Abstract: an image forming apparatus including: an outputting section to output a chart which has a gradation pattern in a low-density area, the gradation pattern including patches, each of the patches having a density; a reading section to read-in the density of each of the patches; a calculating section to calculate, based on the density, an adjusting value to conduct a gamma correction; and an output adjusting section to conduct an adjustment of an output in the low-density area based on the calculated adjusting value.

Abstract: Techniques for use in gamut mapping processes are presented, including a method for mapping cusp points using hue wheels to obtain a source relative hue angle, and interpolating a lightness value at the source point hue. A maximum chroma value is determined at the source hue and the interpolated lightness, thus defining a source primary cusp point. A primary cusp point for a second color gamut is similarly obtained, and the source primary cusp point is mapped to the destination primary cusp point using a shear mapping technique. Another technique includes performing lightness compression by applying a chroma dependency factor and either a first or second factor, depending on a comparison of a lightness values of a destination point and a second point. Another technique involves performing chroma expansion by comparing chroma extents of source and destination points, and adjusting the chroma of the destination point based on the comparison.

Abstract: Trimming is automatically performed on an image by inferring a person and a background in which the photographer of the image has interest. Facial images FP1 and FP2 are detected in a whole image P, and the vertical direction of the whole image P is judged based the facial images FP1 and FP2. Further, processing is performed using the information about the vertical direction to discriminate whether the composition of the whole image P is portrait-mode composition or landscape-mode composition. If it is judged that the facial image FPl is positioned on the lower side of the whole image, and if a composition discrimination unit discriminates that the composition of the whole image P is landscape-mode composition, trimming is automatically performed using a trimming frame TG10 that has portrait-mode composition.

Abstract: An optical recording method includes providing an optical recording medium capable of forming both a refractive index grating and an absorption grating by light irradiation; Fourier transforming with the same lens a signal beam that represents binary digital data with a brightness image and a reference beam such that they are focused at a point outside the optical recording medium; irradiating the Fourier transformed signal beam and reference beam simultaneously onto the optical recording medium and forming a diffraction grating at the optical recording medium according to an interference fringe between the signal beam and the reference beam, or according to an interference fringe within the signal beam itself, and recording the signal beam as a hologram.

Abstract: A silver halide-holographic sensitive material is provided and has a support and at least one photosensitive emulsion layer, with the photosensitive emulsion layer containing silver halide particles whose number average projected-area diameter is from 10 nm to 80 nm.

Abstract: An optical information reproducing apparatus and an optical information reproducing method using the same are provided. The optical information reproducing apparatus includes: a light source; a beam splitter which splits a beam emitted from the light source into a reference beam and a temporary beam; a temporary beam splitter which splits the temporary beam into a pair of assistant beams; an incident optical system which inputs the reference beam and the assistant beams to a recording medium in which optical information is recorded; a reproduction beam detector which detects reproduction beams reproduced in response to the reference beam, sets the position of the reproduction beam having the largest light intensity as a reference position, and sets a signal region on the basis of the reference beam; and an assistant beam detector which compares the light intensity of the assistant beams incident on the signal region with each other and sets an incident angle of the reference beam.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanner of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes. The holographic optical elements are arranged on the scanning disc in such a manner so that none of the laser scanning planes generated within the 3-D scanning volume of the system are spatially and temporally coincident with any other laser scanning plane within the 3-D scanning volume. This novel feature of the present invention ensures that there is substantially zero cross-talk at the plurality of photodetectors provided within the system, significantly improving the performance of the system.

Abstract: Provided is a one-axis driving optical scanner which includes a substrate, a stage separated from the substrate to a predetermined height and having an upper surface where an optical scanning surface is formed, a torsion spring supporting the stage from middle portions of both edge sides of the stage, a support portion fixed to the substrate to support the torsion spring, a driving portion rotating the stage with respect to the torsion spring forming a center axis, and a flat panel type tuning electrode arranged in an area of the substrate corresponding to the stage.

Abstract: The invention provides a display method for displaying an image by deposition of metal fine particles. The display method includes at least depositing metal fine particles, from an electrolytic solution that has at least a metal ion of the metal particles and that is provided between a pair of substrates having at least one translucent substrate, onto a surface of any one of the pair of substrates by imparting one stimulus. A concentration of the metal ion of the metal fine particles in the electrolytic solution after imparting the stimulus is about 200 mmol/l or less. The invention further provides a display device which uses the display method.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement and method for extended the depth of focus are provided. The imaging arrangement comprises an imaging lens having a certain affective aperture, and an optical element associated with said imaging lens. The optical element is configured as a phase-affecting, non-diffractive optical element defining a spatially low frequency phase transition. The optical element and the imaging lens define a predetermined pattern formed by spaced-apart substantially optically transparent features of different optical properties. Position of at least one phase transition region of the optical element within the imaging lens plane is determined by at least a dimension of said affective aperture.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source 110 and a spatial light modulator 122 located to receive light from the light source. The spatial light modulator (e.g., a DMD) includes a number of independently controllable elements that are activated for a period of time to display light of a desired brightness. A light sensor 136 is located to determine a characteristic of light from the light source 110. A control circuit 126 is coupled to the spatial light modulator 122 and controls the period of time that the independently controllable elements are activated. This period of time is based at least in part by an input received from the light sensor 136.

Abstract: A system for laser amplification includes a dual-crystal Pockels cell which is used to control emission of laser pulses from an ultra-fast laser. The Pockels cell is constructed to enable adjustment of the rotational orientation of one crystal relative to the other crystal. The rotational orientation of one or both crystals in the Pockels cell is adjusted to control sidebands in the laser pulse.

Abstract: An acousto-optic (AO) device for generating a highly apodized acoustic wave field includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal, and a patterned electrode layer disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its centre and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region including a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region. An AO interaction crystal which receives the acoustic wave is attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: A display system includes one or more rows of tiltable micro mirrors, each of which is configured to be selectively tilted to an “on” position to reflect incident light in an “on” direction and to be selectively tilted to an “off” position to reflect incident light in an “off” direction; and an optical projection system configured to project light reflected by the micro mirrors in the “on” direction to produce one or more first lines of image pixels along a first direction in a display image and to change the direction of the light reflected by the micro mirrors in the “on” direction to produce one or more second lines of image pixels in the display image. The one or more second lines of image pixels are substantially parallel to the one or more first lines of image pixels.

Abstract: Broad band white color can be achieved in MEMS display devices by incorporating a material having an extinction coefficient (k) below a threshold value for wavelength of light within an operative optical range of the interferometric modulator. One embodiment provides a method of making the MEMS display device comprising depositing said material over at least a portion of a transparent substrate, depositing a dielectric layer over the layer of material, forming a sacrificial layer over the dielectric, depositing an electrically conductive layer on the sacrificial layer, and forming a cavity by removing at least a portion of the sacrificial layer. The suitable material may comprise germanium, germanium alloy of various compositions, doped germanium or doped germanium-containing alloys, and may be deposited over the transparent substrate, incorporated within the transparent substrate or the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The micro-electro-mechanical mirror device according to the present invention includes a platform pivotable about two perpendicular axes, and a hinge structure disposed beneath the platform. The hinge structure includes first and second hinges and a gimbal ring fabricated in a single layer beneath the platform layer. One end of the hinge structure extends from the undersurface of the platform, while the other end extends from a pedestal, which extends upwardly from a substrate.

Abstract: In the particles for display media constituting the display media used for an information display panel, in which the display media having optical reflectance and charge characteristics are sealed between two substrates, at least one substrate being transparent, and, in which the display media, to which an electrostatic field is applied, are made to move so as to display information such as an image, the particles for display media having a substantially circular shape produced by a suspension polymerization of particle materials including monomer, wherein a part of the monomer is a cross-linking monomer and an amount of the cross-linking monomer is not less than 10 parts by weight and less than 50 parts by weight. By using the particles mentioned above, it is possible to obtain high heat resistance and low drive voltage (drive electric field).

Abstract: A particle-movement display device includes a front-side first substrate and a rear-side second substrate disposed opposite to each other with a spacing therebetween, a partition wall, disposed between the first and second substrates, for partitioning the spacing into a plurality of sections, and charged particles disposed in each of the sections. A first electrode is disposed on a surface of the first substrate in each section, and a second electrode is disposed on a surface of the second substrate in each section. The first electrode in each section has a lattice-like shape, a pitch of which is smaller than a pitch of the partition wall.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments reveal an analog MEMS device with a pivotal micromirror that is supported by one or more beams that provide non-linear resistance. An electrode can electrostatically attract the micromirror, while the beam(s) provide resistance to deflection. When the forces equalize, the micromirror is held at a target angle. The beam support disclosed in the embodiments is superior to conventional torsion hinge supports, because it provides non-linear support for the micromirror, better matching the non-linear nature of the electrostatic force.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method that includes converting radiation at a first wavelength ?i to radiation at a second wavelength ?g and exposing an article to the radiation at ?g to convert the radiation at ?g to radiation at a third wavelength ?r and radiation at a fourth wavelength ?b. ?r is red radiation, ?g is green radiation, and ?b is blue radiation and the article includes lithium tantalate.

Abstract: An optical parametric oscillator includes a source of coherent energetic pump optical signals and an optical resonator cavity which includes a set of optical parametric amplifying (OPA) crystals and a set of optical elements such as mirrors disposed along an optical path. The optical elements are configured (1) to direct an oscillation optical signal generated by the OPA crystals along the optical path, (2) to provide input coupling of the energetic pump optical signals such that each energetic pump optical signal travels through only one of the OPA crystals to result in a corresponding depleted pump optical signal, and (3) to provide output coupling of the depleted pump optical signals to prevent each depleted pump optical signal from traveling through more than one of the OPA crystals. Resonator cavities have multiple-leg configurations, including “L” and “U” shapes, and either linear (or standing-wave) or ring architectures.

Abstract: An optical system including a gain material pumped by pump energy bands delivered to the gain material from different directions and separated sufficiently to prevent crosstalk between pump energy sources. Embodiments of the pump energy sources may be configured to pump the gain material with pump energy bands that correspond to absorption bands of the gain material.

Abstract: There is provided a confocal endoscope system which is provided with an electronic endoscope having a confocal optical unit configured to emit illumination light toward an object and to obtain only light from a certain point of the object, and a processor to which the light obtained by the confocal optical unit is inputted. The processor is provided with an image processing unit that generates image data representing an image of the object based on the light transmitted from the confocal optical unit, and a measuring information superimposing unit that generates composite image data representing a composite image generated by superimposing measuring information for measuring the object on the image generated by the image processing unit. The measuring information superimposing unit determines a display condition of the measuring information on the composite image in accordance with an imaging area of the confocal optical unit.

Abstract: Dynamic movement of a specimen in a pressing direction and in directions intersecting the pressing direction is effectively suppressed, while maintaining the viability of the specimen. A stabilizer for in vivo examination that is placed in contact with a biological specimen during examination of the specimen to suppress movement thereof includes a contact-area increasing portion that is provided on a contact surface with the biological specimen and that is configured to increase the contact area with the biological specimen by virtue of a pressure applied during the contact.

Abstract: Illumination systems which are designed to illuminate a field in a field plane and simultaneously illuminate a pupil plane with radiation from a light source are disclosed.

Abstract: A microscope includes an objective lens and a microscope body to support the objective lens. The microscope body has inside a hollow portion. The microscope further includes an illumination unit including an illumination optical system to apply illumination light to a sample in cooperation with the objective lens and an inserting/removing mechanism to insert/remove the illumination unit in/from the hollow portion.

Abstract: A scanning boom microscope comprises an optical axis that can be varied into any axis or direction relative to a circular displacement about an optical boom that supports the scanning boom microscope's objective in free space. Accordingly, scanning boom microscope can be positioned to observe free standing samples away from the microscope base.

Abstract: Optical scanning microscope with linear scanning and with illumination of a specimen via a beam splitter, which is arranged in an objective pupil and consists of at least a reflecting first portion and at least a transmitting second portion, whereby the reflecting portion serves to couple in the illumination light and the transmitting portion serves to pass the detection light in the detection direction or the transmitting portion serves to couple in the illumination light and the reflecting portion serves to couple out the detection light, with a first scanning arrangement, whereby means are provided in the detection light path for the overlay of at least one further scanning arrangement for illumination and detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging device (1) for imaging microscopic or macroscopic objects (5). The imaging device (1) comprises a light source (2), an illumination beam path (6), an imaging beam path (7) and an imaging optical means (4), in particular in the form of an objective. The illumination beam path (6) extends from the light source (2) to the object (5). The imaging beam path (7) extends from the object (5) to a detector or a tube (3). At least one polarization means (9) is provided in the illumination beam path (6), which polarization means (9) can be used to convert the light of the light source to a prescribable polarization state. An analyzer means (10) is provided in the imaging beam path (7), with the analyzer means (10) and the polarization means (9) being able to be adjusted in relation to one another in such a manner that the light entering the imaging beam path (7) cannot pass through the analyzer means (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for scanning an object, featuring scanning an incident beam in a substantially curved scan pattern; and moving an object at a predetermined rate along an axis substantially orthogonal to a plane of the curved scan pattern so that a two dimensional image can be formed by successive passes of a circularly scanned spot. In particular, a laser beam scans around an objective lens at a fixed radius RL with a fixed input angle ?d. When scanned in this manner, the laser beam before the objective lens forms a “cone” of directions (so herein it is referred to as a “conical scan”). Scanning in this fashion produces the curved scan pattern at the object (substrate). By moving the object (substrate) at the predetermined rate along the axis orthogonal to the plane of the curved scan pattern, the two dimensional image can be formed by successive passes of the circularly scanned spot.

Abstract: A night vision attachment (NSV) mountable on a firearm and intended for a sighting telescope (ZF), comprising an objective (1) of the night vision attachment, a low-light-level amplifier (2), an optical assembly (3) and an eyepiece (4) of the night vision attachment, is formed in such a way that a beam offset between radiation entering through the objective (1) of the night vision attachment and emerging through the eyepiece (4) of the night vision attachment is achieved by means of the optical assembly. The offset takes place from the optical axis (A1) of the objective (1) of the night vision attachment on to the optical axis (A2) of the eyepiece (4) of the night vision attachment, the latter corresponding substantially to the optical axis (A2) of the sighting telescope (ZF) downstream of the attachment. Consequently, night vision attachment (NSV) and sighting telescope (ZF) can be mounted as close as possible to the housing of the firearm.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rear projection display apparatus, including: an apparatus body; a transmission type screen disposed on the front face of the apparatus body; and an image projection apparatus disposed in the inside of the apparatus body and configured to project an image to the transmission type screen from the rear side of the transmission type screen. In the apparatus, the transmission type screen having a three-element configuration including a horizontal lenticular screen, a vertical lenticular screen and a Fresnel screen or a two-element configuration including a horizontal lenticular screen or a fly-eye screen and a Fresnel screen; the Fresnel screen including a substrate made of a glass material and one or a plurality of ones of a lens, an antiglare layer and an internal diffusion layer formed directly on the substrate but provided not by lamination.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an optical filter that includes a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, each slit corresponding to a pair of displays including at least a first display of a first image, and a second display of a second image, wherein the slits form a slit row in a horizontal direction arranged essentially in the same interval spacing and parallel to each other, with the slit row arranged with slit pitch patterns that differ by at least between the upper and lower positions.

Abstract: Disclosed are designs for a reflector optic that acts as a polarization converter optic, available in various combinations of the embodiments features, used to convert non polarized radiation into a single polarization state, which may be utilized in many devices requiring polarized radiation. Disclosed is a unique geometric configuration and positioning of optic substrates arranged as layers that cause polarization separation by radiation refraction and reflection and polarization conversion utilizing birefringent materials to convert incident radiation to a single linear polarization.

Abstract: An optical element includes glass substrates adhered to surfaces of a birefringent material film through an adhesive. The optical element has a coating for moisture-proof. The moisture-proof treatment is performed by applying a mixed solution of a soluble fluorine resin and an ethylenic compound to end surfaces of the glass substrates and the birefringent material film. Otherwise, the optical element is dipped in a solution prepared by mixing a soluble fluorine resin and an ethylenic compound in a predetermined mixing ratio, so as to moisture-proof the end surfaces of the glass substrates and the birefringent material film. The birefringent material film is a phase difference film. The soluble fluorine resin is an amorphous fluorine resin. The ethylenic compound is PTFE.

Abstract: The present invention includes conformable retroreflective structures. In some embodiments, the conformable retroreflective structures are also shrink resistant. The conformable retroreflective structures include a transparent plasticized polyvinyl chloride film having a first side and a second side; a first transparent polymer layer overlying the first side of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride film; a second transparent polymer layer overlying the second side of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride film; an array of retroreflective cube-corner elements underlying the second transparent polymer layer; and a plasticizer resistant adhesive underlying the array of retroreflective cube-corner elements. In some embodiments, the first and second transparent polymer layers are transparent, radiation-cured polymer layers.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a diffusion grating-based optical identification element is provided. The optical identification element includes a known optical substrate, having an optical diffraction grating disposed in the volume of the substrate. A large number of substrates or microbeads having unique identification codes can be manufactured by winding a substrate, such as a fiber, around a polygonal shaped cage/basket to form a fiber ribbon having flat sections. A grating writing station writes one or more gratings into each flat section to form a unique code to this section. Each flat section of fibers of the fiber ribbon is written with the same gratings to provide the same identification code, or alternatively each flat section may be have a different grating(s) written therein so that each section has a different identification code. The fiber ribbon is then removed from the cage and diced to form a groups of optical identification elements, each group having unique optical identification codes.

Abstract: A wavelength dispersion compensation device includes an etalon 100 having a slab shape. Reflective films are formed on each side of the etalon 100. The reflective films respectively have predetermined reflectance. Reflectance of one of the reflective films differs according to a light incident angle by using a portion of light within a wavelength range to be used with which a filter characteristic in which transmittance rapidly changes is obtained.

Abstract: An antireflective coating is disclosed. The antireflective coating includes a first high index of refraction coating layer; a first low index of refraction coating layer over the first high index of refraction coating layer; a second high index of refraction coating layer over the first low index of refraction coating layer; and a second low index of refraction coating layer over the second high index of refraction coating layer, wherein the first high index of refraction coating layer has an optical thickness defined by the following equation within a range of ±25%: [?2.1643×(optical thickness of the second low index of refraction coating layer)2]+[4.6684×(optical thickness of the second low index of refraction coating layer)]?2.2187, or the first low index of refraction coating layer has an optical thickness defined by the following equation within a range of ±25%: [2.0567×(optical thickness of the second low index of refraction coating)2]?[3.

Abstract: A mirror for a solid-state laser, has a multilayer film formed by alternately laminating a low-refractive-index film layer and a high-refractive-index film layer on a substrate. In the mirror, each of the film layers has an optical film-thickness set at a fundamental value in conformity to a wavelength of target light, except that at least one of the film layers has an optical film-thickness adjusted to allow a peak of an electric field intensity distribution formed by repetitive reflections at boundary surfaces between the adjacent film layers to be located in the low-refractive-index film layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are imaging systems and eyeglass-based display devices. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes an image source and a partial mirror that defines a non-rotationally symmetric surface, wherein the partial mirror reflects images generated by the image source to an eye of an observer.

Abstract: A time multiplexed 3D display incorporates a beam splitter so that multiple viewers can watch the same content in a plurality of different positions.

Abstract: An optical device comprises: a liquid container that contains water-based liquid and oil-based liquid that are different in refractive index from each other and immiscible with each other to have respective optical-transmission properties so that light can transmit in a predetermined optical-axis direction; a coat film that covers at least part of an inner surface of the liquid container and has a hydrophilic/hydrophobic property changing with temperature; and a temperature regulator that regulates temperature of the coat film.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element may include a container having a holding chamber, a polar or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber, a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and not mixing with the first liquid, first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid, and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A projection lens includes, in order from a magnification side, a first lens group, a second lens group and a third lens group. The first lens group includes, in order from the magnification side, a negative lens whose lens made of a non-resin, a plastic lens at least one surface of which is aspheric and a positive lens. The second lens group includes a plastic lens at least one surface of which is aspheric, a positive lens and a negative lens. The third lens group includes a positive lens. The following conditional expressions are satisfied. 1.0<Bf/f?1.8 2.0<f1/f 2.0<f2/f where Bf denotes a air-conversion back focus of the entire system, f denotes a focal length of the entire system, f1 denotes a focal length of the first lens group and f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group.

Abstract: An objective lens comprises a housing, an iris diaphragm and a plurality of lens groups. For focusing the objective lens while minimizing the variation of the image angle at least two lens groups are adapted to be moved relative to the housing. The one lens group is arranged in front of the iris diaphragm. The other lens group is arranged at least partially behind the iris diaphragm.

Abstract: A variable power optical system is provided and includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive fifth lens group, a positive third lens group, and a negative fourth lens group containing first to third sub lens groups, in order from the side of an object. The second lens group is moved, thereby performing variable power and the third lens group is moved, thereby correcting image surface variation caused by the variable power and performing focusing. The fourth lens group is fixed at the variable power time and the focusing time. To correct image blurring, only the second sub lens group is moved in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis. Accordingly, a sufficiently good image blurring correction function can be exerted and a simple and compact configuration as a whole can be implemented.

Abstract: A lens barrel has a base, a second lens holder frame holding a second lens group, a first lens holder frame holding a first lens group, a cam ring, and a fixed ring. The second lens holder frame has three guides projecting axially from an outer circumferential portion of an annular plate and disposed at circumferentially equally spaced intervals. Guide grooves are defined in respective portions of the annular plate which are radially inwardly faced by the guides. Guide posts engage respectively in the guide grooves, so that the second lens holder frame is nonrotatably, but axially movably supported by the guide posts.

Abstract: There is provided a lens barrel including a lens barrel body for fixably and/or movably supporting a plurality of lenses, lens holding members for holding one of the plurality of lenses, and an alignment device for aligning the lens holding members such that optical axes approximately agree with an optical axis of one of the lenses. In this lens barrel, the alignment device includes at least three supporting portions such that attitudes of the lens holding members may be changed, at least one of the three supporting portions includes a spherical convex portion provided on one of the lens holding members and the lens barrel body, and a spherical concave portion provided on the other of the lens holding members and the lens barrel body, and at least one of the remaining supporting portions can adjust a distance between the lens holding members and the lens barrel body.

Abstract: A lens bears a plurality of roll-coated layers to pass, to one eye of a viewer, a first image, in a first band of wavelengths, that is appropriate for 3D viewing of a stereoscopic image.