Abstract: A distributed-optical microfiche reader provided with a lens matrix formed by an array of equidistant individual lenslets, each optically in registration with a respective bit of information in the dissected image pattern selected for projection onto a screen. Each lenslet is separately irradiated and serves to enlarge the related bit and to project it onto a respective screen zone.

Abstract: An electro-optical display device having an assembly of individual, electrically addressable display elements arrayed in a plurality of rows and columns, and a corresponding array of lenses, each of these display elements aligned with and on the optical axis of a respective one of the lenses with its reflective display surface facing the lens, and a screen for receiving the image projected along the plurality of optical axes, the elements displaying the images in accordance with illumination reflected therefrom, wherein the improvement comprises introduction of illumination from the non-reflective side of the display elements into the assembly, and wherein illumination-directing means outside of the optical axes are provided for reflecting the illumination onto the respective reflective display surfaces of each respective display element.

Abstract: An electronically addressed electro optical display device of the type in which an electrical signal containing intelligence is translated into alphanumeric, graphic and pictorial images on an electro optical display includes an array of short focal length lenses, an array of electronically addressed electro optical display elements, each of which is aligned with and in the optical path of a respective one of the lenses and a screen onto which the images on the display elements are projected by the lenses. Where the electro optical display elements are of the passive type in which images are formed by selectively modulating the transmission, reflection or scattering of light, an array of light sources is employed located so as to illuminate the array of electro optical display elements.

Abstract: A microfiche construction embodying Cassegrainian reflecting surfaces. A fixed projection sheet is provided with convex lenses on its top surface, the lower peripheries of which are internally mirrored. An indexable lensfiche is provided with sunken convex reflecting mirrors on its top surface which are optically aligned with corresponding upper lens of the projection sheet to define Cassegrainian surfaces. Light modulated by microimages on the lensfiche strikes the Cassegrainian surfaces and passes to a viewing screen. In an embodiment, the projection sheet carries both Cassegrainian reflectors.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of adjacent light pipe elements, the light pipe elements adapted for use in illuminating a microfiche. The ends of the light pipe elements are spaced apart from each other, to thereby coincide with spaced microimages on a microfiche. The method includes the steps of die-deforming a plastic sheet in the general form of a flat elbow, placing saw-tooth cuts at one end thereof, and subsequently rolling the sheet about an axis.

Abstract: A compact microfiche reader. Light from a microfiche or cassette microfilm is projected and undergoes several reflections prior to striking a viewing screen. One of the reflecting surfaces is defined by a prism sheet having a multiplicity of prisms. Light is both reflected by and passes through the prism sheet, the prism sheet thus defining a dual-function optical surface. This makes possible a more compact viewer. Several embodiments employ foldable reflecting surfaces and a foldable viewing screen to further reduce the size of the reader.

Abstract: A device for producing an array of point sources of light. A number of parallel optical fibers or strips are positioned on a substrate. One end of the fibers or strips is illuminated by a light source. Light passing through and along each fiber or strip is reflected at spaced longitudinal reflecting faces integral with the fiber or strip. The device exhibits particular utility in illuminating microimages carried by a fiche.

Abstract: An indexing construction for microfiche elements of the type wherein the microfiche is provided with integral lens elements to define a lensfiche. The improvement comprises altering surface(s) of the microfiche to thereby define a plurality of indexing nodules. These nodules cooperate with complementary nodules on either a viewing screen or a hardness member. By virtue of this construction both alignments of the lensfiche and indexing thereof relative to a viewing screen are facilitated.

Abstract: A projection lens plate for a microfiche and method of its manufacture. A base or substrate having greater dimensional stability against creepage, humidity, and thermal cycling than the optic material carries a plurality of openings for receiving extruded optic material, the optic material forming lenses after hardening. Extrusion passages in a die head carry the optic material to the substrate openings. The die head is provided with accurately spaced lens-forming cavities onto which the optic material flows to thereby form lenses. By this process and apparatus the lenses are very accurately located relative to each other, while the openings in the substrate need not be accurately located relative to each other. The substrate openings are larger than the diameter of the lenses. Further, by fashioning the substrate of a dimensionally stabler material than the lens material, accurate registry of the lenses vis a vis each other is maintained.

Abstract: A combined microfiche camera and projection apparatus. The apparatus includes an objective lens for forming a real image on the input end of a coherent bundle of light fibers (internally reflecting glass fibers). The output end of the bundle is dispersed into a plurality of spaced-apart coherent fiber sub-bundles. The ends of the latter terminate contiguous to the emulsion of a microfiche. A projection screen is spaced from the microfiche. The device functions both to record and to read out.

Abstract: An illumination device for establishing an array of point light sources, wherein the light sources are generally closely spaced. In a first embodiment a planar substrate is provided with an array of apertures. One surface of the substrate is coated with a first coating having a first index of refraction, the coating extending into the sides of the apertures. A second coating having a second and higher index of refraction is applied on top of the first coating and is coextensive therewith. Light fed into the edges of the second coating passes by internal reflection to the apertures where it exits, parallel with the aperture axes. In a second embodiment, the array of point sources is defined by beam-compressor lenses supported on a rigid, planar substrate. Each column of lenses is positioned adjacent an edge of an internally reflecting sheet, there being as many sheets as columns. An opposite edge of each sheet receives light, to thereby illuminate the input ends of the beam-compressor lenses.

Abstract: A light amplification device displaying particular utility in the display of micro intelligence. In a known light amplifier construction employing transparent sheets between which an electric field is impressed, and which employs a photoconductive sheet and an electrically optically active sheet such as a liquid crystal sheet, a novel lattice member is inserted between the photoconductive sheet and the liquid crystal sheet. In one embodiment, the lattice is defined by a plurality of metallic studs mounted in a dielectric sheet. The studs localize the electric field impressed upon the liquid crystal sheet. The resultant display is a gravure display, the studs defining the gravure points. In several embodiments, the location and form of the gravure points are varied. Color displays are also made. The introduction of the lattice lowers the power requirements of the light amplifier.

Abstract: A method of making copies of information sets of the type carried by microfiche elements having integral lenses on one surface thereof. The copy is made by embossing the top surface of a plastic, planar blank to form the integral lenses. The bottom surface of the blank is provided with a thin, opaque coating. The coating is ruptured by a stamping block, the ruptured portions forming optical apertures in the coating. These apertures function in a manner analogous to developed images in a photographic emulsion. Thus, microfiche copies may be made without the use of silver bromide. The selective rupture process may also be employed in the duplication of motion picture film.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as both a camera and a viewer. As a camera, light from an object is broken up by a planar array of N lenses into N identical images which fall onto an opaque mask. A small aperture lies within each image, but at a different relative zone so that the apertures are non-homologous with respect to the image. Light passing through the apertures strikes virgin photographic emulsion of a lensfiche. The lensfiche is indexed and the process repeated for the next object. After emulsion development, the lensfiche is sequentially illuminated from the rear and each object (macroscene) sequentially reconstructed by projection on a viewing screen. For one embodiment, the method of recording consists of forming N identical and non-overlapping images, taking one portion from each of the N images, the N portions being non-homologous and dispersed from each other, and photographically recording N non-homologous portions.

Abstract: A reader for a distributed-optical microfiche wherein each page of recorded intelligence is constituted by a reduced scale image that is dissected to form a pattern of dispersed bits. The several patterns representing the recorded pages are interlaced to produce a multi-page microfiche that is read back by irradiating and enlarging only a selected pattern of dispersed bits and projecting this pattern onto a screen. The reader includes a lens matrix formed by an array of individual lenslets, each optically aligned with a respective bit in the selected pattern to enlarge and project this bit onto a screen zone. Interposed between the lens matrix and the screen is an apertured melding mask having an array of openings corresponding to the array of lenslets and optically aligned therewith.

Abstract: A compact optical viewer and recorder which employs a Philips-type cassette. Small lenses project microimages from the film strip wound upon the cassette upwardly and onto a plurality of mirrors. The mirrors function to compress the throwing distance of the lenses, the final image appearing on a screen.

Abstract: A method of making illuminating sheets for microfiche readers. The illuminating sheet includes light conducting channels in a base or carrier having low creepage and low coefficients of thermal and of humidity expansion which terminate at different points accurately located over the surface of the sheet. The channel termini have mirrors which reflect light and thereby illuminate microimages on a microfiche. The method includes embossing elongated channels of different lengths onto a transparent, plastic sheet by means of an embossing roll. The roll carries spaced discs, the discs having peripheries of different lengths to thereby form channels of different lengths. The channels are then filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional viewing of stored color information. A microfiche (lensfiche) formed by known techniques is viewed without the requirement of special glasses worn by an individual viewing the display. Each lens of a lenticular lensplate is associated with a pair of apertures, the apertures receiving light polarized in two mutually orthogonal directions. One aperture of each aperture pair passes only polarized light of one kind and images this light at a point in front of the lensplate corresponding to the normal viewing position of one eye. The other aperture of each aperture pair passes only polarized light of the other kind and images this light at a point in front of the lensplate corresponding to the normal viewing position of the other eye. This is a Division of application Ser. No. 582,170 filed May 30, 1975, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,116.

Abstract: An electro-optic device having utility in (a) the display of parallel information such as a projected microimage, and (b) both the display and recording of series information such as TV signals. The device includes a photoconductive sheet and an electro-optic sheet (and may also employ a gravure lattice member) and carries X and Y addressors.

Abstract: A microfiche structure consisting of a laminate of an opaque, apertured web sandwiched between two transparent sheets. The transparent material partially extends into each aperture to thereby define, for each aperture, an optical doublet. The laminate may be continuously formed by compression, as by rolls.