Abstract: A clip-on eyepiece system that enables a single portable digital imager to be used in both handheld and device-mounted applications is disclosed. The system has a clip-on eyepiece assembly that includes an inverting or a non-inverting eyepiece, a clip-on bracket, a T-mount, and a magnet. The digital imager comprises a display, a mounting rail, a Hall-effect sensor, and a processor all configured to dynamically determine which type of eyepiece, if any, is attached, and to dynamically set system parameters to configure the digital imager for use in either a handheld or a mounted mode. A method for setting operational parameters when the user attaches or detaches the clip-on eyepiece assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Aerogel-based optical elements are disclosed. The aerogel-based optical elements have an aerogel member having at least one surface, and at least one optical surface disposed on the at least one aerogel member surface. The at least one optical surface comprises an electroformed metal or at least one glass sheet. The at least one optical surface can be transmissive, reflective, or both. Different types of aerogel-based optical elements are presented, along with various methods of making the aerogel-based optical elements.

Abstract: A flashlight that utilizes an array of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source, and a light pipe as a light homogenizer to generate a light beam capable of forming a uniformized light distribution at a given distance from the flashlight is disclosed. The LEDs may be all the same color, or some or all may be different colors. A switch, coupled to switching electronics coupled to the LED array, is used to change the state of the LED array to create a variety of different types of light beams, each of which provides relatively uniform and bright illumination at a given distance from the flashlight, wherein the given distance is selectable by adjusting an adjustable imaging lens.

Abstract: A compact work light that generates a light beam having high brightness and high illumination uniformity is disclosed. The work light includes a housing that houses a light source, a light homogenizer and an imaging lens in an operational relationship. The housing is attached to an adjustable mount, which can be attached to a fixed region such as wall, or to a movable support member such as a lamp base. The light source generates light that is uniformized by the light homogenizer. The homogenized light is then imaged by the imaging lens as a highly uniform, bright beam spot having a sharp boundary. The beam spot is formed at a selectable distance from the work light by varying the imaging lens and/or the adjustable mount. The work light is useful for a variety of industrial, professional and personal applications, including but not limited to a reading light, a dentist light, a head lamp, a head light and an optical projector.

Abstract: A lens design form is used for a viewing optical system or magnifier that includes a cemented doublet and a weak aspheric element, for example, made of acrylic, and having a diffractive kinoform surface superimposed on the surface profile of the aspheric element. The design significantly reduces both chromatic aberrations and minimizes most of the monochromatic aberrations of the optical system or magnifier. By allowing the lens design form to produce an image on a curved surface, optical performance is improved further over the prior art systems because this allows the elements in the system to control the image blurring aberrations rather than having to also control field curvature. The human eye can accommodate for the curved field, and thus the curved field does not reduce image quality, but instead allows image quality to be enhanced. The viewing optical system also can be used for image projection.

Abstract: A head-mounted display system for the viewing of video or other sources of imagery which comprises a mechanism allowing for a wide range of adjustments for presenting the display to the wearer. The head mounted display device is supported by a headband or other support structure with three independent adjustments giving the wearer a wide range of adjustment capability. One pivot adjustment is in a location in proximity with the ear, the other pivot adjustment is located in close proximity with the pupil of the eye, and a third adjustment allows for the display unit to be adjusted in or out from the wearers head so as to permit convenient use with glasses. The mechanism allows the display to be located within or outside the wearer's primary field of view by utilizing these multiple adjustment locations for the system. The display unit consists of viewing optics, fold mirrors, liquid crystal display devices, and a backlight unit.