Abstract: An optical projection apparatus employing lenses between 30 and 150 mils radius. The lenses are arrayed over a surface, near a photographic film which carries microimages. The microimages are projected through the lenses and against mirrors. The mirrors, termed folding mirrors, reduce the length of the projections in a direction along the optic axes of the lenses. The folding mirrors effectively reduce the throwing distance of the lenses thus reducing the thickness of the apparatus. The apparatus is also used to record.

Abstract: A plural function optical apparatus defined by first and second parallel lensfiche elements positioned with their emulsion sides facing each other and first and second parallel optical screens each spaced from and parallel to a respective face of the lensfiche. Two lighting sheet elements may be added to increase the number of functions (projection, recording).

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: A method of making copies of information sets of the type carried by microfiche elements having integral lenses on one surface thereof. The microfiche 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 selectively dimpled by a stamping block, the dimples having the shape of generally hemi-spherical cavities. The dimples function in a manner analogous to developed images in a photographic emulsion. The dimples scatter light normally incident upon the bottom surface of the microfiche and thus function as light absorbers vis a vis an image viewed on a projection screen. 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: A microrecord in which a plurality of data sets are formed on a record medium, such as a film surface. Each data set represents a distinct page or an equivalent body of intelligence and is constituted by a multiplicity of data sub-set each including at least one data bit. The sub-sets which together form a data set are dispersed on the medium according to a predetermined pattern. The dispersed sub-sets forming the plurality of data sets are interlaced with each other whereby each data set occupies a distinct position on the medium and may be optically extracted therefrom.

Abstract: A method of making coherent optical fiber bundles and coherent optical fiber face plates. The method includes the steps of forming a laminated billet by heat and pressure from a plurality of stacked disc modules. Each disc module is defined by two transparent discs, one relatively thick and having one index of refraction and the other relatively thin and having an index of refraction less than the first. The billet is then longitudinally skived to form a veneer strip of indefinite length. The veneer is then coated on one or both faces by transparent sheets having similar optical properties, i.e., different indices of refraction, and may include a light-absorbing or light reflecting layer on one sheet. A second billet is formed and transversely cut to define a fiber optic face plate. A second billet may also be formed and skived to yield a coherent fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus for three-dimensional viewing of stored color information. A microfiche (lensfiche) formed by known techniques is viewed without thr 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.

Abstract: A plural function optical apparatus defined by first and second parallel lensfiche elements positioned with their emulsion sides facing each other and first and second parallel optical screens each spaced from and parallel to a respective face of the lensfiche. Two lighting sheet elements may be added to increase the number of functions (projection, recording).

Abstract: A microfiche or other form of microfilm record having a main set of images thereon which may be selectively projected onto a viewing screen. In order to facilitate the making of reproductions of the recorded images without interposing a mirror between the sensitive film or the plate of the reproducer and the image projection system, the microfiche incorporates a companion set of images each being a reversed image of the corresponding image on the main set whereby when a reversed image is projected, it may be directly reproduced to produce a non-reversed, readable copy.

Abstract: A microfiche reader includes first and second plates, with a plurality of light sources disposed with the first plate in an array of rows and columns, and a plurality of lens disposed with the second plate in a row-column array, each lens corresponding to one of the light sources. Means are provided for movably positioning a film having information thereon between the plates, and for moving the film with respect to the plates.

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 compact imaging apparatus and rear projection display device are described wherein an image of an object is focused on an image area which is displaced and rotated from the object plane. A pair of planar mirrors of predetermined shape are selectively located to fold the image beam from an image device and provide an image of desired orientation on the image area. A compact camera for producing a large image area in a small volume is described and is particularly useful in connection with so-called instantly developed photographic films. A rear projection device is described, having an optical arrangement which confers a high degree of immunity to ambient light. An image beam is projected upwardly against a first mirror, reflected toward a second mirror behind a projection screen, and then reflected forwardly to the projection screen.

Abstract: A microfiche having one surface embossed or molded to define a multiplicity of small lenses (lensettes) integral with the microfiche. Each micro-image is stored directly below a corresponding lensette, thereby assuring optical distance registry between each micro-image and its projection. Lateral optical registry is also realized. In an embodiment, interlensette surface of the microfiche is made opaque to preclude optical cross-talk.