Abstract: An autofocus apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reflector provided to a rear side of a lens assembly and configured to change a path of a light passing through the lens assembly so that the light is oriented toward an image sensor; a carrier to which the reflector is mounted, the carrier being configured to linearly move in an optical axis direction; a housing configured to accommodate the carrier; and a driving unit configured to move the carrier so that a distance between the reflector and the lens assembly and a distance between the reflector and the image sensor are changed simultaneously.

Abstract: A dual side mirror assembly, of a vehicle, includes a housing pivotally coupled to the vehicle between an unfolded position and a folded position. The housing includes a primary mirror coupled to the housing and a secondary mirror coupled to the housing. In the unfolded position, the primary mirror is in a reflective state and the secondary is in an unreflective state. In the folded position, the primary mirror is in the unreflective state and the secondary mirror is in the reflective state.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a machine body, a walkway 30 formed on an upper surface of a lateral one side of the machine body, and a handrail 36 configured to be height-variable by a fixed rail body 50 provided standing along the walkway 30 on the lateral one side on the upper surface of the machine body and a movable rail body 70 attached rotatably to an upper end portion of the fixed rail body 50 and foldable with respect to the fixed rail body 50. The fixed rail body 50 has a plurality of struts 51 that each having a bent shape such that an upper portion is located more laterally outward than a lower portion. A mirror 45 is attached to the strut 51. The mirror 45 is disposed laterally outward than the lower portion of the strut 51 and within a width of the machine body, and is disposed between the struts 51, below an upper end portion of the fixed rail body 50, and above a rotation tip portion of the movable rail body 70 after folded.

Abstract: A driver check apparatus includes: a face image acquisition portion that obtains a face image of a driver in a vehicle; an extraction portion that extracts a face orientation and/or a sight direction of the driver, based on the face image obtained by the face image acquisition portion while the vehicle is stopped; and a first determination portion that determines whether the face orientation and/or the sight direction extracted by the extraction portion is within a predetermined visual recognition range in which a passenger in the vehicle is visually recognized.

Abstract: Forward oblique blind spots of a vehicle, generated by the vehicle's front windshield pillars, are eliminated by provision of a panoramic windshield viewer system, thus allowing the driver to operate the vehicle without having his view impaired by visual obstructions that would otherwise be caused by the windshield pillars.

Abstract: Beam guides for guiding a laser beam from a driver laser device in the direction of a target position for generating extreme ultraviolet (“EUV”) radiation are disclosed. The beam guides include a device for increasing or decreasing the beam diameter of the laser beam. The device includes a first off-axis parabolic mirror having a first convex curved reflecting surface and a second off-axis parabolic mirror having a second concave curved reflecting surface. The beam guides also include a moving device arranged to change a distance between the first and the second reflecting surfaces to change the opening angle (?), e.g., the convergence or divergence angle, of the laser beam. Methods for adjusting an opening angle (?) of a laser beam using such beam guides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a multiple surface system that may be a two-mirror surface. The method involves first finding from a given primary curve an appropriate secondary curve. The method then uses ideas from exterior differential systems to grow from the primary curve and the secondary curve, primary and secondary mirror surfaces. The Cartan-Kähler theorem gives a strong indication of the existence of such solution surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflector arrangement including a mirror system for reflecting incident light. The mirror system includes a V-mirror unit with a V-shaped mirror having two mirror reflection surfaces, and a plane mirror unit arranged at a distance from the V-mirror unit. The V-mirror unit includes a V-mirror adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle between the two mirror reflection surfaces of the V-shaped mirror. A method for adjusting the reflector arrangement and a method for assembling the reflector arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical assembly for spectral filtration of light, having a plurality of filters which are permeable to light of different spectral ranges, a filter selection mirror which can be moved for selectable deflection of light to different optical paths to the different filters, and an output mirror which can be moved to guide light coming from one of the filters to an optical path which is the same for all the filters. The optical assembly is characterized according to the invention in that in each case at least one stationary deflection optical system is provided for each of the optical paths to the different filters to guide light from the filter selection mirror to the respective filter and/or light from the respective filter to the output mirror, and the stationary deflection optical systems are arranged so that optical path lengths on the different optical paths from the filter selection mirror to the output mirror are equal.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (1) with a blind spot indicator for visually alerting a driver (5) to the presence of an object (2) in the blind spot (3) of the motor vehicle (1). The mirror assembly (10) includes a first mirror surface (30) and a second mirror surface (32). The mirror assembly (10) further includes a transition surface (34) disposed between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32) for displaying a blind spot indicator to the driver (5) when an object (2) is detected in the vehicle's blind spot (3). The transition surface (34) for displaying the blind spot indicator is oriented generally towards the driver of the vehicle and away from other road users. Preferably, the transition surface (34) forms a discrete step or discontinuity between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32).

Abstract: A focusing mount includes a focusing frame fixed to a focus tube with at least one lens having an optical axis which is connected to a constraining frame by prismatic joints for enabling movement of the focusing mount along the optical axis without any twisting, lateral, rotational or swing movements.

Abstract: An optical filter is provided having an optical plate which has a chamfered section formed on an outer peripheral edge section of one principle surface of the optical plate and has isotropy with respect to wet-etching. The chamfered section is of an arc shape which is cross-sectionally concave in an inward direction of the optical plate.

Abstract: A free-standing and adjustable tri-fold mirror preferably includes a tri-fold mirror having first, second and third reflective surfaces, a mounting bracket statically attached to a rear side of the tri-fold mirror, a swivel device pivotally mated to the mounting bracket, a stand attached to the swivel device and extending away from the tri-fold mirror, and a base member attached to a bottom end of the stand. Advantageously, the tri-fold mirror is freely pivotal along an x-axis and a y-axis while the stand remains stationary and further while the tri-fold mirror is freely adjusted between folded and unfolded positions respectively.

Abstract: A fixture structure is disclosed that is able to reduce the workload when adjusting a relative position of constituent components. The fixture structure includes a first member and a second member fixed with the first member by a screw. The first member has a first contacting surface, the second member has a second contacting surface in contact with the first contacting surface, the first member and the second member are fixed by the screw passing through the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface, a first notch is formed at an end of the first contacting surface, a second notch is formed at an end of the second contacting surface, and an inner end of the second notch of the second member is inside an inner end of the first notch of the first member.

Abstract: A mirror unit of an exposure device includes: a mirror having support points including one support point on one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof and two support points at two portions in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the other end portion thereof; and a mirror base member that holds the mirror in a way to support the mirror at the three support points, wherein the mirror is arranged so that the support point on a side of the one support point and a support point on one side of the two support points is positioned on a scanning optical axis, and so that the longitudinal direction is tilted from the scanning optical axis in the width direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing an oblique forward area of a vehicle whereby light incident from outside a passenger compartment is prevented from reflecting. The apparatus includes a sub-window pane supported by a front pillar and a sub-pillar, a mirror housing of a door mirror for displaying a rear of the vehicle, and a first reflective mirror for displaying an area in front and to one side of the vehicle. The first reflective mirror is provided to the mirror housing. The apparatus also includes a second reflective mirror for reflecting the light reflected by the first reflective mirror toward a driver. The sub-window pane is disposed further toward the outside in a vehicle widthwise direction than a line passing over cross-sectional vehicle-widthwise direction centers of the front pillar and the sub-pillar. An outside edge of the second reflective mirror is positioned in the vicinity of the sub-window pane.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an assembly method of a projection optical system, including a lower tube and an upper tube, comprises: storing a relative positional relation between the lower tube and the upper tube in a state in which an optical characteristic of the projection optical system is adjusted; disassembling the lower tube and the upper tube; and adjusting relative positions of the lower tube and the upper tube, based on the stored relative positional relation, in next fixing the lower tube and the upper tube to each other.

Abstract: An oblique forward vision device for making an area constituting a blind spot diagonally in front a vehicle visible to a driver. The device includes a first reflective mirror, provided on a reverse side of a door mirror oriented in a forward direction, for showing an area located diagonally in front of the vehicle, and a second reflective mirror, provided on an interior side of a front pillar, for reflecting light reflected off the first reflective mirror toward the driver. The driver looks at the second reflective mirror via the first reflective mirror and checks the blind spot diagonally in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror and mirror system which can be used in connection with large vehicles, such as school buses, to provide the driver of such vehicles with the ability to view the entire side of the vehicle. While such vehicles currently include side view mirrors attached to the front of the vehicle, these mirrors contain blind spots, such as the area immediately in front of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The current invention overcomes such blind spots by attaching a second mirror to the rear portion of the vehicle that provides a forward view from the rear of the vehicle, including a view of such blind spots. Such front and rear mirrors may be aligned so that the view of the rear mirror is portrayed within the view of the front mirror. As such, the present invention provides the driver with a complete view of the passenger side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: A light production system and apparatus for adjusting the uniformity of light is provided. The apparatus comprises a light reducing portion, having an area less than that of an exit of an integrator, for reducing the brightness of a central area of light emitted from the exit. The apparatus further comprises a mounting portion for mounting the light reducing portion in general longitudinal alignment with a center of the exit, the mounting portion enabled to transmit the light emitted from the exit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector having a light-diffusing property which suppresses inter-object reflection over a wide angle, and giving particularly high reflectance in an intended range of viewing angle; and to provide a reflection type liquid crystal display device using the same. The reflector includes a plurality of light-reflective concave portions. Each of the concave portions is formed so that an inclination angle (an angle between a plane tangential to a point on a concave surface and the surface of the base material) is maximum on a side portion of the curved surface, and so that the direction of the side portion having the maximum inclination angle is on a far side from a view point of an observer.

Abstract: A dispersion compensator which is compact, low loss, low cost, and highly stable, and yet capable of varying the dispersion compensation amount without changing the output position of an output beam. The dispersion compensator includes: a first and a second planar mirrors disposed parallel to each other, wherein at least either one of the mirrors has group velocity dispersion whose value varies according to the incident angle of light incident on the mirror; a mirror holding means rotatably holding the first and second mirrors in a direction in which the incident angle of light incident on the first mirror is changed while maintaining the parallel state of the mirrors; and a third mirror disposed so as not to be rotated with the first and second mirrors and reflects light reflected sequentially by the first mirror and the second mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a fold-mirror assembly with a dynamically adjustable mirror element for use in a projection device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Reflective movable mirrors are used to reflect an image from a desired direction into the lens of a camera. This apparatus is preferably used with infrared (IR) cameras. To capture images from different directions, the orientations of the mirrors are modified. The mirrors are light, requiring only miniature motors and actuators for moving them. The mirrors are also much smaller than the focal plane electronics and the IR lens, requiring much less space for moving them than would be required for moving the camera. This provides a pointing capability for an airframe-fixed IR camera and this capability is provided with minimum additional payload, space and power requirements. The apparatus and method can be used for IR and electro-optical (EO) cameras.

Abstract: A utility mirror assembly has a base having a base surface with an adhesive layer for contacting and adhering to a second surface, a post, adjustable in length, congruent with the base and extending substantially orthogonally away from the base surface, and a utility mirror having a reflective surface, incorporated in a frame attaching to the post at an end of the post away from the base by a limited universal pivot mechanism, allowing a range of angular adjustment between the utility mirror and the base surface.

Abstract: A series of reflecting mirrors to transfer waves from a portable remote control device to control electronic devices where the wave receiving eye of the electronic device is not in uninterrupted alignment with the remote control device. A wave filter to block certain definable instructions from reaching the wave receiving eye.

Abstract: Forward view apparatus (10) for a motor vehicle, to enable the driver of the vehicle to view an image of objects which are located forward of the apparatus (10), includes a housing (12) in which a rear view mirror (14) is located. A two-mirror arrangement (20, 24) within the housing (12) provides an image of objects forward of the assembly (10) in a viewing portal (16). The first mirror (20) is planar and adjustable. A second mirror (24) is fixed and has a curved reflecting surface. The reflecting surface of the fixed mirror (24) is aspheric, spherical, substantially spherical, parabolic or quasi-parabolic. A window (26) is provided on the forward side of the housing, to enable light to pass to the two-mirror arrangement (20, 24). A shutter (332) is able to close across the window (26) to prevent bright lights or other distracting images being seen by the driver.

Abstract: A projection display apparatus includes an image forming element, and an imaging optical system made up of a plurality of reflectors for projecting an image formed by the image forming element to provide an enlarged version of the image, wherein at least one of the reflectors which make up the imaging optical system is movable for adjusting the focus, and the movable reflector is movable along a straight line non-parallel with the normal line of the image forming element.

Abstract: A mirror system for a tractor with an articulated trailer includes a mirror housing. The mirror housing is attached to the front end of the tractor on the passenger side. The mirror housing has a planar mirror. The planar mirror is adapted to move. The planar mirror moves allowing continuous observation of the passenger side rear corner of the trailer by a driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical engine of a projection television in which a path of illumination emitted from a light source is aligned to correspond with the image producer by turning a screw of a mirror device. The object of the present invention can be achieved by an optical engine of a projection television including a light generator, a mirror device for reflecting illumination emitted from the light generator thereby changing a path of the illumination, in which a reflection angle of the illumination can be adjusted, and a projection apparatus for enlarging and projecting the image produced in the image producer on the screen by reflecting the image to an incident illumination from the mirror device, wherein the path of the illumination is aligned to correspond to the whole image produced in the image producer to be projected on the screen by adjusting the mirror device.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention provide a viewing system having an upright member, a first mirror coupled to the upright member, a light source coupled to the upright member, and a retractable mirror assembly coupled to the upright member. The retractable mirror assembly includes a horizontal support coupled on one end to the upright member, an adjustable vertical support coupled on one end to the other end of the horizontal support, and a second mirror coupled to the other end of the adjustable vertical support. A user can adjust the position of the second mirror by retracting or extending the adjustable vertical support. The system can include a remote control or a control switch coupled to the adjustable vertical support to control the extension and retraction of the adjustable vertical support. The second mirror can be foldable to allow for multiple viewing angles.

Abstract: A digital control for light beams. A position of an output light beam is changed based on a digital input control formed of a plurality of bits. The device may use movable mirrors to change the position of the output light beams.

Abstract: Two reflective surfaces disposed in a predetermined angular orientation inside the optical tube assembly of a telescope intercept the optical beam and deliver it from the objective to the eye-piece. By translating these surfaces simultaneously along the axis bisecting the angle between them, the separation between the focal points of the objective and the eye-piece is adjusted as required to re-focus the telescope in a continuous and reversible fashion without changing its overall dimensions.

Abstract: An auxiliary rear view mirror assembly for increasing a driver's lateral and rearward field of vision without adversely affecting the driver's forward field of vision. The auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is mounted at the rear of a vehicle in a location which is visible in a main rear view mirror of the vehicle. The auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is comprised of a pair of auxiliary rear view mirrors which are independently selectively adjustable about a pair of axes and selectively adjustable about a second axis which is in orthogonal relationship to the first pair of axis. In a first embodiment, the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is mounted on a rear window of the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is mounted on a rear brake light. In a third embodiment, the auxiliary rear view mirror assembly is combined with a rear brake light and is remotely adjustable by a set of controls which are accessible to the driver.

Abstract: An optical system has a plurality of optical surfaces including a rotational-symmetrical optical surface and a reflection-type varaible optical-property element. The reflection-type variable optical-property element is interposed on the optical path between two optical surfaces, and a deflection angle ? of the optical axis caused by the reflection-type variable optical-property element satisfies the following condition: 10°<?<67°.

Abstract: A rearview mirror having both a stationary mirror and a pivoting mirror assembly having a pivoting mirror. The stationary mirror and the pivoting mirror are mounted in proximity to one another within a mirror housing. The stationary mirror is fixed in its position within the mirror housing and is used for selectively viewing the road behind the vehicle. The pivoting mirror may be selectively swiveled by the driver, by sliding a lever in mechanical contact with the pivoting mirror assembly, thereby causing the pivoting mirror to form an angle with respect to the stationary mirror. The pivoting mirror is used for selectively viewing a passenger seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The pivoting mirror is a safety feature which enables the driver to look at the passenger without having to divert his/her eyes away from the road in front of the vehicle or from the stationary mirror which provides a view of the road behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical component casing (40) that houses a plurality of optical components including a reflection mirror (424) and disposes the plurality of optical components on a planarly defined illumination optical axis (L1) has a holder (81) that holds the reflection mirror (424) and a housing main body (401) that houses the other optical components. A bulging portion (816) bulging in an out-plane direction of the reflection mirror (424) is formed on a side of the holder (81) opposite to the side on which the reflection mirror (424) is attached, the bulging portion (816) pivotally moving on the inner surface of the housing main body (401) to rotate the holder (81) relative to the housing main body (401), where a rotation center (P) of the holder (81) is substantially coincident with an intersecting point (Q) of the illumination optical axis (L1) and a reflection surface (424A) of the reflection mirror (424).

Abstract: A multi-view mirror assembly for a vehicle dimensioned to allow a driver to view people, vehicles and other objects positioned lateral and downwardly vertical to a rear end of the vehicle is disclosed. The multi-view mirror assembly is mountable on either an exterior or an interior surface of the vehicle. Furthermore, the multi-view mirror is maneuverable so as to compensate for varying vehicle sizes and dimensions.

Abstract: A mirror assembly including an active lens and a reflective surface. The mirror assembly may change its refractive index when a voltage is applied to the active lens, thereby changing the field of view in the lens. Exemplary applications include a blind spot system in a motor vehicle, in which, upon sensing another vehicle in a driver's blind spot, the mirror assembly changes the driver's field of view to include the blind spot. Additional applications include a magnifying mirror for shaving or applying cosmetics.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus to adjust position of a mirror in projector. The mirror position adjusting apparatus includes a mirror, a mirror plate on which the mirror is seated, and a mirror mounting part located in the inside of the projector for adjusting the position of the mirror plate. The mirror position adjusting apparatus according to the present invention can adjust change in position of the mirror occurred due to transformation of plastic by a structure of the projector, which generates intense heat, thereby improving quality of image formed on a screen.

Abstract: A back-up mirror system for passenger vehicles allowing a driver to have an alternative view of any nearby oncoming cross-traffic imminently passing behind the vehicle before deciding to back up into that lane of cross-traffic, which is especially useful when an adjacent obstruction blocks direct views. The first mirror in the back-up mirror system is the standard rear-view mirror (10) generally positioned inside the passenger compartment at the top edge of the front windshield at the center of the vehicle's width and whose reflective surface is generally facing the rear window of the vehicle, and the second mirror, the back-up mirror (6), also mounted inside the passenger compartment, is mounted in a region behind the driver's seat, and whose reflective surface is generally facing a side of the vehicle (left-looking or right-looking). The back-up mirror system is especially useful when a backing-up driver has a limited range of neck movement preventing a direct look at oncoming cross-traffic.

Abstract: An outside mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having at least a pair of reflective elements, a positioning device for selectively positioning each reflective element independently one from the other, wherein one segment is automatically, independently, downwardly directed on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle when the vehicle is placed in reverse. A housing for the reflective elements can also be provided. A control is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device to independently position one reflective element to a downwardly tilted position. The pair of reflective elements is remotely adjusted, in tandem, for driver rearward viewing when the car is in forward motion and only provides a split view during backing. Once the backing maneuver is complete the downward directed element returns to its original position.

Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprising a bracket mountable to a vehicle door (8), a mirror head (20) pivotally mounted to the bracket (15), a main rear view mirror (22) mounted to the head (20), and an auxiliary mirror (30) mounted to the head (20). The auxiliary mirror (30) provides the vehicle driver with vision alongside and behind the vehicle when the mirror head (20) is in a folded position.

Abstract: A mirror unit having two mirrors, so the area in front of the mirror can be viewed, is adjustable in a plurality of planes to facilitate use by a wide range of users. The mirror unit can be used on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A lateral-view mirror assembly capable of providing a driver of a vehicle with the ability to view objects positioned lateral to a rear portion of the vehicle by looking at a reflection of the objects reflected from lateral-view mirrors to a rear-view mirror to the driver. The two lateral-view mirrors are placed apart on a rear portion of a vehicle, with a first lateral-view mirror placed between a center portion and a driver's side of a top surface of a rear portion of a vehicle and a second lateral-view mirror placed between a center portion and a passenger's side of a top surface of a rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: An optical pathway selector is provided having a first direction selector, a second direction selector, and an actuator. The first direction selector is comprised of a substantially planar member having alternating reflecting and transparent portions. The first direction selector is disposed for rotation on an axle with the substantially planar member positioned askew to a first optical axis. The second direction selector has a configuration similar to that of the first direction selector and is disposed along the axle substantially parallel to the first direction selector. Additional direction selectors can be employed in a similar manner. A motor is connected to the axle for rotating the direction selectors. Alternatively, a motor moves the direction selector along a linear pathway in and out of the pathway of different light beams. The optical pathway selector is used to reflect a beam of light from the first optical axis to alternative optical axes or vice-versa.

Abstract: An optical system capable of providing a magnification which can be varied comprises a pair of ellipsoidal mirrors [(20, 21)]which are so mounted and arranged that the focus for radiation reflected from one mirror corresponds substantially with the input focus for the other mirror. The mirrors are preferably mounted so that they are pivotable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical cavity, comprising a first non-concave reflector positioned at a first end of the optical cavity and a second non-concave reflector positioned at a second end of the optical cavity that receives and reflects light reflected from the first non-concave reflector. The first non-concave reflector is configured to focus light that reflects off of the reflector back upon itself to avoid diffraction losses from the optical cavity. In one embodiment of the invention, the first non-concave reflector includes a layer of material that has a thickness that vanes as a function of radial distance out from an axial center of the layer. In another embodiment of the invention, the first non-concave reflector includes a layer of material that has an index of refraction that varies as a function of radial distance out from an axial center of the layer.

Abstract: The laser beam optics for a robot link, wherein a first beam path of a first working laser beam is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the robot link, the first beam path is deflected at an end facing a workpiece into an axis-parallel second beam path, and a third beam path of a second working laser beam is axis-parallel to the first beam path in the robot link, have two optical elements arranged successively in one of the first and second beam paths of the first working laser beam. The two optical elements are transmissive for the first working laser beam in a transmission direction toward a workpiece and are adjusted relative to one another so as to compensate laser beam displacement of the first working laser beam. The second optical element arranged downstream receives the second working laser beam and reflects it toward the workpiece.