Abstract: An optical system including at least one optical fiber having a core and cladding, the at least one optical fiber having a cross section defining a circumference, the at least one optical fiber having at least one light scattering discontinuity at least one location therealong, the at least one optical fiber having optical power at least one light transmissive region having a focus located in proximity to the discontinuity, the at least one light scattering discontinuity having an angular extent of less than ten percent of the circumference and the at least one light transmissive region having an angular extent of more than 25% of the circumference and a light source arranged for directing light along the at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring hand propinquity to plural adjacent item locations arranged in a generally two-dimensional array including an illuminator, disposed adjacent a first edge of the two-dimensional array and generating radiation which illuminates a generally planar imaginary curtain disposed in front of the plural adjacent item locations, at least one detector, disposed adjacent the first edge of the array and sensing the radiation reflected from a hand traversing the imaginary curtain generally at any location on the curtain and location determination circuitry responsive to at least one output of the at least one detector for associating a sensed position of the hand with respect to one of the plural adjacent item locations.