Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object from a formed object generated input signal. The method comprises the steps of directing the input signal onto a diffraction grating. Diffracted signals are directed to a resonant mirror assembly for sequentially focusing a select diffracted signal. From that focused select diffracted signal, a spectral characteristic of said object is determined. Each said spectral characteristic is associated with each corresponding focused select diffracted signal and the associated signals are published. The apparatus is an improved spectrometer comprising a fiber cable assembly for receiving an object generated input signal and a diffraction grating. A resonant mirror assembly sequentially focuses a select diffracted signal, a sensor sensing which diffracted signal has been focused from the diffraction grating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object surface. The apparatus comprises a light source for generating an input signal comprising a plurality of wavelengths of energy and a diffraction grating for diffracting the input signal into a plurality of diffracted wavelengths of energy. A resonant mirror assembly associated with the diffraction grating sequentially directs a select diffracted wavelength to the object surface to generate a corresponding reflected wavelength of energy. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for determining each select diffracted wavelength of energy directed to the object surface and a detector for detecting one or more of the reflected wavelengths. The detector is coupled with the sensor for associating each select diffracted wavelength with each corresponding reflected wavelength.

Abstract: A contact lens has an inner surface adapted to be placed against the eye of a wearer and an outer surface bearing a cosmetic holographic optical diffraction grating that, when worn by a wearer, displays color to an observer of the contact lens. The holographic optical diffraction grating can diffract incident light to display one or more colors to the observer, or can be formed as an alphanumeric character(s) or graphic display to the observer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, the novel display is realized from a diffraction pattern (132) carried by (e.g. embossed) a film or element (138) connected to an energy source which is energizable for movement of the film (138). Movement of the patterned film (138) generates a display using the diffracted light from the embossed pattern (132). Electroactive films are known in the art, including, for example, piezoelectric films, electrostrictive films, electromotive films, and electrostatic films. Magnetoactive films also are known in the art. Any of these films (138) can carry the diffraction pattern (132) and be energized for movement to generate from the resulting diffracted light.