Abstract: A dispersive spectrometer comprising a primary lens that images a scene onto a slit through which light from a thin portion of the scene passes to a collimating lens. A grism is optically coupled to the collimating lens. The grism includes a diffractive element and is disposed such that light from the thin portion of the scene has an angle of incidence upon the diffractive element that is greater than one-third of the critical angle at the surface of the grism. The diffractive element disperses light from the thin portion of the scene in a direction that is perpendicular to the major dimension of the thin portion of the scene. A focusing lens is optically coupled to the grism to receive dispersed light from the thin portion of the scene. The focusing lens defines a focal plane onto which light from the thin slice of the scene is imaged.

Abstract: A system for automated excision of one or more samples from a sample media, including by using a device for electronically capturing one or more traits of samples in the media, using a microprocessor linked to the device to analyze the captured traits by comparison to reference databases, identifying samples of interest at location coordinates in the sample media, and automatically excising and processing the samples through the use of a novel robotic excision tool.

Abstract: A fiber polarimeter has one or more oblique fiber Bragg gratings disposed one behind the other in a fiber. The fiber Bragg gratings couple out portions of a light wave input to the fiber depending on its polarization. For more than one fiber Bragg grating a wave plate is disposed in the fiber between consecutive fiber Bragg gratings. The portions of the light wave from the fiber Bragg grating(s) are detected to produce measurement data that is used to calculate four Stokes parameters for determining polarization, degree of polarization and/or power of the light wave.

Abstract: Measurements at multiple distinct polarization measurement states are taken to define the polarization state of an input, for example to calculate a Stokes vector. High accuracy and/or capability of frequent recalibration are needed, due to the sensitivity of measurement to retardation of the input signal. A multiple measurement technique takes a set of spatially and/or temporally distinct intensity measurements through distinct waveplates and polarizers. These can be optimized as to orientation and retardation using initial choices and also using tunable elements, especially controllable birefringence elements. A device matrix defines the response of the device at each of the measurement states. The matrix can be corrected using an iterative technique to revise the device matrix, potentially by automated recalibration.

Abstract: A colorimeter capable of calibrating color monitors, whether having cathode ray tube or liquid crystal (LCD) displays, is provided by a photometric array of photodetector and optical filter pairs. The filters include long-pass, edge filters which cover overlapping regions at the upper end of the visible spectrum and a filter which covers the entire visible spectrum. The outputs of the photodetectors are digitally synthesized to provide a response which mimics the response established by the Commission Internationale de 1′Eclairage (CIE) xyz (bar) functions almost perfectly. The response which is mimicked may be represented by the CIE color matching functions. The pairs and the associated components are mounted on a printed circuit board captured in a clamshell housing and having an array of apertures which define angularly constrained fields of view of a surface from which the light, to be colormetrically analyzed, emanates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an interferometric measurement apparatus for wavelength calibration, having a laser light source (1), a detector (2), and an interferometer (3), the laser light source (1) emitting light of at least one wavelength, the interferometer (3) separating the light of the laser light source (1) into two sub-beams (4, 5)—a reference beam (4) and a measurement beam (5)—and combining the sub-beams (4, 5) again after at least one reflection at one reflection means (6) each, and the path length difference between the reference beam (4) and measurement beam (5) defining a constant wavelength calibration distance. In order to increase the measurement accuracy and reduce measurement errors, the measurement beam distance can be extended, but without causing problems in terms of manufacture, assembly, and/or alignment.

Abstract: A spectrometer may include a radiant source configured to emit radiation and an optical amplifier configured to amply the radiation emitted by the radiant source to produce amplified radiation. A number of optical elements may be configured to produce an interference pattern from the amplified radiation. A detector may detect the interference pattern and generate data from the interference pattern. A processor may be configured to measure one or more from the data.

Abstract: A tilt compensator and delay element for use in an interferometer. The interferometer can be a scanning or a non-scanning interferometer. For example, the interferometer can be a Michelson-Morley interferometer or a Mach-Zehnder interferometer having a scanning mirror. The tilt compensator and delay element removes the tilt effects of the scanning mirror in two axes. The interferometer receives light and passes the light through a beam splitter. The light passed through the beam splitter is reflected by at least two mirrors. The beam splitter and the mirrors are positioned in a first plane. The tilt compensator and delay element of the present invention is provided with an odd number of mirrors. The odd number of mirrors includes at least three mirrors. For example, the odd number of mirrors in the tilt compensator and delay element can include three mirrors, five mirrors, seven mirrors, nine mirrors, etc.

Abstract: A fiber optic monitor that utilizes optical phase interferometry to monitor a patient's vital signs such as respiration, cardiac activity, blood pressure and body's physical movement. The monitor, which is non-invasive, comprises an optical fiber interferometer that includes an optical fiber proximately situated to the patient so that time varying acousto-mechanical signals from the patient are coupled into the optical fiber. Responsive thereto, the interferometer generates a time-varying optical intensity resulting from the interference of optical signals, which are detected at a photo-detector. A signal processor coupled to the optical detector provides one or more processed output signals indicative of the vital functions. The monitor system has broad applicability, from routine monitoring of infants at home to detection of apnea, arrhythmia, blood pressure and trauma.

Abstract: An optical sphere of nominal radius is positioned and supported within an assembly so that is can be activated with a predetermined motion with respect to an incoming converging spherical wavefront from an interferometer to calibrate the interferometer by determining the differences between the converging spherical wavefront and the reflected wavefront from portions of the area of the optical sphere as sampled thereover. The nominal optical sphere supported and sampled in this way mimics a “perfect” comparison sphere from which the systematic error of the interferometer wavefront may be determined. The optical sphere is preferably hollow and composed of Zerodur®. Internal magnets in conjunction with external induction coils provide motion control while the optical sphere is mounted on an air bearing for freedom of rotation and safety in transportation.

Abstract: A printed matter comprising: a multiplicity of character strings such as words or sentences being printed on a single printing plane according to a ranking of the character strings determined based on a predetermined rule; the character strings being printed at respective font sizes which vary gradually in order of the ranking of the character strings; and at least two of the character strings being superposed on each other in which one of the two character strings whose font size is smaller than that of the other character string is provided with a fringe at a superposed portion thereof. A method and an apparatus for printing the printed matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A registration system for image data in a binary image path includes a registration parameter source, such as a preprogrammed memory or a dynamic device, which provides registration parameters to correct for registration errors from a predetermined reference likely or predicted to occur during image output. A warping processor is in data communication with the registration parameter source which applies a selected registration parameter to an element of the image data resulting in a warped data element, minimizing the effects of the registration error. The system optionally includes an image reducing device which receives groups of high addressable binary image data and converts them to a single pixel. The pixel is then provided to the warping processor. The warping processor applies the selected registration parameter, either static or dynamically selected, from the registration parameter source to the averaged single pixel producing a warped data element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for processing a print job. A call is received from an application to print the print job to a selected printer, wherein the print job includes a request to use a hardware service. A print preview of the print job prior to printing the print job is provided. Responsive to receiving an indication that the print job is to be printed after providing the print preview, the print job is sent to a device driver for the selected printer to print the print job. A determination is made as to whether the selected printer supports the hardware service. Responsive to a determination that the hardware service is unsupported by the selected printer, the hardware service is provided using a software simulation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is disclosed. A host computer makes a query to a selected printer connected to a network concerning a printer language supported by the printer. Then, print data is converted to match the printer language received in response to the above query, and the converted data is transmitted to the printer. This enables the user to achieve correct printing operations while the printer languages of the individual printers connected to the network are transparent to the user.

Abstract: A scanning system enables efficient and selective downloading of files. A scanning mechanism associated with the scanning system captures images of documents. Then, a translator analyzes the captured images to produce data files. When desired, a system controller of the scanning system transmits sufficient data from the data files such that thumbnail images of the data files can be produced. After viewing the thumbnail images, a user selects one of the data files, and the system controller transmits or downloads the selected data file in response. The selected data file can be transmitted to a computer system, which renders the selected data file to a user, or the selected data file can be transmitted directly to a printer, which prints an image of the selected data file.

Abstract: An image forming method applied to an image forming apparatus including an image inputting unit for inputting image data, a memory for storing the image data inputted from the image inputting unit, and a printer for forming the image data on an image forming medium. At a start of image forming processing on the image data inputted from the image inputting unit, if the printer is performing any other processing, all the image data inputted by the image inputting unit is stored in the memory. The printer performs image forming processing on the image data stored in the memory after completing performing the other processing.

Abstract: A method for composition and transmission of an electronic mail message including: printing a document to facilitate composition and transmission of the electronic mail message; composing the electronic mail message on the document utilizing a sensing device adapted to read coded data in the document; transmitting interaction data from the sensing device to a computer system, the interaction data representing interaction of the sensing device with the coded data to allow the message to be electronically captured in the computer system; and transmitting the message to at least one recipient address.

Abstract: An object is, by connecting a network interface card to a network, to achieve marked increases in functions, as compared to usage without the connection. A client network interface card 40a performs a capability information inquiry 110 to other devices on the network. Virtual device information 114, which has increased functions over the original capabilities of its own device, is disclosed to a PC 14, based on capability information 112 obtained from other devices. The PC 14 transmits printing data to the client network interface card 40a and commissions printing, based on the virtual printer information 114. The client network interface card which has received a printing commission exceeding the original capabilities of its own device determines a server device 20a to commission the processing to, based on the capability information 112. Then, processing is commissioned to the server device 20a, and printing data following processing is received and printing output is performed.

Abstract: A method of printing multi-page documents with multiple raster-image processors (RIP's), the method comprising the steps of profiling the command stream complexities and resource dependencies of a series of pages to be printed. Then, associating a profile of the command stream complexities and resource dependencies of a series of pages to be printed with a printing command stream. And dispatching individual raster-image processor jobs for each of the pages to be printed to particular RIP's according to the profile. The step of dispatching is preferably such that the complexity estimates and the dependency list are used to minimize idle times for the RIP's. A further step of collecting is done in which the individual outputs of each raster-image processor are recombined into a page-ordered sequence for a print engine.

Abstract: Image processing systems for converting image data corresponding to a document, where the image data exhibits a first format, are disclosed. In this regard, a representative image processing system includes a file conversion system configured to receive information corresponding to the image data as well as information corresponding to a second format to which the image data is to be converted. Additionally, the file conversion system is configured to retrieve information corresponding to a set of format rules, where the set of format rules corresponds to the second format. Thereafter, the file conversion system converts the image data to converted data representative of image data and exhibiting the second format without rescanning, reanalyzing, or reprocessing the document. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A communication device is provided wherein a message stored in a message box for a specific individual and a message stored in a general mail box and not addressed to a specific individual can be retrieved sequentially without releasing a line. The communication device includes a personal information output control device that reads personal information stored in a personal information storing device and outputs the personal information via a telecommunication line and a general information output device that reads general information stored in a general information storing device and not addressed to the specific individual and outputs the information via the telecommunication line. The information is output by operating the personal information output control device and the general information output control device according to a request, which is input via the telecommunication line.

Abstract: A network system includes a plurality of printers and a digital copying machine interconnected through a data transmission line, detects a free space in an image memory of each printer, adds a user identification code to image data of a document read in an image reading section of the digital copying machine, and then sends the image data to a printer with the image memory having a sufficient free space so as to store the image data. With this structure, even if the digital copying machine does not have an image memory, it is possible to store the image data subjected to an image formation within the network and omit an image reading process when performing an image formation according to the same image data later. Moreover, with this structure, various processing can be executed on the image data by effectively using the functions of the respective apparatuses.

Abstract: A page generation system that efficiently generates a page segment by clearing memory immediately after data representing the page segment is read from memory. The system generates a page in memory by writing the data representing the image content of the page to a memory block. The memory block is initially clear (all logical 0's) to enable the system to efficiently generate the page segment by writing the positive content of the page segment without having to write the blank sections of the page segment. By clearing memory immediately after data is read from memory, the page generator does not need to zero clear a memory block prior to constructing a page segment therein.

Abstract: A printing device is described, predominantly for printing labels on a tape. The printing device has a display and input means for inputting characters to be printed by the printing device. Using the input means, a cursor on the display can be controlled. The printing device has a label memory which comprises a storage portion having a plurality of storage sections. The display is operable to display a plurality of label access elements each of which represents a respective storage section in the storage portion of the memory. The cursor is used to access a selected storage section of the memory associated with the label access element identified by the cursor position. A method of storage label data in a label memory using this principle is also described.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising input means for inputting print data from the exterior, ID setting means for setting an ID for each page of the print data inputted by the input means, print condition designation means for designating the print condition, corresponding to the ID set by the ID setting means, print reservation means for reserving a print operation by storing the ID and the print condition in a print reservation memory, control means for causing the reserved print operation to be executed according to the content of the print reservation memory, and reservation cancellation means adapted, upon receiving an instruction to cancel a print reservation, to erase the corresponding ID and print condition from the print reservation memory, if a sheet corresponding to the designated ID in the print reservation memory is in a stand-by state for sheet feeding.

Abstract: A digital camera having a printing function which is driven by a battery comprises a printer unit operable when the voltage of the battery is equal to or higher than a first voltage, a camera unit operable when the voltage of the battery is equal to or higher than a second voltage, and a voltage detecting unit for detecting the voltage of the battery. The digital camera further comprises controller which compares the voltage of the battery detected by the voltage detecting unit with the first and second voltages and performs, based on the result of comparison, a control operation whereby the respective operations of the printer unit and the camera unit are enabled or disabled.

Abstract: A multispectral color reproduction systems in which the spectral distribution of the light reflected by an exposed image, which distribution contains the color information, is recorded dot by dot and is coded in the form of a linear decomposition into weighted basic functions with multispectral coefficients as weighting coefficients and is transmitted to an image reproduction device, where a decoding takes place. The multispectral coefficients of the linear spectral display is nonlinearly distorted in a coding system adapted to the human color distinction capacity, wherein the distortion is made dependent on all or individual dominant amplitudes of the multispectral coefficients and the distortion is again canceled in a decoding system. This may be embodied by based on multidimensional look-up tables or by use of a system with distortion and correction functions controlled in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the lightness/darkness of a binary halftone image includes receiving digital image data defining a binary halftone image in terms of a plurality of light pixels having a first value and a plurality of dark pixels having a second value. If the binary halftone image is to be lightened, the first value for each light pixel is moved in a direction away from the second value by a select amount so that it lies outside of the valid dynamic range. If the binary halftone image is to be darkened, the second value for each dark pixel is moved in a direction away from the first value by a select amount so that it lies outside of the valid dynamic range. Error diffusion is then performed on the binary halftone image to move all pixel values into the dynamic range. In the case of lightening the image, the error diffusion operation converts some dark pixels to light pixels. In the case of darkening the image, the error diffusion operation converts some light pixels to dark pixels.

Abstract: A data forwarding system allows receivers with limited capabilities to receive information that was transmitted in a format which the user could not otherwise receive. For example, a receiver which does not include a fax modem may receive faxes which are transmitted to a station. The station receives the fax transmission and transmits it on to the receiver in a format compatible with the receiver's hardware and software. In addition, transactions which occur at a variety of sites may be transmitted to a remote station which then forwards the information about the transactions to the user's receiver. At the receiver, the information may be analyzed using conventional accounting software.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus is obtained which allows reading of an image in a short time and further allows setting of a focused state which is effective for warping caused in a main scan direction of an original to be read. Respective focusing positions in regions located in vicinities of both ends, in the main scan direction, of a main subject region in a film image on a photographic film, and in a region including the center of the film in the main scan direction are each detected as a virtual focusing position, and based on the detected virtual focusing positions, a final focusing position is determined.

Abstract: Where a magnification (enlargement/reduction of image) has been set through operation keys of an operation panel, a main CPU sends information on read magnification to a scanner CPU of a scanner section. In this case, where the magnification is not set in particular, information of 100% magnification is sent to the scanner CPU. Based on a microstep division number of a step angle corresponding to the received information on read magnification, the scanner CPU controls the driving of a scan motor via a scan motor driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an effect color extracting method of an image and an image original color recovering method which are capable of automatically extracting an effect color of an image pictured in accordance with an environment of a certain illumination and a color lens (or filter) and a feature of a camera, adjusting the extracted effect color and recovering an original image color of the image for thereby enhancing a performance of an image search.

Abstract: An image display device including a polarization selective holographic optical device for diffracting illuminating light, and a reflection type spatial optical modulator for modulating the state of polarization of the illuminating light diffracted by the polarization selective holographic optical device is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of each of two areas of respectively different incidence polarization orientation dependencies of the refractive index, with the layers being layered sequentially alternately. An image display apparatus including the above image display device, a light source, an illuminating optical system and a projection optical system is also disclosed. With the present optical display device and optical display apparatus, the utilization efficiency of the illuminating light may be improved, while the device and the apparatus may be reduced in size and production cost, as uniformity and high contrast of the image displayed are achieved simultaneously.

Abstract: A description is provided of an optical information recording and reproducing apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a holographic memory made of a photorefractive crystalline material; a support portion for detachably supporting the memory; a reference beam supplying portion for supplying a coherent reference beam of a first wavelength incident on the memory; a signal beam generating portion for supplying a coherent signal beam of the first wavelength, which is modulated in accordance with image data, incident on the memory, intersecting therein the signal beam with the reference beam, and generating a three-dimensional interference pattern of the beams; a detecting portion for detecting a diffracted light from a refractive index grating of the interference pattern in the memory, due to irradiation of the reference beam; and a medium position adjusting portion for moving a position of the support portion in accordance with a signal corresponding to positioning images from the detection portion.

Abstract: Laser beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting points of a light source unit are converged by a first optical system to be focused in an auxiliary scanning direction in the vicinity of a reflecting surface of a polygon mirror, dynamically deflected by the polygon mirror, and converged by a second optical system to form scan lines on a scan target surface. The first optical system includes a plurality of cylindrical lenses, in which a second cylindrical lens is attached to a holder so as to be movable in the optical axis direction and is selectively stopped at two positions that satisfy a particular relationship. By the composition, the interval between the scan lines on the scan target surface measured in the auxiliary scanning direction can be switched correctly and with extreme ease in the multibeam optical system, without the need of using a movement control mechanism composed of high precision parts.

Abstract: A scanning optical device and color image forming apparatus use a refraction element and diffraction element as the scanning optical element of a scanning optical device, the powers of the refraction element and diffraction element being set such that an imaging position deviation in the main scanning direction caused by a wavelength variation along with the environmental fluctuation of the scanning optical device and a imaging position deviation caused by the refractive index variation of the material of the scanning optical element are set to opposite directions at the two ends of an effective image region (effective scanning region). This reduces imaging position deviation caused by an environmental fluctuation, and limits imaging position deviation caused by a wavelength variation not accompanied by any environmental fluctuation.

Abstract: Laser beam positioners (300, 340) employ a steering mirror (236, 306) that performs small-angle deflection of a laser beam (270) to compensate for cross-axis (110) settling errors of a positioner stage (302). A two-axis mirror is preferred because either axis of the positioner stages may be used for performing work. In one embodiment, the steering mirror is used for error correction only without necessarily requiring coordination with the positioner stage position commands. A fast steering mirror employing a flexure mechanism and piezoelectric actuators to tip and tilt the mirror is preferred in semiconductor link processing (“SLP”) applications. This invention compensates for cross-axis settling time, resulting in increased SLP system throughput and accuracy while simplifying complexity of the positioner stages because the steering mirror corrections relax the positioner stage servo driving requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) variable optical attenuator. The MEMS variable optical attenuator comprises a substrate having a flat upper surface; an electrostatic attenuator disposed on the upper surface of the substrate; transmitting and receiving terminals disposed on the substrate so that optical axes of the terminals coincide with each other; and a beam shutter moved to a designated position between the transmitting and receiving terminals by the actuator, wherein the beam shutter is provided with a first coating layer made of a material with a reflectivity of more than 90% and formed on a surface of the beam shutter, and a second coating layer made of a material with a reflectivity of less than 80% so that a part of light is transmitted by the second coating layer and with a photodisintegration rate of the transmitted light determined by a thickness of the second coating layer.

Abstract: A device, system and method are disclosed for optical communications using beams of light in which a solid state total internal reflection optical switching element is used to switch the optical pathways of optical communications signals inside a node of an optical network. The solid state total internal reflection optical switching element is used in a substantially planar waveguide assembly, and has electro-optically active material which responds to electrical fields greater than a switching electrical field to create a total internal reflection boundary that switches the optical pathway inside the switching element.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is disclosed having a self-cleaning, hydrophilic optical coating. The electro-optic device preferably forms an external rearview mirror for a vehicle. The optical coating preferably includes photocatalytic layer(s), a hydrophilic layer, and a color suppression coating. The electro-optic device is preferably an electrochromic mirror. The disclosed optical coating exhibits a reflectance at the front surface of the reflective element that is less than about 20 percent, and has sufficient hydrophilic properties such that water droplets on a front surface of the optical coating exhibit a contact angle of less than about 20°. The mirror exhibits a C* value of less than 25.

Abstract: An electrochromic element comprises an ion conduction layer between two conducting substrates, at least one of which is transparent. The ion conduction layer contains an organic compounds, which has both a structure exhibiting a cathodic electrochromic characteristic and a structure exhibiting an anodic electrochromic characteristic.

Abstract: A method and system for optimization of an optical transmissions signal which is modulated with a binary data signal, wherein a control device ensures that the operating point and the modulation signal of a Mach-Zehnder modulator are set optimally, with the fundamental frequency and/or the first harmonic frequency of the transmission signal being selected for this purpose, and an optimum setting is reached when the amplitude of the fundamental frequency has reached a maximum value and the amplitude of the harmonic frequency has reached a minimum value.

Abstract: An optical device includes a Faraday rotator made of a bismuth substituted rare earth iron garnet single crystal (BIG) having a Faraday rotation of 45 degrees, and permanent magnets arranged beside the Faraday rotator to define two or more areas of a single domain structure in the Faraday rotator. Adjacent areas are magnetized in opposite directions to cause the polarization planes of light beams passing through the adjacent areas to rotate in opposite directions. The optical device satisfies the relation expressed by Hs/Br/DH>&Dgr;D/2>0 where Hs (Oe) is a saturation magnetic field of the BIG, DH (cm−1) is a rate of change in magnetic field in the proximity to a boundary between the adjacent areas, Br (Gauss) is a residual flux density of the permanent magnets, and &Dgr;D is a distance between the two light beams.

Abstract: Micro-eletromechanical devices, substrate assemblies from which the devices can be manufactured, and methods to manufacture the devices are disclosed. The invention combines the advantages of conventional surface and bulk micromachining processes using a sacrificial layer to create an integrated micro-electromechanical system (MIEMS) technology that provides high performance, high yield, and manufacturing tolerance. The devices manufactured according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, accelerometers, gas or liquid pumps, flow sensor, resonant devices, and infrared detectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to radiation, such as a photomask, a display panel or a microoptical device. The apparatus comprises a radiation source and a spatial modulator (SLM) having a multitude of modulating elements (pixels). It further comprises an electronic data processing and delivery system feeding drive signals to the modulator, a precision mechanical system for moving said workpiece and an electronic control system coordinating the movement of the workpiece, the feeding of the signals to the modulator and the intensity of the radiation, so that said pattern is stitched together from the partial images created by the sequence of partial patterns. According to the invention the drive signals can set a modulating element to a number of states larger than two.

Abstract: An optical modulator includes a first substrate, a second substrate arranged with a predetermined gap interposed between itself and the first substrate, and partition wall members partitioning pixels arranged between the substrates. A liquid and a plurality of charged particles are arranged at each of the pixels. The optical modulator is manufactured by forming the partition walls on the second substrate, placing the liquid and the electrically charged particles in the recesses defined by the second substrate and the partition wall members, placing the perforated member on the partition wall members to confine the charged particles in the recesses, and arranging a blind member so as to close the perforations of the perforated member. With this method charged particles are prevented from flowing out of the pixels in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A fixed-high-power-switching microscope including a usual variable power optical system which can be switched to a fixed high power high resolution optical system, as necessary, is provided. The microscope includes a second optical axis for the fixed high power bypassing the variable power optical system. A prism (reflecting element) movable into and out of a first optical axis switches a viewing optical path from the first optical axis for the variable usual power to the second optical axis for the fixed high power, as necessary, providing a clear magnified image at high magnification and high resolution.

Abstract: A pre-assembled pivoting lens unit is disclosed that includes a pivot cartridge capable of being at least partially received by an optical sighting device housing, along with a pivot tube defining a first end movably coupled to the pivot cartridge and a second end capable of moving transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device housing. Disposed in the pivot tube between the first and second ends is a lens assembly capable of focusing an image when the lens unit is at least partially received by the device housing. A fastener is used to secure the pivot cartridge to the first end of the pivot tube, and a resilient member interposes the fastener and pivot tube first end to enable relative pivoting movement of the pivot tube.

Abstract: A light-transmission screen includes a diffusing element formed from a micro-lens array for projecting images in a viewing space. The screen generates images of improved quality by varying structural features of one or more lenses in the array so that light is directed in different directions and/or with different optical properties compared with other lenses in the array. The structural features which are varied include any one or more of size, shape, curvature, or spacing of the lenses in the array. As a result of these variations, the screen achieves wider viewing angles, improved screen resolution and gain, and a greater ability to reduce or eliminate aliasing or other artifacts in the generated images compared with conventional screens. A method for making a light-transmission screen of this type preferably forms the micro-lens array using a stamping operation based on a master.

Abstract: A rear projection screen does not block the image light and provides a perfect complete image. The screen includes a Fresnel lens, and a cylindrical lens array consisting of a plurality of cylindrical lens elements. These elements are independent from each other and in parallel, and arranged closely between adjacent cylindrical lens element, so that there are no luminous flux loss therebetween. A strengthening area, which is provided with a rigid reinforced member connecting with cylindrical lens elements on two sides thereof, is formed on the are a being from their contact portion to the image-light exist-side surface between adjacent cylindrical lens elements. An ambient light absorbing portion is formed at the image-light exit side in the strengthening area.