Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to imaging device, systems, and methods for collecting optical data for use with spectrometers. An imaging device configured in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure includes a lens configured to introduce light into the imaging device along an optical path, and an image sensor spaced apart from the lens and configured to receive at least a portion of the light along the optical path. The imaging device further includes a filter assembly positioned between the lens and the image sensor, and a reflector or mirror carried by the filter assembly. The filter assembly is configured to move the reflector between first and second positions. In the first position the reflector is at least partially aligned with the optical path and reflects at least a portion of the light to a corresponding light input for a spectrometer. In the second position the reflector is positioned outside of the optical path.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for on-site calibration of a visual display sign. In one exemplary implementation of the invention, an imaging device captures image data from a visual display sign. The imaging device can include a CCD digital camera and optics for long-range imaging. The captured image data is sent to an interface that compiles the data. The interface then calculates correction factors for the image data that may be used to achieve target color and brightness values for the image data. The interface then uploads the adjusted image data back to the visual display sign.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to imaging device, systems, and methods for collecting optical data for use with spectrometers. An imaging device configured in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure includes a lens configured to introduce light into the imaging device along an optical path, and an image sensor spaced apart from the lens and configured to receive at least a portion of the light along the optical path. The imaging device further includes a filter assembly positioned between the lens and the image sensor, and a reflector or mirror carried by the filter assembly. The filter assembly is configured to move the reflector between first and second positions. In the first position the reflector is at least partially aligned with the optical path and reflects at least a portion of the light to a corresponding light input for a spectrometer. In the second position the reflector is positioned outside of the optical path.

Abstract: Rotary shutter assemblies for imaging photometers and methods for using such shutters are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method for capturing an image with an imaging photometer can include positioning a rotary shutter having an aperture at a first position such that the shutter blocks light traveling along an optical axis from a light source being measured to an image sensor of the photometer. The method can include pivotably moving the shutter at a generally constant angular speed to a second position with the aperture aligned with the optical axis to expose at least a portion of the image sensor to the light for a first predetermined exposure time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for on-site calibration of a visual display sign. In one exemplary implementation of the invention, an imaging device captures image data from a visual display sign. The imaging device can include a CCD digital camera and optics for long-range imaging. The captured image data is sent to an interface that compiles the data. The interface then calculates correction factors for the image data that may be used to achieve target color and brightness values for the image data. The interface then uploads the adjusted image data back to the visual display sign.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for absorbing downwardly cast ambient received at a visual display with a light shade cantilever off a base carrying a printed circuit board with driving circuitry. A plurality of light emitting diodes in a pixel group electrically couple to the printed circuit boards for selective operation. The light shade mounted above each pixel group reduces and prevents reflection of downwardly cast ambient light received. Narrow crevices with acutely angled opposite light reflective surfaces receive and reflect downwardly cast ambient light toward the narrow crevice positioned whereat each pair of light reflective surfaces join. The light shade with adjacent pairs of opposed light reflective surfaces also join at a plurality of sharp edges facing up and forming a series of “WWW”.

Abstract: A method of correcting image shift and magnification differences of multiple images which are used to create a single measurement of an imaging light and color measurement device. The multiple images are taken from a test object utilizing the imaging light and color measurement device through different optical paths. Software is utilized to shift the pixels vertically and/or horizontally with a shift fraction determined based on the magnitude of the image shift in a direction opposing to the shift. Software is uses to further move the pixels inwardly or outwardly with a pixel value determined on the magnification differential of images.

Abstract: Absorbing ambient on a visual display with a support and at least one board on the support with a driving circuitry therefor. A plurality of light sources on each board are electrically coupling thereto. A light absorber mounted between the board and about the light sources shaped to reduce reflection of ambient light received and to prevent the ambient light from radiating. At least one narrow crevice for absorbing light and light reflective surfaces opposed at an acute angle to receive ambient light and reflect toward the narrow crevice positioned whereat the pairs of light reflective surfaces join. The light absorber with adjacent pairs of opposed light reflective surfaces joined at a plurality of sharp edges facing front so if viewed in cross section the pairs appear as a series of “WWW” with a slight arc such that when viewed in cross section the curvature is dished.

Abstract: An optical fiber light distribution system has a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber has a side surface, an axis, and a length. The second optical fiber is wrapped about the side surface such that the second optical fiber defines a plurality of wraps about the first optical fiber. The plurality of wraps have a pitch. Pitch is the distance between corresponding points of adjacent wraps measured parallel to the first optical fiber axis. When light is directed through the first optical fiber, portions of the light are extracted by portions of the second optical fiber that contact the first optical fiber. The lower the pitch of the plurality of wraps, the greater the percentage of light extracted into the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. Further, softer first optical fibers which incur more deformation have increased contact surface with the second optical fiber.

Abstract: A visual display sign having a lighting unit that provides high-efficiency light output from a non-point source of light. The reflector in the lighting unit is sealed and has a shaped reflecting surface obtained by generating a curve from a set of predetermined curve reference points. The shaped reflecting surface provides a light output efficiency of about 60 percent from a non-point source of light and spreads the emitted light about eight degrees from the plane of circumference of the reflector. The lighting units are attached to the visual display sign at a downward angle of about eight degrees from the horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a lighting unit having a light source emitting light, a reflector placed behind the light source for reflecting the emitted light, and a lens held in front of the light source. The lens is substantially flat and circular. The lens has a predetermined structure that comprises a light-emitting surface and a light-incident surface opposing the light-emitting surface. The light-incident surface of the lens is formed into a vertically oriented high-frequency waveform. In the first embodiment of the lens, the light-emitting surface is substantially flat and the high-frequency waveform is obtained from a combination of a first primary waveform and the third harmonic of the first primary waveform; that is, the high-frequency waveform is derived from the equation ##EQU1## The first embodiment of the lens spreads the emitted light with a graduated distribution horizontally about 20 degrees as measured from the edge of the lens.

Abstract: An optical pipe illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a number of output "light pipes", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the cores of the output pipes. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.

Abstract: Diffractive optics using surface relief profiles, also known as blazed gratings having ramps and edges or steps (also referred to as blazed facets with discontinuities at the interfaces between adjacent facets) defining grating lines and phase delays to which light propagating through the grating are subject. Diffractive lenses which are known as phased Fresnel zone plate lenses or kinoforms, also have annular blazed facets with discontinuities, steps at the interface between adjacent facets at the steps which facets define the zones of the lens. These steps are either aligned parallel to the light incident on the grating or coated with an optically opaque material, thereby preventing the transmission of incident light which is not diffracted, but would be scattered or transmitted at the steps. The contrast and quality of an image provided by the diffractive lens at a plane spaced from the grating, which may be the focal plane of the diffractive lens, is therefore enhanced.

Abstract: A light guide illumination system is provided for coupling light from an illumination source to a number of output "light guides", which are used for a variety of purposes, such as illuminating pools, spas, hazardous material zones, jail cells, and other applications where direct lighting is dangerous, difficult to maintain, or subject to vandalism. The illumination system employs an illumination reflector which has been customized to maximize the efficiency of light transmission between the illumination source, such as an arc lamp, and the cores of the output light guides. A method of fabricating the customized illumination reflector includes mapping the radiation patterns of the particular illumination source to be utilized, creating a database of those radiation patterns, and utilizing the database to generate an optimal illumination reflector configuration. The computer-generated reflector will virtually always be a non-conic section, because the illumination source is not ideal.

Abstract: An anamorphic lens (10) having a first surface (14) which has either a cylindrical or an acylindrical radius of curvature, and a second surface (16) having either a cylindrical or an acylindrical radius of curvature. Each surface has a primary longitudinal axis (22, 24,) which is preferably but not necessarily orthogonal to the optical axis (18) of the lens (10); and the longitudinal axes are crossed. Preferred applications for the anamorphic lens include non-image forming illumination systems wherein independent illumination control in two coplanar directions at the object is desired. A process for recycling a single use camera having such an anamorphic lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A camera includes means for supporting an imaging element for recording a scene, an electrochromic filter disposed between the scene and the imaging element and a photoelectric element which emits electrical energy the value of which depends on an amount of scene light which is incident on the photoelectric element. At least a portion of the electrical energy emitted by the photoelectric element is used to directly control the optical density of the electrochromic filter, thereby controlling the amount of scene light which reaches the imaging element.

Abstract: A coupling device for controlling the shutter blades of a leaf type shutter. The coupling device includes two or more hubs that are each coupled to a shutter blade and a portion of a base and a continuous belt that is in contact with the hubs so that when the hubs rotate in a first direction the shutter blades will open and when the hubs rotate in a second direction the shutter blades will close.

Abstract: A camera having a sensor array, a lens, and shutter blades, for focusing the lens in preparation for exposing a frame of photographic film, comprises a means for oscillating the shutter blades, separately, between open and closed positions to expose said sensor array with image light passing through corresponding pupils of the lens. A control means, responsive to said oscillating means, controls the sensor array to sample image light received through the corresponding pupils. A comparing means compares the sensed image light of the pupils with each other and produces a focus adjustment signal representative of a direction of focus error. Lastly, a focusing means, responsive to said focus adjustment signal, focuses said lens according to the focus error.

Abstract: A two element lens system provides a close up lens system which may be installed on a camera either above or under water, and allows the camera to be used in air and underwater without a means for lens position adjustment. The system uses two meniscus elements in a holder attachable to a receptacle on a camera body over an opening closed by a transparent window element. The lenses define therebetween a sealed compartment and a compartment which is located between one of the lenses and the window element having a vent which allows the water or air to flow into or out of that compartment. The curvatures of the lenses are selected so that the lens system has the same focusing power and focuses an image in an object space at the same image plane (the film plane with the aid of the camera's lens) when the vented compartment is filled with air or with water.

Abstract: A water-resistant housing that contains a camera has a seesaw portion which, when manually depressed at a region opposite a shutter release button of the camera, is pivoted towards the camera to depress the button and simultaneously at a region remote from the button is pivoted away from the camera. As a result, when the housing with the camera is placed under water, the water pressure balances the two regions instead of depressing the region opposite the button to possibly depress the button.