A detector (110) for optically detecting at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises at least one optical sensor (114). The optical sensor (114) has at least one sensor region (116). The optical sensor (114) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor region (116). The sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a geometry of the illumination, in particular on a beam cross section of the illumination on the sensor area (118). The detector (110) furthermore has at least one evaluation device (122). The evaluation device (122) is designed to generate at least one item of geometrical information from the sensor signal, in particular at least one item of geometrical information about the illumination and/or the object (112).

Detector for optically detecting at least one object

An interaction competition provides an entertaining enjoyable environment for a player to compete against a celebrity in a head-to-head trivia game. The questions may be associated with the celebrity rather than random general information or general trivia. The celebrity can participate via stored audio media, stored audio-visual media, or in a live real-time format. A goal of the competition is for a player to gain more points than the celebrity. Another goal of the competition is for the player to answer more questions correctly than the celebrity. At least one or more game episodes can be provided on computer-readable media. A game episode may be implemented with a product featuring a celebrity. The competition can be provided in many different gaming environments. The competition can be provided online via a web-based format; a television game show format; telephone call-in radio talk show format; or a cellular phone game format.

Method of conducting an interactive competition

Disclosed herein are primary and auxiliary image capture devices for image processing and related methods. According to an aspect, a method may include using primary and auxiliary image capture devices to perform image processing. The method may include using the primary image capture device to capture a first image of a scene, the first image having a first quality characteristic. Further, the method may include using the auxiliary image capture device to capture a second image of the scene. The second image may have a second quality characteristic. The second quality characteristic may be of lower quality than the first quality characteristic. The method may also include adjusting at least one parameter of one of the captured images to create a plurality of adjusted images for one of approximating and matching the first quality characteristic. Further, the method may include utilizing the adjusted images for image processing.

Primary and auxiliary image capture devices for image processing and related methods

An image processing apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit configured to acquire layer images obtained by imaging different positions of an object by using a microscope; an image generation unit for generating a plurality of observation images from the layer images. The image generation unit generates the observation images by performing combine processing for focus-stacking two or more layer images selected from among the layer images to generate a single observation image, for plural times.

Image processing apparatus, imaging system, and image processing system

The invention relates to a method for transferring a pattern from a stamping surface (31) of a stamp (30) to a receiving surface (21) of a substrate (20). The pattern is transferred to the receiving surface (21) by successively bringing portions of the pattern within such a range of the receiving surface (21) during a certain period, that the pattern is locally transferred from the stamping surface (31) to the receiving surface (21). The individual portions can be moved by means of individual actuators (50). By applying the method, the transfer of the pattern can be performed according to a wave, which is for example ring-shaped, moving from the center of the receiving surface (21) to the circumference, or linear, moving from side of the receiving surface (21) to an opposite side.

Method and Device For Transferring a Pattern From a Stamp to a Substrate

A system for taking motion pictures of a scene with different parts at different focal lengths with a camera that normally would not have sufficient depth of field to capture all parts of said scene in focus. A computer (610) controls a high-speed, digital camera (605) and a lens (600) with rapid focus capability to produce a stack of images at different focal lengths for rapid processing into a composite serial image montage stream in motion picture output format (625). Operator controls permit continuous selection of depth of field (DOF) in the output image and enable a plurality of in-focus and out-of-focus regions over the depth of an image. An optional output port (640) provides for real-time recordation of all images in each stack for later processing. An optional remote control (1015) duplicates the main controls in the camera system (1000) so that a second person can assist in optimizing images as they are recorded, or for remote control of the camera itself. An audio input (645) and an optional digital data input (650) are provided for sound and cueing.

Apparatus and Method for Application of Selective Digital Photomontage to Motion Pictures

A system for color printing in an economical, simple, yet accurate manner comprises a computer (200) which causes an inkjet printer (210) to print a multi-color image of ink (215) on the surface (302) of a pad (300). The pad is made of silicone rubber and is supported in a frame (305). The rubber is either insulating or conductive, as required. Its surface can be smooth or textured. The pad is normally flat during application of the ink image. The pad can be used flat, or it can be deformed into a convex shape after the ink image is applied. The pad is then applied to a receiving object (400), transferring the ink image (216) to the object. Deformation of the pad is accomplished using a ram (410), or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Since the printed pad (300) contains all colors to be printed, a full-color image is transferred in a single operation of the pad.

Multi-color pad printing apparatus and method

A relay lens assembly ( 100 ) for use with a microscope ( 1400 ), telescope or binocular ( 1500 ), comprises a lens element ( 300 ) that is responsive to commands, conveyed from a control unit ( 400 ), via a conduit ( 410 ) between the control unit and the lens element. A computing device ( 810 ) controls operation of the lens assembly and a digital camera ( 805 ) that has an image sensor ( 125 ). The control unit causes the lens assembly to assume any of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths so that different depths of an object being imaged can be rendered in-focus on the sensor. A series of images can be taken at predetermined, computer-controlled focal depths. These images can be processed in order to create a photomontage that is in focus at a plurality of predetermined depths in a process commonly called focus-stacking. The addition of a plurality of data input and analysis units ( 1105 ) and a combiner ( 1115 ) makes rapid processing of individual images possible for photomontage at video rates.

Externally actuable photo-eyepiece relay lens system for focus and photomontage in a wide-field imaging system

A rotary pad printing system comprises a compressible pad wheel (105), one or more inkjet or other image applicator heads (400), optional treatment stations (500), a shaft encoder (535), a control unit (540), and an image source (565). The image applicator heads apply an image to the wheel and the treatment stations can supply treatments such as heat, gas, light, overcoats, and undercoats. The image is then transferred to a receiving surface (532). An optional cleaning station (510) cleans the rotary pad prior to application of the next or a continuous image. Each image can be different and can be applied to a moving surface. Since the rotary pad can continuously receive updated image information, the area printed can range from a single pixel to an image of indefinite length. In an alternative embodiment, a domed pad is used.

Continuously Updatable Rotary Pad Printing Apparatus and Method

An illumination system for diascopic microscopy comprises a computer (610) with memory (625), a graphics program (605), a display driver (615), and graphical display (600). The display is positioned between a microscope's light source (105, 704) and condenser (110). When activated, the illumination system causes the display to display a predetermined pattern which the light source projects onto the condenser and is then focused by the condenser on a subject (125) to be examined. In conjunction with the microscope's light source, the illumination system emulates the illumination techniques of bright field, dark field, oblique, polarized, monochrome, modulation contrast and phase contrast illuminations.

Brian A. Brown

Papers

Apparatus and Method for Application of Selective Digital Photomontage to Motion Pictures

Multi-color pad printing apparatus and method

Externally actuable photo-eyepiece relay lens system for focus and photomontage in a wide-field imaging system

Continuously Updatable Rotary Pad Printing Apparatus and Method

Electronically variable illumination filter for microscopy