Abstract: An optical apparatus relates to the field of optical magnification and stereoscopy, more specifically to the problem of optically magnifying an area stereoscopically and displaying this information to an operator in a comfortable manner.

Abstract: A stereoscopic lens system for a stereo endoscope is disclosed, the stereoscopic lens system converting light propagated from an object and received at an objective end of the stereoscopic lens system to left and right optical images at an image plane end of the stereoscopic lens system. The system includes at least one linearly movable left optical element configured to selectably adjust the magnification and field of view of the left image in response to linear movement and at least one linearly movable right optical element configured to selectably adjust the magnification and field of view of the right image in response to linear movement. The at least one linearly movable left optical element and the at least one linearly movable right optical element are selectably movable in fixed relation to each other.

Abstract: A stereoscopic lens system for a stereo endoscope is disclosed, the stereoscopic lens system converting light propagated from an object and received at an objective end of the stereoscopic lens system to left and right optical images at an image plane end of the stereoscopic lens system. The system includes at least one linearly movable left optical element configured to selectably adjust the magnification and field of view of the left image in response to linear movement and at least one linearly movable right optical element configured to selectably adjust the magnification and field of view of the right image in response to linear movement. The at least one linearly movable left optical element and the at least one linearly movable right optical element are selectably movable in fixed relation to each other.

Abstract: A hand-held imager which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager relative to the code becoming a negative factor, in which can operate in environment where the imager is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 16 inches from the code. The imager includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system, and a two-dimensional photodetector which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector to determine the optimum focus. Upon the determination of optimum focus, the focusing system is returned to the focusing configuration established in the initial focusing step, and an image is created using the entire two-dimensional photodetector.

Abstract: Diffuse “dark field” illumination and “bright field” illumination are each provided for a hand-held encoded symbology imager/reader; to be projected therefrom upon symbology disposed on a target (component part, goods, package, etc.). The imager/reader is encased in a housing ergonomically configured to be griped in more then one manner and to thus facilitate holding the imager/reader steady. The symbology to be imaged is targeted by a line that not only spots the symbology, but by extending a length commensurate with that of the symbology, indicates that the symbology is in the field of view of the imager/reader. A CCD, disposed to receive light reflected from the symbology, has its readout controlled so that only selected portions of the CCD need be analyzed for illumination and focusing purposes.

Abstract: A stereoscopic objective lens system for video endoscopes and borescopes includes two full-diameter doublets and two lens pairs forming a stereo lens set. A rotatable dual telescope is disposed between the two doublets and the stereo lens pairs, establishing a Galilean telescope associated with each stereo channel. The Galilean telescopes are each rotatable, preferably in convert, to be in or out of alignment with the system optical axis. When out of alignment, the Galilean telescopes have no effect along the optical path. When in alignment, the Galilean telescopes provide an increase or decrease in magnification, depending on orientation of the telescopes. The full-diameter doublets present equal-angle pairs from symmetrically disposed object points to the lenses of the stereo lens pair. This equal-angle property enables accurate object/image mapping onto the final stereo image pair, such that all parts of each left/right image can be mapped to within a fraction of a video pixel to each other.

Abstract: A medical video endoscope system for allowing high-resolution three-dimensional images to be viewed has a stereoscopic endoscope for converting optical images of an object to left and right video image signals. An electronic processor module controls the stereoscopic endoscope and processes the left and right video image signals into time-multiplexed signals representative of high-resolution three-dimensional images having stereoscopic depth. The time-multiplexed signals are provided to a monitor which displays high-resolution video images based on the signals. A viewing device is provided which allows a viewer to see high-resolution three-dimensional video images having stereoscopic depth on the monitor. A rigid sheath assembly with an angled distal tip can be placed over a barrel of the endoscope and rotated with respect thereto in order to change the viewing direction of the stereoscopic endoscope.

Abstract: An image input device is provided in which an optical deflector is positioned to divide the image of an object into a plurality of sub-images and to deflect the sub-images to an image sensor via an imaging lens. The images sensed by the image sensor are stored in a memory and combined by an image processor to form a composite image of the object. A hybrid zoom arrangement allows the magnification of an image on a display to be adjusted both mechanically and electronically. Techniques and circuitry for image processing allow a user to remove undesirable motion blur from the real time image and allow an input image to be patch-wise warped into an output image. An optical encoder for accurately determining the position of a deflector such as a mirror has also been provided.

Abstract: A stereoscopic objective lens system for video endoscopes and borescopes includes two full-diameter doublets and two identical half-diameter ball lenses. The full-diameter doublets collimate object points, imaging object points to infinity. The full-diameter doublets present equal-angle pairs from symmetrically disposed object points to the ball lenses. This equal-angle property enables accurate object/image mapping onto the final stereo image pair such that all parts of each left/right image can be mapped to within a fraction of a video pixel to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed an simplified apparatus that enables optical scanners to achieve minimum field curvature and at the same time provide uniformly distributed light on an image sensor. A single element lens, preferably an aspherical lens made of a plastic material is combined with an aperture stop. The combination is capable of reducing lens aberrations and minimizing image field curvature for an object plane that contains indicia to be scanned or read. A suitably demagnified image of the indicia is focused onto an image sensor such as a CCD array. The spatial light distribution function in the image plane can be equalized by an attenuator, such as a neutral density filter or a slit, suitably configured to compensate for the reduced optical efficiency at large field angles. An aspherical lens containing a dye or a cold mirror can be used for limiting light transmission to a range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A coaxial illuminator adapted for surgical coaxial illumination and viewing including an opaque housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a tilted, anti-reflection coated window located at one end of the housing. A beamsplitter is located within the housing and is positioned so as to reflect light, from a light source, along the longitudinal axis of the housing through the window to illuminate the object and to permit image light from the object being viewed to pass along the longitudinal housing through the beamsplitter. An absorber is positioned to absorb light which passes from the light source through the beamsplitter unreflected.

Abstract: A stereoscopic objective lens system for video endoscopes and borescopes includes two full-diameter doublets and a double set of two half-diameter identical doublets. The full-diameter doublets collimate object points, imaging object points to infinity. The large collimator doublets present equal-angle pairs from symmetrically disposed object points to the small stereo doublet pairs. This equal-angle property enables accurate object/image mapping onto the final stereo image pair, such that all parts of each left/right image can be mapped to within a fraction of a video pixel to each other.

Abstract: Relay lenses for endoscopy include an axially symmetrical three-part optical component having a thin symmetrical negative element interposed between identical, substantially spherical outside elements; and an axially symmetrical five-part optical component in which the three-part component described above is disposed between two additional outer components.

Abstract: A beam of light issued by a light source enters a catadioptric arrangement and initially travels therethrough along an axis. At least one lens is situated at the axis and is axially delimited by two curved major surfaces having respective centers of curvature. The beam of light is reflectively diverted from the axis and travels in a path which includes a path section that is directed at one of the major surfaces and has such a spatial orientation relative to the axis and the major surfaces that light traveling in this path section bypasses the centers of curvature and impinges all regions of the major surfaces at angle deviating from respective normals to the regions with attendant avoidance of specular retroreflection from such regions.

Abstract: An endoscope relay lens is disclosed for transmitting an optical image along a narrow cylinder. Relay lenses are typically utilized in pairs to constitute a relay lens set and one or more sets are utilized in medical endoscopes. In the preferred embodiment, the relay lens includes two identical end lenses affixed to opposed ends of a center lens to define a cylinder. The relay lens is symmetrical about a plane bisecting the center of the center lens. The axial length of each end lens is equal to or greater than one-half its diameter. Optimal performance characteristics are achieved when the radii of curvature of the lenses and the axial lengths of the lenses cooperate so that the distance from an object being viewed to the exterior surface of the end lens closest to the object is one-half the distance between relay lenses in a pair and one-half the distance between sets of relay lens pairs. In one embodiment the center lens is spherical.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the intensity of light scattered by particles suspended in a sample volume illuminated by an interrogating light beam directed along an input axis, utilizing plural Fourier optical systems having lenses arranged for illuminating multiple photodetectors. The lenses of each Fourier optical system can be of different optical powers, for providing low power and high power optical trains. A low power optical train provides high resolution measurements of light scattered within a small angular range at low angles relative to the input axis, while a high power optical train provides lower resolution measurements of light scattered within a larger angular range at higher angles.

Abstract: Helmet mounted display apparatus for use in aircraft and rotorcraft includes an image source for generating images that are projected into the pilot's forward field of view by a portion of relay optics that are common to both day and night viewing and interchangeable optical eyepieces, one for daytime viewing and one for nighttime viewing.

Abstract: Helmut mounted display apparatus configured for simulator use includes a pair of visual image sources and a pair of optics arrangements, including relay optic and eyepiece portions thereof, that optically present the image source images into the wearer's forward visual field, a first eyepiece type optimized for daytime luminance conditions, a second type optimized for nighttime luminance conditions, a single eyepiece being releasably engageable to and rotatable about the corresponding relay optic portion, wheeby said eyepiece rotation allows a varying binocular field of view to be displayed to the wearer.

Abstract: Helmet mounted display apparatus for use in aircraft and rotorcraft includes an first image source for generating images comprising pilotage symbol information, a second image source for sensing and generating images of the exterior scene, and relay optical components that optically superimpose the two images together and subsequently project the superimposed image into the observer's forward field of view.