors having a fields of view, a camera having a camera field of view that encompasses the fields of view of the sensors, and a processor. The processor generates a graphical indicator to be superimposed onto images from the camera to indicate the fields of view of the sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors
• G08B 17/12 - Actuation by presence of radiation or particles, e.g. of infrared radiation or of ions

Abstract

A method of producing a printed output on a substrate using print head is provided. The print head comprises first and second print arrays, wherein the first and second print arrays each comprise a plurality of nozzles. Each of the nozzles of the first print array is configured to emit a droplet of a first volume and each of the nozzles of the second print array is configured to emit a droplet of a second volume, wherein the first volume is less than the second volume. The method comprises the steps of: a. receiving image data comprising a received tone value for a pixel within an image to be printed; b. selecting one of the print arrays of the first and second print arrays comprising a nozzle corresponding to the location of the pixel within the image to be printed, wherein each nozzle of the first and second print array is arranged to print a different respective pixel in the image data; c. mapping the received tone value to a mapped tone value using a tone mapping corresponding to the selected first or second print array, wherein the tone mapping corresponding to the first print array is different from the tone mapping corresponding to the second print array; d. performing the screening operation by comparing the mapped tone value with a threshold value for the location of the pixel within the image to be printed; and e. generating a control signal for the selected print array if the mapped tone value corresponds to the threshold value in a predetermined manner.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/205 - Ink jet for printing a discrete number of tones
• H04N 1/405 - Halftoning, i.e. converting the picture signal of a continuous-tone original into a corresponding signal showing only two levels

Abstract

A method for aligning a projected beam on a reflector in a reflective-type beam detector, the method including adjusting the projected beam so as to: project on to substantially all, if not all, of a reflective surface of the reflector; or project on to at least a portion of a reflective surface of the reflector until a constant, or within a predetermined threshold of a constant, signal is received from the reflector; and detecting one or more edges of the reflective surface of the reflector and thereby: centering the projected beam, so as to align an approximate center of the projected beam on, or within a predetermined threshold of, an approximate center of the reflective surface of the reflector; and/or determining a shape or profile of the reflector.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01J 5/08 - Optical arrangements
• G08B 17/103 - Actuation by presence of smoke or gases using a light emitting and receiving device
• G08B 29/20 - Calibration, including self-calibrating arrangements
• G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
• G01J 5/00 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
• G08B 17/10 - Actuation by presence of smoke or gases
• G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors

Abstract

A method for adjusting the timing of beam projections in a beam detector. The method includes projecting a beam for the purpose of detecting obscuration of the beam and, if a level of signal of the beam detected is less than a threshold for each of a number of consecutive projections or for each consecutive projection over a pre-determined time period, initiating a warning, signalling an alarm or otherwise reacting. The method further includes adjusting the timing of projecting the beam from a nominal transmit interval ‘T’ to be within a window time-period ‘W’ extending from an amount before to an amount after the nominal transmit interval ‘T’.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 17/88 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• H04J 14/08 - Time-division multiplex systems
• G01N 21/53 - Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection within a body or fluid within a flowing fluid, e.g. smoke
• G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors
• G06F 7/58 - Random or pseudo-random number generators
• G08B 17/103 - Actuation by presence of smoke or gases using a light emitting and receiving device
• G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis

Abstract

a) detects an amount of radiation F, and positive detection of a flaming material depends upon the following criteria: F>0; G>0; and F>G.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 5/02 - Constructional details
• G01J 5/00 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
• G08B 17/12 - Actuation by presence of radiation or particles, e.g. of infrared radiation or of ions
• G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors

Abstract

A microscope scanner is provided comprising a detector array for obtaining an image from a sample and a sample holder configured to move relative to the detector array. The sample holder is configured to move to a plurality of target positions relative to the detector array in accordance with position control signals issued by a controller and the detector array is configured to capture images during an imaging scan based on the position control signals.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 21/26 - StagesAdjusting means therefor
• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes

Abstract

A microscope scanning apparatus is provided comprising a detector array for obtaining an image from a sample and a sample holder adapted to hold the sample when in use and to move relative to the detector array along a scan path. A controller is further provided to monitor the position of the sample holder relative to the detector array and to trigger image capture by the detector array in accordance with said monitored position.

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 21/26 - StagesAdjusting means therefor
• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes

Abstract

A method of estimating an in-focus level of a target in an image scanning apparatus is provided, wherein the image scanning apparatus comprises a first line scan detector configured to obtain one or more image scan lines of the target and a second line scan detector configured to obtain one or more focus scan lines of the target. The method comprises obtaining at least one image scan line of the target using the first line scan detector, each at least one image scan line being obtained at a respective focus level; obtaining at least one focus scan line of the target using the second line scan detector, each at least one focus scan line being obtained at a respective focus level; calculating at least one focus parameter using at least one focus scan line; and estimating a nominal in-focus level of the target using the calculated focus parameter(s).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01J 1/00 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
• G01J 1/02 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter Details
• G02B 21/24 - Base structure
• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes
• G02B 21/00 - Microscopes

Abstract

A method of forming an imaging calibration device for a biological material imaging system, the method comprising: providing one or more discrete regions (8) upon or within a retaining member (5), each region for the receipt of a selected predetermined biological stain material; selecting one or more predetermined biological stain materials, wherein each of the selected predetermined biological stain materials has a predetermined optical response, and providing one or more of the selected predetermined biological stain materials to the said one or more discrete regions such that the said material is localised in the said region.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection

Abstract

A method of estimating an in-focus level of a target in an image scanning apparatus (100) is provided, wherein the image scanning apparatus comprises a first line scan detector (2) configured to obtain one or more image scan lines of the target and a second line scan detector (3) configured to obtain one or more focus scan lines of the target. The method comprises obtaining at least one image scan line of the target using the first line scan detector (2), each at least one image scan line being obtained at a respective focus level; obtaining at least one focus scan line of the target using the second line scan detector (3), each at least one focus scan line being obtained at a respective focus level; calculating at least one focus parameter using at least the at least one focus scan line; and estimating a nominal in-focus level of the target using the calculated focus parameter(s).

IPC Classes  ?

• G02B 21/24 - Base structure
• G02B 21/36 - Microscopes arranged for photographic purposes or projection purposes

Abstract

A method is provided of forming a micro-channel structure for use in a biosensing device. A master structure is provided having a first configuration of micro-channels with respective first fluid flow characteristics. One or more regions of material are deposited onto the master structure using a fluidjet process so as to modify the first configuration into a second configuration having respective second fluid flow characteristics, different from the first. Functional biosensing devices formed using the method are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

• B81C 1/00 - Manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate
• B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers

Abstract

A method of producing a printed output on a substrate is provided using a drop emitting device which is adapted to emit a plurality of ink quantities in response to a control signal. The method comprises the steps of receiving image data corresponding to a pixel of an image to be printed, the received image data comprising a tone value; generating a threshold value for use in a screening operation based on the location of the pixel within the image to be printed; mapping the received tone value to a mapped tone value using a first tone mapping, the mapped tone value being generated based on the received tone value; performing the screening operation by comparing the mapped tone value with the threshold value; mapping the received tone value to a control signal value using a first control mapping if the output of the comparison performed in the previous step indicates a first relationship, the control signal value being generated based on the received tone value; and repeating the previous three steps if the output of the comparison performed in the previous step indicates a second relationship, wherein the first mapping step comprises using an alternate tone mapping and the second mapping step comprises using an alternate control mapping.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 1/405 - Halftoning, i.e. converting the picture signal of a continuous-tone original into a corresponding signal showing only two levels
• H04N 1/409 - Edge or detail enhancementNoise or error suppression
• B41J 2/205 - Ink jet for printing a discrete number of tones
• H04N 1/52 - Circuits or arrangements for halftone screening
• H04N 1/58 - Edge or detail enhancementNoise or error suppression, e.g. colour misregistration correction

Goods & Services

Printing machines; automatic printing machines; printing presses; printing plates; platesetting machines; photosetting machines; typesetting machines; processing machines; apparatus for handling sheet output of printing apparatus; apparatus for handling web output of printing apparatus; apparatus for making printing plates; apparatus for proofing of printing plates; contact printing machines; control mechanisms for performing operational steps in a printing press; ink jet printing machines; inking apparatus for printing machines; offset printing apparatus; paper feeders for use with printing machines; printing machines for electric duplicating processes; printing machines for electronic duplicating processes; reproduction machines for printing; thermal label printing machines; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid goods. Printers and scanners; electronic and digital imaging apparatus and instruments; reprographic apparatus and instruments; apparatus for formatting texts and images; optical and photographic apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for recording, storage, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; recording discs; copying machines; computer hardware and computer software for printing, scanning, electronic imaging, image processing, photosetting and typesetting; computer hardware and computer software for managing computer to printing plate workflow; print colour management software; control apparatus for performing operational steps in a printing press; electronic printing apparatus for use with computers; photo-type setting apparatus for use in the printing industry; photographic apparatus for printing purposes; plotters for use in the printing of graphics; printing communication apparatus; printing dissemination apparatus; printing plate scanners; printing process simulators; scanning apparatus for use in the printing industry; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid goods. Installation, repair and maintenance of computers, computer hardware, printers, printing machines, scanners and apparatus and instruments for the reprographics and printing industries.

Goods & Services

Printing machines; automatic printing machines; printing presses; printing plates; platesetting machines; photosetting machines; typesetting machines; processing machines; apparatus for handling sheet output of printing apparatus; apparatus for handling web output of printing apparatus; apparatus for making printing plates; apparatus for proofing of printing plates; contact printing machines; control mechanisms for performing operational steps in a printing press; ink jet printing machines; inking apparatus for printing machines; offset printing apparatus; paper feeders for use with printing machines; printing machines for electric duplicating processes; printing machines for electronic duplicating processes; reproduction machines for printing; thermal label printing machines; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid goods. Printers and scanners; electronic and digital imaging apparatus and instruments; reprographic apparatus and instruments; apparatus for formatting texts and images; optical and photographic apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for recording, storage, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; recording discs; copying machines; printing machines for electric or electronic duplicating processes; computer hardware and computer software for printing, scanning, electronic imaging, image processing, photosetting and typesetting; computer hardware and computer software for managing computer to printing plate workflow; print colour management software; control apparatus for performing operational steps in a printing press; electronic printing apparatus for use with computers; photo-type setting apparatus for use in the printing industry; photographic apparatus for printing purposes; plotters for use in the printing of graphics; printing communication apparatus; printing dissemination apparatus; printing plate scanners; printing process simulators; scanning apparatus for use in the printing industry; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid goods. Installation, repair and maintenance of computers, computer hardware, printers, printing machines, scanners and apparatus and instruments for the reprographics and printing industries.