Mr. Rudolph P. Guzik, President and Principal Consultant

OPTICAL ENGINEERING: Rudolph Guzik (prefers Rudy) is the President of Imaging Technology Consultants (ITC) and is an engineering physicist with over thirty-five years of engineering and management experience in research and development.   Much of his consulting work concerns optical applications and his experience with optical systems and devices spans his entire career.  He has also taught courses in optics, holography, and physical optics at the college level.  His first contribution in optics was to help develop an automated scanner for analyzing astronomical spectrograms.  He has the capacity to do optical design, computer-assisted optical system design, and laboratory benchwork; and he has access to advanced facilities when required.  He is also familiar with non-imaging optics, fiber optics and light piping methods, source characterization, and advanced applications using a wide range of sources.  In addition, several of ITC's associates are design specialists working with customized thin films, complex lens design, and energy distribution optimization.  ITC's typical consulting tasks have included development problems in imaging, illumination, sensing, instrumentation, scanning, and electro-optics.  TOP

PHOTOMETRY: The measurement and analysis of light is routine in optical engineering and imaging technology, and a wide range of instruments are commercially available.  General examples would include Photometry, Radiometry, Spectrophotometry, and Spectroradiometry.  More specific methods would include Interferometry, Densitometry, Colorimetry, Reflectometry, Polarimetry, Ellipsometry, and others.  Despite the range of off-the-shelf systems, customized or special purpose instruments are often required for unique applications.  Having worked with light throughout their careers, ITC's consultants are experts in this field and familiar with the variety of light measurement methods.   Their expertise with sensors, optical measurements, and the variety of light sources is based on applied and practical knowledge.  TOP       

PHOTONICS: This general field is often defined as the study of the interactions between materials and light.  Light is affected by transmission, reflection, or refraction through materials and a wide variety of materials are measureably affected by light.  ITC's consultants are familiar with the range of photo-active devices, electro-optical devices, optical sensors, and opto-electronic systems that are available today.  They are also familiar with the underlying physics and, in some cases, the photochemistry.  Applications range from automation and control to specialized technology and instruments for detection and analysis.  Other common examples include beam steering and modulation, fiber communications and switching, and even optical data storage.  In addition, Rudy is also familiar with photoconductors from his early work in electrophotography.  In general, ITC's consultants are experts in many facets of photonics and the fundamental principles.  TOP

ELECTRONIC IMAGING: With a technical foundation in imaging systems, Rudy and his associates are comfortable with electronic imaging and its extension to computerized image analysis.  They have found that attention to image quality during acquisition often simplifies the software.  Over the last several years, they have developed customized vision systems for inspection, engineering studies, and automation.  Their most ambitious project involved multiple high-speed exposures on a single image frame using an intensifier as a programmable electronic shutter.  These images were then analyzed and the results were used to define and tabulate the velocity, trajectory, and rotation of objects flying past the camera.  This imaging instrument was developed for an engineering application where volumes of flight-tests were used to acquire statistical data on performance.  Other recent work has included tasks in automated inspection, spatial calibration, and bio-medical instrumentation.  New imaging sensors are providing many new opportunities for innovative applications.  TOP    

DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY: ITC's consultants consider themselves to be experts in this field because of their direct experience in research and development.   They have a working knowledge of television, CRTs, and LCDs.  One of ITC's principals is a nationally known flat panel expert with many patents and publications in the field.  His development work on a flat-panel large-format display led to a successful prototype with bright full-color capability.  ITC's more recent projects have included the development of interactive displays, LCD optical touch panels, and active displays for "point-of-purchase" advertising.  ITC has also contributed to the development of novel display systems by providing skills in optical engineering and electronic imaging.  Rudy's special interests are in stereo and volumetric display systems.  TOP

PHOTO-SYSTEMS: Rudy and his colleagues have had a working knowledge of photo-systems extend throughout their careers and current activities.  For example, Rudy has taught holography and has been involved in industrial applications.  Recording the interference fringes requires special film which is processed to increase its diffraction efficiency.  Similar multi-stage or special purpose photo-systems are common in research and industry.   Some examples include graphic arts, microfilm, radiology, micro-fabrication, dosimetry, and astronomy.  Photo-polymers are used in fabrication and Rudy has even developed compliant optical elements with the assistance of a polymer chemist.  One field where they have made intermittent contributions has been in stereo-printing.  This has involved photography, scanning, interlacing, screening, lenticular casting, and photo-polymer lamination.  Rudy and his colleagues have also contributed to a project in high-speed photography for a research application in the study of compression waves.   TOP

ELECTROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY: Rudy's experience with electrostatics has evolved from industrial R&D in electrophotography. His work in system optimization has required an exploration of the fundamental physics of the process.  This has included the technology of toners, photoconductors, controlled deposition, dielectric materials, electrostatic fields, and corona discharge.  In developing instrumentation and improving performance, Rudy has become an expert in the field with publications and patents to his name.  His techniques for evaluating liquid toners are still being used today and one of his corona designs is a common element in laser printers.  His design for a four-color copier was later adopted for color proofing.  Later work in microfilm printers, high-resolution laser printers, and non-impact printing has expanded his experience.  As a consultant, he has contributed to projects in medical hard copy, labeling, electrostatic precipitators, ion beam curing, and dielectric testing.  Some of his more novel projects have included electrostatic levitation and Kirlian photography.  TOP

NON-IMPACT PRINTING; Systems and Development: From his background in electrophotography and electrostatics, Rudy regards most of the non-impact printing methods as variations on the basic technology.  His experience with ink jet systems and high-resolution laser printing and his consulting work in toners, special printing applications, and related system design problems has broadened his knowledge.  He considers thermal processes, including dye sublimation, heat sensitive materials, and ablation, to be a divergent technology which is related by the similarities in image formation.  TOP

GRAPHIC ARTS: Rudy's knowledge of graphic arts has evolved from photo-systems and a direct involvement in offset printing processes.   Color reproduction, half-tone screening, scanning, and prepress system development were active working projects for him at one time.  He has also worked on the development of an electrophotographic laser plate-making system, but he found that the materials could not be adequately controlled.  In his working experience with major press installations, sensor and control systems were Rudy's dominant concern. Being familiar with most of the systems, methods, and processes permits him to claim significant expertise in this field.  Over the last five years, he has been involved with a number of consulting tasks in printing, color reproduction, and digital scanning that have maintained his connection with the field.  TOP

TONER TECHNOLOGY: Rudy views this field as a specialized applied technology which is based on electrostatics, magnetics, and the art of toner chemistry and manufacture.  Over many years, his major occupation has been in the development of electrostatic printers, and he has worked with all of the liquid and dry toners.  These have included variations designed for specialized applications.  Although the process of making toners has evolved, Rudy still sees this as an art and feels that most of the technical problems stem from that fact.   Being able to define, measure, and select toners to meet the requirements of a particular printing system is a substantial task in instrumentation and engineering physics.  Rudy is an expert in toner development, quality control instrumentation, and related system controls.  TOP

ENGINEERING PHYSICS: Rudy has found that in quality control, manufacturing, and product development there are many cases where the multi-disciplinary engineering problems are solved with applied physics.   Such challenges have usually occurred for him in the course of working with instrumentation, materials, modeling, analysis, experimental methods, and unusual sensing and control problems.  Most of his consulting work is concerned with multi-faceted systems, including computerized technology unrelated to electronic imaging.  Over the last several years, for example, they have worked with micropositioners, magnetics, ultrasonics, polymers, radiowave sensors, neon sculpture, laser heating, dosimetry, pneumatics, and high voltage.  TOP

DESIGN and DOCUMENTATION: Rudy's earliest work experience was in drafting and design.  He has undergraduate training in mechanical engineering and is familiar with most production methods including machining, forming, casting, and plastic molding.  ITC's design engineers are talented and innovative.  They believe that using cost effective production methods and materials is just as important as the appearance and quality of the assembled product.   Many projects require attention to heat dissipation, weathering, safety, reliability, and the mean time between failures.  ITC is skilled at providing practical solutions based on sound product engineering and design.  When required, the products developed by ITC include complete documentation, production drawings, and bills of material.  TOP    

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT: The principal consultants of Rudy's firm have all served as managers in corporations and as entrepreneurial executives in new venture companies.  All of them have had experience in managing product development under a variety of conditions and organizational systems.   As experienced "hands-on" technical managers, they have been contracted to help develop business plans, apply for auxiliary grants, assess the feasibility of particular projects, prepare market assessments, and organize or reorganize technical operations.  Rudy maintains that manufacturing volume, industrial diversity, and the capacity for new product development in many segments of industry has declined steadily since the 1980s, and has written on this subject.  In his Seminar on New Product Development, these issues and trends are stressed in planning and strategy.  In order to remain competitive, Rudy states, industry must continue developing new products, markets, and production methods.  Developing the technical capacity and capability to accomplish that has often been postponed.  Rudy and the ITC professionals have developed applications in many fields including displays, electro-optics, sensors, non-impact printing, and electronic imaging.  They have produced prototypes, customized systems, and marketable products.  In addition, they have provided feasibility studies, venture evaluations, competitive analysis, and technical assessments of business plans and intellectual property.  TOP

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING: Rudy has over 30 years of applied experience in industrial product development from concept to market introduction.  He has invented, evaluated, selected, and planned the development of new products for manufacturing and has also optimized products including cost-reduction, quality improvements, and production methods.
Product development, like any flowing process, is guided by intuition and experience.   Finding the optimum compromise between an ideal and practical product is like solving an array of simultaneous equations.  The talent to produce a successful product on schedule and under budget is similar to that of producing a stage production like an opera.  From the quality of the script and the skills of the development team to the logistics of the operations, the outcome is often determined by the manager's ability to organize and manage the details.  TOP         

TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENTS:  With his background in Technical Management and involvement with new ventures, Rudy is qualified to review and assess the technical capacity, capability, and validity of investment proposals, business plans (involving development), acquisition targets, and technology licensing.  In recent years, he has written a number of assessment reviews and recommendations for capital investment and corporate acquisitions with successful outcomes.  He has evaluated intellectual property and provided reports on the status of competitors technology and development.  He has also prepared technology forecasts based on patents, publications, and verifiable trends.  He has also served as an expert witness in patent litigation and proprietary technology law suits.  TOP

STRATEGY and PLANNING: Market position, market share, and competition are common management issues.   Part of the problem is acquiring reliable information about the present and future trends.  ITC does not profess to do market research but we are capable of providing technical intelligence relative to the market and competition.  Innovations in technology can affect the success of a product and market share and being the leader, a follower, or a maverick is a decision that depends on technology.  It is not enough to develop a product because one can, if the market is indifferent or undefined.  The question of customer demand and perceived satisfaction is often a question of technology.   ITC's technical management team is well aware of the dilemma and paradox of market pull or technology push - and we can provide expert assistance is helping to reach decisions.  ITC has prepared a number of strategy recommendations and reports in several fields.  TOP       

RECRUTING SERVICES: Rudy and his associates provide recruiting services for clients seeking technical professionals and engineering specialists.   These specific tasks are usually performed under a contingency fee agreement.  In addition, ITC's Certified Personnel Consultant has many years of experience in the placement and recruiting of support personnel.  In general, these services are also available on retainer for more extended contract assignments, such as: out-placement; re-organization; or new venture staffing.  TOP

SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS:  ITC provides "in-house" seminars, workshops, and tutorials for clients.  This may include hiring specific lecturers, creating programs on specific topics, presenting pre-packaged tutorial materials, or arranging for live or taped video presentations.  Rudy has presented workshops on product development and innovation, and has also delivered a series of tutorials on technical topics.  Any subject within our expertise can be prepared and presented on a contractual basis.  Certain kinds of applied technical training are also available and can be developed for any application within our general fields of expertise  TOP               

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES: Rudy and his associates are open to inquiries from lawyers and several have served as expert witness.  Rudy and his associate have experience in locating vendors, suppliers, prototype fabricators, and production facilities.  ITC has extensive catalog and product files; reference databases; and a wide network of personal contacts.  Languages: Rudy is familiar with, although not fluent in, German and Mandarin Chinese.  However, his associates include an expert in German and Czech, and others whose native languages include Spanish, Polish, Russian, and Chinese.  TOP   

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Imaging Technology Consultants