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.
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.
C12M 1/34 - Mesure ou test par des moyens de mesure ou de détection des conditions du milieu, p.ex. par des compteurs de colonies
G01N 21/35 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge
C12M 1/00 - Appareillage pour l'enzymologie ou la microbiologie
C12M 1/36 - Appareillage pour l'enzymologie ou la microbiologie comportant une commande sensible au temps ou aux conditions du milieu, p.ex. fermenteurs commandés automatiquement
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.
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 including a sample. This involves moving a detector array relative to the target 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 by calculating a focus merit value at each said location along the image scan path. The focal height of the detector array is then adjusted along the image scan path based on the 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.
Abeam 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.
G01N 21/53 - Dispersion, c. à d. réflexion diffuse dans un corps ou dans un fluide dans un courant de fluide, p.ex. dans la fumée
G08B 13/184 - Déclenchement influencé par la chaleur, la lumière, ou les radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte; Déclenchement par introduction de sources de chaleur, de lumière, ou de radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte utilisant des systèmes détecteurs de radiations actifs par interruption d'un faisceau ou d'une barrière de radiations utilisant des réflecteurs de radiations
A method of forming an imaging calibration device for a biological material imaging system is provided. A first set of one or more discrete regions is provided upon or within a retaining member. Each said region of the first set comprises a selected tissue stain material, wherein each of the selected tissue stain materials exhibits a predetermined optical response inside a colour-stable region of a chromaticity diagram defined by the ellipse x2/a2+y2/b2=1, where a=0.21, b=0.135, the rotation is −0.07 rad and the translation is (0.38,0.333). A second set of one or more discrete regions is also provided upon or within the retaining member. The second set is formed of one or more coloured filters having a predetermined optical response outside the colour-stable region.
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.
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.
C12M 1/00 - Appareillage pour l'enzymologie ou la microbiologie
C12M 1/36 - Appareillage pour l'enzymologie ou la microbiologie comportant une commande sensible au temps ou aux conditions du milieu, p.ex. fermenteurs commandés automatiquement
C12M 1/34 - Mesure ou test par des moyens de mesure ou de détection des conditions du milieu, p.ex. par des compteurs de colonies
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).
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.
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.
G08B 13/184 - Déclenchement influencé par la chaleur, la lumière, ou les radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte; Déclenchement par introduction de sources de chaleur, de lumière, ou de radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte utilisant des systèmes détecteurs de radiations actifs par interruption d'un faisceau ou d'une barrière de radiations utilisant des réflecteurs de radiations
G08B 17/103 - Déclenchement par la présence de fumée ou de gaz utilisant un dispositif émetteur et récepteur de lumière
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.
B41J 2/205 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression sélective caractérisés par le procédé d'impression ou de marquage pour lequel ils sont conçus caractérisés par la mise en contact sélective d'un liquide ou de particules avec un matériau d'impression à jet d'encre pour l'impression d'une échelle discrète de tons
H04N 1/405 - Conversion en demi-teintes, c.à d. conversion du signal d'image d'un original à tons continus en un signal correspondant ne possédant que deux niveaux
B41J 2/21 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression sélective caractérisés par le procédé d'impression ou de marquage pour lequel ils sont conçus caractérisés par la mise en contact sélective d'un liquide ou de particules avec un matériau d'impression à jet d'encre pour l'impression à plusieurs couleurs
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.
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.
B41J 2/21 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression sélective caractérisés par le procédé d'impression ou de marquage pour lequel ils sont conçus caractérisés par la mise en contact sélective d'un liquide ou de particules avec un matériau d'impression à jet d'encre pour l'impression à plusieurs couleurs
B41J 2/205 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression sélective caractérisés par le procédé d'impression ou de marquage pour lequel ils sont conçus caractérisés par la mise en contact sélective d'un liquide ou de particules avec un matériau d'impression à jet d'encre pour l'impression d'une échelle discrète de tons
H04N 1/405 - Conversion en demi-teintes, c.à d. conversion du signal d'image d'un original à tons continus en un signal correspondant ne possédant que deux niveaux
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.
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’.
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
H04J 14/08 - Systèmes multiplex à division de temps
G01N 21/53 - Dispersion, c. à d. réflexion diffuse dans un corps ou dans un fluide dans un courant de fluide, p.ex. dans la fumée
G08B 29/18 - Prévention ou correction d'erreurs de fonctionnement
G06F 7/58 - Générateurs de nombres aléatoires ou pseudo-aléatoires
G08B 17/103 - Déclenchement par la présence de fumée ou de gaz utilisant un dispositif émetteur et récepteur de lumière
G01N 21/3504 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge pour l'analyse des gaz, p.ex. analyse de mélanges de gaz
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 the at least one focus scan line; and estimating a nominal in-focus level of the target using the calculated focus parameter(s).
A method is provided of forming an imaging reference device for a biological material imaging system. A first region is provided in a substrate formed from an optically transmissive material which is an analogue of biological tissue. This first region is stained using a first biological tissue stain. A second region is provided in second substrate which is optically transmissive and an analogue of biological tissue. The second region is stained with a second biological tissue stain. The first and second regions are overlapped as a pair, such that light incident upon the pair is modulated by the respective first and second biological tissue stains of the respective regions. Multiple regions of the first and second type may be provided, stained to different degrees.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
G01N 21/27 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en utilisant la détection photo-électrique
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
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.
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.
A method of forming an imaging calibration device for a biological material imaging system, the method comprises: providing one or more discrete regions upon or within a retaining member, 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.
G01N 21/27 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en utilisant la détection photo-électrique
A method for estimating an in-focus position of a target using an image scanning apparatus is provided. The in-focus position is monitored at a seed location and an end location on the target and a pre-scan path is calculated between these locations. A pre-scan is then performed and a focus parameter is monitored for a plurality of locations along the pre-scan path. An imaging scan is next performed wherein the target is imaged along an image scan path and a focus parameter is monitored for a plurality of locations along said path. The focal height of the apparatus is adjusted during the imaging scan by comparing the focal parameter monitored for a current location on the image scan path with the focal parameter monitored for a similar location on the pre-scan path. The focal parameter monitored for different locations on the image scan path may also be compared.
G02B 7/38 - Systèmes pour la génération automatique de signaux de mise au point utilisant des techniques liées à la netteté de l'image mesurée en différents points de l'axe optique
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).
A method of estimating an in-focus level of a target in an image scanning apparatus, 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 second line scan detector comprising at least one focus shifting element such that each focus scan line is obtained at respective first and second focus levels, wherein the first focus level is different from the second focus level, the method comprising: obtaining at least one focus scan line of the target using the second line scan detector; obtaining at least one image scan line of the target using the first line scan detector, the image scan line being obtained at a respective third focus level; calculating at least one focus parameter using the at least one focus scan line; and estimating a nominal in-focus level of the target using the at least one focus parameter.
G01J 1/24 - Photométrie, p.ex. posemètres photographiques par comparaison avec une lumière de référence ou avec une valeur électrique de référence l'intensité de la valeur mesurée ou de référence étant modifiée jusqu' à égalisation de leurs effets au niveau du détecteur, p.ex. en faisant varier l'angle d'incidence en utilisant un élément variable sur le trajet de la lumière, p.ex. un filtre, des moyens polariseurs en utilisant des détecteurs électriques de radiations
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.
G01N 21/27 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en utilisant la détection photo-électrique
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).
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.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for controlling a microscope to scan a microscope slide. By analyzing an overview image it is determined quantatively which swathe contains the most image detail and an optimum scanning order can subsequently be determined relative to the swathe determined as having the most detail. By scanning the swathe with the most detail first a good focus characteristic can be established for a dynamic focussing system and prediction errors in the dynamic focus system are likely to be low when scanning subsequent swathes.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
A microscope objective lens positioning assembly comprises a lens mounting member to which a microscope objective lens defining an optical axis is mounted; a support member; and a pair of leaf springs. Each leaf spring has first and second ends, the first ends of the leaf springs being secured to upper and lower aligned locations respectively on the support member, and the second ends of the leaf springs being secured to corresponding upper and lower locations respectively on the lens mounting member whereby the two leaf springs, the optical axis of the objective lens, and a line between the upper and lower aligned locations on the support member define a parallelogram, the leaf springs flexing in use in response to movement of the lens mounting member.
A method for controlling the position of a microscope lens comprising receiving a reference signal corresponding to a reference position of the microscope lens; receiving a measurement signal corresponding to an actual position of the microscope lens; receiving a deviation signal characteristic of a predetermined positional deviation from the reference position; and using the measurement signal, the deviation signal and the reference signal to generate a positional control signal for use in setting the position of the microscope lens.
H04N 7/18 - Systèmes de télévision en circuit fermé [CCTV], c. à d. systèmes dans lesquels le signal vidéo n'est pas diffusé
G02B 26/08 - Dispositifs ou dispositions optiques pour la commande de la lumière utilisant des éléments optiques mobiles ou déformables pour commander la direction de la lumière
A method of producing a multiple focus stack image of a target, the stack image comprising a plurality of images of the target, each image having a corresponding focal range or position, wherein the method comprises causing relative scanning movement between the target and an array of light detectors, the array being used to repeatedly receive image information from the target during the scan in the form of scan lines; and causing the relative focus between the target and the array to be modified between the said focal ranges or positions of the respective images during the scan so as to obtain scan lines corresponding to each focal range or position during the scan, thereby obtaining the images in the stack, wherein each image is formed from the image information obtained as scan lines at the respective focal range or position during the scan. The method is then further characterized in that the relative focus is cycled between two extreme focal ranges or positions during the relative scanning movement and at least one scan line is obtained at a focal range or position located between subsequent extreme focal ranges or positions during the scan, each scan line being used to form one of the images of the target.
G06K 9/36 - Prétraitement de l'image, c. à d. traitement de l'information image sans se préoccuper de l'identité de l'image
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
An image scanning apparatus comprises a time delay integration sensor for obtaining first image information from a target and a scan device for causing relative motion between the time delay integration sensor and the target. The image scanning apparatus is characterized by detector array for obtaining second image information from a target, wherein the first image information corresponds to a first portion of light received from the target and the second image information corresponds to a second portion of light received from the target.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
37.
Multilevel screening mapping tone values to control signal values for greater color or shade fidelity and reduced print aberrations
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.
H04N 1/405 - Conversion en demi-teintes, c.à d. conversion du signal d'image d'un original à tons continus en un signal correspondant ne possédant que deux niveaux
H04N 1/409 - Amélioration des contours ou des détails; Suppression du bruit ou des erreurs
B41J 2/205 - Machines à écrire ou mécanismes d'impression sélective caractérisés par le procédé d'impression ou de marquage pour lequel ils sont conçus caractérisés par la mise en contact sélective d'un liquide ou de particules avec un matériau d'impression à jet d'encre pour l'impression d'une échelle discrète de tons
H04N 1/52 - Circuits ou dispositions pour l'affichage sur écran en demi-teinte
H04N 1/58 - Amélioration des contours ou des détails; Suppression du bruit ou des erreurs, p.ex. correction de la mauvaise superposition des couleurs
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
37 - Services de construction; extraction minière; installation et réparation
Produits et 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.
39.
Method and apparatus for estimating an in-focus position
A method is provided of estimating an in-focus position of a target in an image scanning apparatus. A first part of the target is scanned at a nominal focus level so as to obtain corresponding image information. One or more further parts of the target are scanned at one or more respective further focus levels so as to obtain corresponding image information. A focus parameter is then calculated for each of the nominal and the one or more further focus levels using the respective image information. An in-focus position common to each of the first and further parts of the target is then estimated using the calculated focus parameters. Corresponding apparatus for performing the method is also provided.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
37 - Services de construction; extraction minière; installation et réparation
Produits et 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.
41.
Method and apparatus for forming a multiple focus stack image
A method is provided of producing a multiple focus stack image of a target. The stack image has a plurality of images of the target, each image having a corresponding focal range or position. The method utilizes relative scanning movement between the target and an array of light detectors, the array being used to repeatedly receive image information as scan lines from the target during the scan. During the scan the relative focus between the target and the array is modified between the focal range or position of the respective images so as to obtain the images in the stack. Each image is thereby formed from the image information obtained at the respective focal range or position during the scan. Apparatus for performing the method is likewise provided.
G06K 9/36 - Prétraitement de l'image, c. à d. traitement de l'information image sans se préoccuper de l'identité de l'image
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
