Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging optical system for imaging the peripherally extending lateral surfaces (9) of an object (10) on to an imaging plane, comprising a reflecting element (6) and a first angle-reducing element (3, 17) which is arranged downstream of the reflecting element in the beam direction and which reduces the angle between a light beam emanating from the object (10) and the optical axis (12). In order to provide an imaging optical system for imaging the peripherally extending lateral surfaces of objects, which is both simple and inexpensive to produce and also has a large acceptance angle for the incident radiation and which is tolerant in relation to inaccurate positioning of the object, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that arranged upstream of the reflecting element (6) in the beam direction is a second angle-reducing element (13) which reduces the angle between a light beam (1, 1) emanating from the object (10) and the optical axis (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging optical system for imaging the peripherally extending lateral surfaces (9) of an object (10) on to an imaging plane, comprising a reflecting element (6) and a first angle-reducing element (3, 17) which is arranged downstream of the reflecting element in the beam direction and which reduces the angle between a light beam emanating from the object (10) and the optical axis (12). In order to provide an imaging optical system for imaging the peripherally extending lateral surfaces of objects, which is both simple and inexpensive to produce and also has a large acceptance angle for the incident radiation and which is tolerant in relation to inaccurate positioning of the object, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that arranged upstream of the reflecting element (6) in the beam direction is a second angle-reducing element (13) which reduces the angle between a light beam (1, 1) emanating from the object (10) and the optical axis (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a moveable object relative to another object employing an optical sensing system and pattern or structure recognition. Also included is apparatus for controlling the movement of one object with respect to the other, having drive and control elements for at least one of the objects. The movement controlling apparatus has a pattern memory device and a pattern recognition device.