Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for generating a three-dimensional display from a conventional television screen or computer monitor, and in particular to an adapter that may be placed in front of a television screen or computer monitor to enable three-dimensional images to be perceived by a viewer.

Abstract: An optical head comprises a light path alteration member (first surface of a first transparent substrate), a first grating element and a second grating element arranged in that order in a light path between a light source and an optical disk. A beam emitted by the light source passes a collimated lens, is deflected by total reflection from the light path alteration member, and enters the first grating element. Diffracted light enters a second grating element, and is focused on a recording medium by an objective lens. Wavelength variations in light diffracted by the first grating element and wavelength variations in light diffracted by the second grating element at least partially cancel each other out. Thus, a thin optical head for an optical recording medium is provided.

Abstract: A stereoscopic viewing apparatus for viewing side-by-side complimentary stereoscopic image pairs of various sizes to produce a three-dimensional effect, the stereoscopic viewing apparatus comprising a pair of left and right spaced-apart ocular windows and variable septa.

Abstract: An optical component comprising one or more optical elements (35′) aligned with the end(s) of one or more waveguides (25′) is fabricated by a process in which, first of all, a doped silica core layer (20) is deposited on a substrate (10) (or on a buffer layer on the substrate), and subsequently a partial overclad layer (30A) typically 1-5 &mgr;m thick is deposited on the core layer. The partial overclad layer and core layer are patterned and etched so as simultaneously to define the optical element(s) and the waveguide core(s). Afterwards, the overclad is completed by depositing a further overclad layer (30B). In the case of application of this fabrication method to a grating-based NBWDM device, the metallisation of the grating can precede or follow the deposition of the second overclad portion (30B). In either case, low-temperature deposition processes are required for deposition of this second overclad portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a stereoscopic image display apparatus, which allows the observer to satisfactorily observe a plurality of stereoscopic images from a plurality of positions by appropriately setting individual elements such as two lenticular lenses having refractive power in orthogonal directions, a mask pattern on which aperture portions and light-shielding portions are arranged at predetermined pitches, a display for dividing a plurality of parallax images into a large number of horizontal stripe-shaped parallax images and displaying the plurality of horizontal stripe-shaped parallax images at predetermined pitches in the vertical direction, and the like, upon observing a stereoscopic image using the lenticular lenses.

Abstract: A stereomicroscope has a dark field illumination apparatus capable of irradiating a subject with the light from a light source at a high efficiency by providing an optical system through which regularly reflected light beams are overlapped with each other by an annular reflective member with less ununiformity of the illumination.

Abstract: A handheld stereographic book-type device which includes a content support portion (8) configured to position and support stereographic content (1A, 1B), and a stereoscopic viewer (5) configured to enable interocular adjustment. The stereoscopic viewer includes adjustable left and right lenses and respective adjustable occluding apertures to enable perception of stereographic content configured with left and right peripheral monocular fields (FIGS. 7-9, 2DL & 2DR). A viewer pivotal chassis (3) is configured to couple the stereoscopic viewer to the content support portion (8). The viewer pivotal chassis includes a plurality of pivotal axes (3) parallel to a line which bisects the left and right lenses of said viewer to enable the user to visually scan and traverse up and down the length of said content while maintaining focus of said content therewith said viewer (5).

Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.

Abstract: Binoculars, one form of telescope, in accordance with the present invention have a lens frame drive responsive to manipulating a focusing ring. Lens frames are driven to advance or withdrawn by means of the lens frame drive. The lens frames are driven to thrust from their positions of collapse to other positions, at which they enable observation, by manipulating the focusing ring. At this time, lens barriers covering the front surfaces of the lens frames are pressed by means of projections, and thus driven from positions at which they block objectives to other positions at which they free the objectives. Withdrawal of the lens barriers and thrusting of the lens frames can be achieved merely by manipulating the focusing ring. Changing the lens barriers from their positions of protection to their positions of withdrawal can be achieved with the simple manipulation.

Abstract: A multiview three-dimensional image display apparatus comprises: a light source, a shutter plate for selectively passing light from the source; a diffuser immediately adjacent the shutter plates an optical element in front of the diffuser for forming a viewing zone; and a transparent display immediately adjacent the optical element for displaying multiview images thereon, wherein the multiview images are displayed based on a time-multiplexing technique and the viewing zone is formed in front of the transparent display. The apparatus can be readily modified into a multiview apparatus that includes a plurality of light sources. Since a plurality of viewing zones can be simultaneously formed in the apparatus, it is possible for multiple viewers to simultaneously observe the same three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a core and a surrounding protective layer. The core includes an inner tube having one or more optical fibers contained therein, and the surrounding protective layer includes an outer tube received over the inner tube, and a layer of buffer material positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube. The buffer material maintains the inner tube generally centrally located within the outer tube and providing a mechanical link between the inner tube and the outer tube to prevent relative movement therebetween. The inner tube may be coated with a low hydrogen permeability material to minimize the entrance of hydrogen into the inner tube. The low hydrogen permeability material may be coated with a protective layer of hard, scratch resistant material to protect the integrity of the low hydrogen permeability material.

Abstract: A centrally-obscured reflective telescope having a semi-active focus and thermal compensation system. The telescope has a housing having an input window, a primary mirror, a secondary mirror suspended between the input window and the primary mirror by support struts, an optional tertiary mirror, and an optional fold mirror. The system includes one or more heating elements respectively disposed on each of the support struts. A first temperature sensor (disposed on the primary mirror) generates a reference temperature, a second temperature sensor is disposed on the secondary mirror, and one or more third temperature sensors are disposed on each of the support struts. A temperature compensation controller is coupled to the heating elements and temperature sensors and controls the heat output of the plurality of heating elements to heat the support struts and control the position of the secondary mirror relative to the primary mirror.

Abstract: A microscope having little damage such as deformation, discoloration or the like given to a sample is disclosed. This microscope comprises an illuminance reducing unit for reducing illuminance of an illumination light on the sample. Assuming that a time width where illuminance is at a level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TF, a time width where illuminance is lower than the level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TN, and a value &agr; is as follows: &agr;=TF/(TF+TN) the value &agr; is changed according to a velocity of a stage or the like. A monitor displays a still picture of the sample for a period of TN, the still picture being one before the time width TN.

Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Abstract: A rear view mirror assembly for commercial vehicles comprises a tubular support structure having a first end fixable to a commercial vehicle and a second end extending from the commercial vehicle, and a support arm including a molded part and at least one core element. The molded part encapsulates the core element and a substantial portion of the tubular support structure. The molded part and the core element each have a respective density, the core element density being less than the molded part density, whereby the presence of the core element within the molded part reduces the overall weight of the support arm.

Abstract: The illuminating system comprises a linear light source, and a light guide member with the light source placed beside a side face thereof, in which the top face and the bottom face of the light guide member are generally parallel to each other and in which slits made of a different material or air are arranged at specified intervals in the top face of the light guide member. Therefore, most of light propagating within the light guide member is totally reflected at the slits formed in the light guide member so as to be outputted from the light guide member, thereby illuminating a reflecting plate. Its reflected light is incident again on the light guide member and the resulting totally reflected light is transmitted to the observer's side at places other than the slits, while the observer's field of view is not obstructed at the slit portions.

Abstract: An optical switch for controllably switching an interface between a reflective state in which incident light undergoes total internal reflection and a non-reflective state in which total internal reflection is prevented. In one such switch an elastomeric dielectric has a stiffened surface portion. A separator positioned between the interface and the stiffened surface portion maintains a gap there-between. A voltage source applies a variable voltage potential between electrodes on the interface and stiffened surface portion respectively. The applied voltage potential moves the stiffened surface portion into optical contact with the interface, producing the non-reflective state. In the absence of a voltage potential the separator moves the stiffened surface portion away from optical contact with the interface, producing the reflective state. In another such switch a cell contains a fluid. One side of the cell forms the light incident interface. A membrane is suspended in the fluid.

Abstract: Viewing apparatus, for medical and surgical practitioners incorporating one or more optical filters, each exhibiting a reverse photopic response, such that green light is at least partially attenuated, whereas red and blue light are both substantially transmitted. The invention includes means for supporting one or more optical filters in the practitioner's field of view, such as a pair of eyeglass frames or endoscope mounting for use, for example, in conjunction with laparoscopic surgery. Various technologies may be employed to realize a desired reverse photopic response, including absorptive dyes, dielectric layers, and/or holograms.

Abstract: A diffractive-refractive achromatic lens that has a positive resultant power includes a refractive lens system and a positive diffractive grating. The refractive lens system is provided with a positive lens having relatively small dispersion, a negative lens having relatively large dispersion and an additional refractive lens. The additional refractive lens is a positive lens. The refractive lens system exhibits longitudinal chromatic aberration that is substantially proportional to wavelength such that the back focus of the refractive lens system decreases as the wavelength becomes shorter. The positive diffractive grating corrects the longitudinal chromatic aberration of the refractive lens system. The condition 0.005<f/fD<0.2 is satisfied where f is the focal length of the entire lens system, and fD is the focal length of said positive diffractive grating.

Abstract: A pivotable external rearview mirror assembly for vehicles is disclosed. The assembly includes a bearing arm including a bearing arm segment having a proximal end securable to the vehicle and a distal end extending from the proximal end. The bearing arm also includes a holding rod for supporting a rearview mirror housing. An articulation is secured to the distal end of the bearing arm segment and to a pivot end of the holding rod, the articulation pivotally joining the bearing arm segment and the holding rod. The articulation defines a swivel axis extending substantially horizontally in a direction substantially at a right angle to a direction of travel of the vehicle when the bearing arm is in a use position. The articulation is disposable adjacent a side of the vehicle when the bearing arm is in a use position so that the holding rod may pivot about the swivel axis in a plane extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the vehicle.