Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first-image-reading-portion composed of a plurality of line sensors used to read a color image, a second-image-reading-portion composed of at least one line sensor used to read a monochrome image, a first-image-processing-portion which processes a first-image-signal processed and outputted by the first-image-reading-portion, a second-image-processing-portion which processes a second image signal processed and outputted by the second-image-reading-portion, a segmentation portion which outputs a segmentation signal indicative of an attribute of an image in accordance with at least one of the first and second image signals, and a signal switching portion which outputs at least one of a third image signal processed and outputted by the first-image-processing-portion and a fourth image signal processed and outputted by the second-image-processing-portion based on the segmentation signal.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image reading apparatus and the like which is provided with a driving device (21) capable of changing its rotational speed, includes an inertial load changing device 26 for changing the inertial load of a rotating body (23) of the driving device (21). The inertial load changing device 26 includes an inertial body (27) which is adjacently disposed to the rotating body (23) and an interlock unit 28 for attaching the inertial body 27 to the rotating body 23 to create an integral rotation so as to change the inertial load of the rotating body (27). The inertial bodies is provided by single or plural number. The plural number of inertial bodies (27) is individually attached to the rotating body (23) by means of the interlock unit 28 in order to change the inertial load of the rotating body in several levels.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus including an image processing unit for executing image processing based on image data of an image; a region extracting unit for extracting a main subject region corresponding to a main subject in said image for the image processing; and an image display unit for displaying the image in enlargement with the main subject region disposed at a center of image. There is also provided an image processing method for executing image processing based on image data of an image, comprising steps of: extracting a main subject region corresponding to a main subject in the image for the image processing; and displaying the image in enlargement with the main subject region disposed at a center of image The apparatus and the method as above allow the correction of a red-eye color, the trimming processing, and the freckle and wrinkle removing processing, all based on image data, to be easily confirmed and inspected in a short time.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reduced image generating part generating a reduced image having a lower resolution than that of an original digital image. A first extracting part distinctly extracts a first foreground image and a first background image from the reduced image. A first continuous tone converting part converts, into a continuous tone, a halftone dot pattern of the first background image extracted from the reduced image. A combining part combines the first background image of which halftone dot pattern is converted into the continuous tone and an image based on the first foreground image extracted by the first extracting part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing holograms may use a computer generated 3-D model or data generated using multiple 2-D camera images taken of a real 3-D object or scene. The data is digitally processed and displayed on a high resolution spatial light modulator (SLM). A low energy pulsed laser records composite holograms on a holographic emulsion using a special optical design. Restricted or full parallax master transmission or reflection type composite holograms, known as H1 holograms, may be created that can be copied using traditional methods to produce full or single color rainbow white-light transmission holograms, achromatic white-light transmission holograms or single or full-color white-light reflection holograms.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus includes a reproduction signal detection unit reproducing a two-dimensional pattern previously recorded on a holographic recording medium or user data recorded on the holographic recording medium, a reference pattern storage unit previously storing a reference pattern to be provided when the two-dimensional pattern is reproduced, a correction information generation unit comparing a reproduction reference pattern signal corresponding to the reproduced two-dimensional pattern with the stored reference pattern and removing fixed distortion contained in the reproduction reference pattern signal to generate correction information used for reproducing the reference pattern from the reproduction reference pattern signal, a correction information storage unit storing the correction information, and a distortion correction unit performing a correction calculation for a reproduction data signal using the correction information to generate corrected reproduction data from which the

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus capable of keeping an oscillation angle of an oscillating mirror at a constant value based on control of a drive frequency. In this image forming apparatus, a semiconductor laser emits a light beam, and an oscillating mirror reflects the light beam emitted from the semiconductor laser, onto a target surface in a scanning manner. An oscillating-mirror drive circuit unit supplies a drive signal having a feature that a drive voltage varies based on a drive frequency, to the oscillating mirror, to reciprocatingly oscillate the oscillating mirror within a given angular range. A voltage-variation detection circuit detects a variation amount of the drive voltage, and a drive-frequency generation circuit alters the drive frequency depending on the variation amount of the drive voltage detected by the voltage-variation detection circuit.

Abstract: The micro-actuation element (X1) includes a movable unit (111), a frame (112) and a coupler (113) for connecting these, where the unit, the frame and the coupler are integrally formed in a material substrate having a multi-layer structure that consists of electroconductive layers (110a-110c), such as a core conduction layer (110b), and insulation layers (110d, 110e) intervening between the electroconductive layers (110a-110c). The movable unit (111) includes a first structure originating in the core conduction layer (110b). The frame (112) includes a second structure originating in the core conduction layer (110b). The coupler (113) includes a plurality of electrically separated torsion bars (113a, 113b) that originate in the core conduction layer (110b) and are connected continuously to the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic scanning micro-mirror is provided with a magnetic field generator for supplying a magnetic field, a mirror plate having a reflective plane and a frame structure attached to a rear surface of the reflective plane, a substrate to surround the mirror plate, a pair of torsion bars to connect the mirror plate to the substrate, and a magnetic substance provided at the rear surface of the reflective plane of the mirror plate and adapted to generate a drive force by interacting with the magnetic field supplied from the magnetic field generator, wherein the mirror plate performs a rotation operation about the torsion bars, which define the rotating axis of the mirror plate, by use of the drive force generated from the magnetic substance.

Abstract: Adjustable pinhole, particularly for the illumination beam path and/or detection beam path of a laser scanning microscope, wherein the pinhole is defined by foil edges which are adjustable relative to one another, and at least two foils, each with at least one straight edge, are advantageously arranged relative to one another and/or connected to one another in such a way that their edges describe an L-shape and the L-shaped connection pieces are arranged on one another in such a way that they define a rhombic or square light passage and they are moved relative to one another for adjusting the pinhole.

Abstract: Micro-displays used for front or rear projection systems as well as near-eye viewing systems may be enhanced using embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the invention may include an array of micromechanical optical modulators, an electronic control system for operating the optical modulators in accordance with a received video signal, and an overlayer for the array of modulators to modify the fill factor for incident light on the array of modulators, the incident light corresponding to at least one color constituent of a video signal.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator, in which light modulation elements are arranged in a same plane. In the spatial light modulator, a plurality of the light modulation elements are arranged such that there are at least two periods of periodic structure corresponding to an arrangement of the light modulation elements in an arbitrary direction in the plane where the light modulation elements are arranged.

Abstract: A photonic oscillator includes an optical transceiver that serves the dual purpose of detecting a feedback RF lightwave signal carried on a laser beam and electrically filtering the RF lightwave signal to modulate the RF lightwave signal in accordance therewith, to thereby set up steady state oscillations in the modulated RF lightwave signal and thereby generate a multi-tone oscillating lightwave.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optic modulator structure containing an additional set of bias electrodes buried within the device for applying bias to set the operating point. Thus the RF electrodes used to modulate incoming optical signals can be operated with zero DC bias, reducing electrode corrosion by galvanic and other effects that can be present in non-hermetic packages. The buried bias electrodes are also advantageous in controlling charge build-up with consequent improvement in drift characteristics. The bias electrode material is useful for routing bias signals inside the device, in particular to external terminals, as well as forming encapsulating layers to permit operation in non-hermetic environments, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. Embodiments using both X-cut and Z-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO3) are presented. For the latter, the bias electrodes can be split along their axis to avoid optical losses.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor optical modulator device in which a resistor for impedance matching is integrated in a device in order to improve performance and to reduce cost during the fabrication of an ultra high speed optical modulator module. A doped layer in an epitaxial layer of the optical modulator device is used as a resistor for impedance matching. According to this method, it is possible to more easily realize an optical device compared with optical device fabrication processes in which additional resistors are used in the outside and the inside of the device for impedance matching.

Abstract: A display element comprising a pair of electrodes having therebetween an electrolyte layer containing silver or a silver-containing compound, the display element being driven by the pair of electrodes so as to electrochemically dissolve silver or to electrochemically deposit silver, wherein the electrolyte layer contains an antioxidant selected from the group consisting of a phenolic antioxidant, a phosphoric acid antioxidant, a sulfur-containing antioxidant, an amine antioxidant and a hydroquinone derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable reflectance mirror, comprising a color layer that develops color by binding to hydrogen or lithium, a transparent substrate formed on or above one surface of the color layer, a light-reflecting layer which allows transmission of hydrogen or lithium provided on the side of the color layer opposite to the surface thereof on which the transparent substrate is formed, and a supplying device for supplying hydrogen or lithium to the color layer, wherein a transparent intermediate layer which allows transmission of hydrogen or lithium and having a refractive index smaller than that of the color layer is formed between the color layer and the light-reflecting layer.

Abstract: A mirror includes an electro-optic mirror subassembly, and a thin-profiled bezel attached around a perimeter of the electrochromic mirror subassembly. The electro-optic mirror subassembly is supported on a carrier by an adheringly bonded heater and foam tape in a laminar arrangement. The bezel may be bonded to an edge of the front surface of the front element of the electro-optic mirror subassembly, and/or may be bonded and/or interlockingly mechanically attached to an edge of the carrier. Alternatively, the bezel can be a strip of paint or thin coating material. The bezel can be molded in place, or can be pre-molded and elastically stretched to permit assembly. In one form, the bezel includes a laterally-extending fin that prevents seeing past the bezel into the inside of a mirror housing. In at least one embodiment, the assembly has no bezel or only a bezel on one edge.

Abstract: An optical shutter includes a cell having a transparent panel and a hydrophobic transparent insulation panel which are arranged to face each other, a transparent electrode formed on an outer surface of the hydrophobic transparent insulation panel, and an opaque droplet contained in the cell and contacting an inner surface of the hydrophobic transparent insulation panel, wherein the amount of light transmitted is adjusted by changing a contact angle of the opaque droplet with respect to the hydrophobic transparent insulation panel. The opaque droplet may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The contact angle of the opaque droplet may be changed by applying an electric field between the transparent electrode and the opaque droplet.

Abstract: The electrophoretic multi-color display device has a plurality of cells (10, 10?, 10?, . . . ) with an electrophoretic medium (14) and pixel electrodes (11, 11?, 11?, . . . ) for selecting a subgroup of cells. A color filter array (13) is associated with the pixel electrodes. The color filter array (13) and the pixel electrodes (11, 11?, 11?, . . . ) are provided at the same side of the electrophoretic medium (14). Preferably, the cells (10, 10?, 10?, . . . ) of the color filter array (13) are arranged according to a matrix and are disposed along lines registering with the pixel electrodes (11, 11?, 11?, . . . ). Preferably, an insulating material (17) with a relatively low refractive index is provided between the pixel electrodes (11, 11?, 11? . . . ) and the color filter array (13). Preferably, the insulating material (17) is selected from the group formed by a fluor-polymer, a low-dielectric inorganic film and a low-dielectric nano-porous film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing micro-cell arrays. Such an array may find use in a number of applications such as, for example, a video display, electronic paper, and signage. The microcell arrays find particular use in electromodulating displays.

Abstract: An optical tunable filter that includes an tunable acousto-opto deflector (AOD) for deflecting a broad band beam to an expander for projecting the broad band beam to a set of grating for generated a tuned output beam corresponding to a deflection from the AOD and a wavelength resolution of the set of gratings. The AOD further includes an RF driver for tuning the AOD with an RF driving signal. The AOD further comprises a directional tuning acousto-optic crystal. The optical beam expander further includes a first and a second beam expanding prisms that composed of a material suitable for a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) application over a wavelength range covering S, C and L bands.

Abstract: An electrooptical element is disclosed, made from a crystal, for an electrooptical modulator (EOM), for example, a Pockels cell, comprising a housing, with the crystal arranged therein in the form of a vertical cylinder, the both end surfaces of which form a front plane, for entry of a light beam and an outlet plane, at a separation from the above, with an annular electrode in contact with each of the above and with a retainer, between the housing and both the outer region of the crystal and the two annular electrodes. The invention is characterized in that the retainer is embodied as an O-ring, concentrically enclosing each annular electrode and forming a closed annular chamber between itself and the housing, made from an electrically-conducting material and a hardened sealing compound, filling the annular chamber.

Abstract: A wavelength converter device is provided for generating a converted radiation at frequency ?g through interaction between at least one signal radiation at frequency ?s and at least one pump radiation at frequency ?p, including an input for the at least one signal radiation at frequency ?s, a pump light source for generating the at least one pump radiation at frequency ?p, an output for taking out the converted radiation at frequency ?g, a structure for transmitting the signal radiation, including two optical resonators having a non-linear material, having an optical length of at least 40*?/2, ? being the wavelength of the pump radiation, and resonating at the pump, signal and converted frequencies ?p, ?s and ?g, wherein by propagating through the structure, the pump and signal radiation generate the converted radiation by non-linear interaction within the optical resonators.

Abstract: An optical amplification apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of fiber amplification media segments which are concatenated in series wherein subsequent to each fiber amplification media segment one or more wavelengths is dropped so as to exploit a gain versus fiber amplification media physical length characteristic. By exploiting the gain versus fiber amplification media physical length characteristic in such a manner it is possible to achieve a substantially flat gain response for a multi-wavelength output of the optical amplification apparatus. Some embodiments of the invention combine noise suppression and additional gain flattening on one or more wavelengths. Embodiments of the optical amplification apparatus can be used in red-band wavelength range applications of coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM). Some embodiments of the invention also provide that the optical amplification apparatus can be used as a hybrid dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and CWDM optical amplifier.

Abstract: A projection optical system is provided for projecting a pattern on an object plane onto an image plane in a reduced size. The projection optical system has six reflective surfaces that include, in order of reflecting light from the object plane, a first reflective surface, a second convex reflective surface, a third convex reflective surface, a fourth reflective surface, a fifth reflective surface and a sixth reflective surface. An aperture stop is provided along an optical path between the first and second reflective surfaces. The following condition is met by the system, where L1 is an interval between the object plane and the surface apex that is the closest to the object plane, and L2 is an interval between the surface apex of the first reflective surface and the surface apex that is the closest to the object plane: 0.75 < L ? ? 1 L ? ? 2 < 1.25 .

Abstract: A microscope (1) with manual and external adjustability of an optical element (41) is disclosed. The optical element (41) is displaceable into an optical axis (20) determined by the microscope (1). The microscope (1) further encompasses a stand (3) and a tube (9) attachable to the stand (3). The optical element (41) is arranged on an adjustment element (45) in the interior of the stand (3). Provided in the interior of the stand (3) is a closure element (26) that enables access to the adjustment element (45) when the optical element (41) is positioned in the optical axis (20) of the microscope.

Abstract: Laser-scanning microscope with at least one detection radiation input, in which an aperture plate is installed in front of the detector, whereby optics with variable transmission lengths and a fixed focal distance is provided for focusing varying wavelengths of the detected light onto the aperture plate level at the detection radiation path, which realizes the imaging from the infinite space into an image level with a finite conjugate distance, and/or with at least one light source launched via an optical fiber, whereby collimator optics with a fixed focal distance, and a variable conjugate distance are down-streamed from the fiber output, which transfers the point source at the fiber output with a numerical aperture into a parallel beam in the infinite space in front of the scan-objective lens, whereby a wavelength-dependent, at least partial compensation of the chromatic distortion of the micro-objective lenses occurs by means of turning the chromatic curve for the illumination wavelength used.

Abstract: A spectroscopic microscope allowing both molecular spectrometry and visible microscopy of a sample has a light source for its spectrometer which provides Koehler illumination of the sample, i.e., light from points on the light source is projected across an area of the sample, as opposed to directly projecting an image of the light source onto the sample (as with critical illumination). However, the device may be adjusted to alternatively provide critical illumination of the sample, which is useful where spectrometric readings are to be obtained from a smaller area of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to confocal self-interference microscopy. The confocal self-interference microscopy further includes a first polarizer for polarizing reflected or fluorescent light from a specimen, a first birefringence wave plate for separating the light from the first polarizer into two beams along a polarizing direction, a second polarizer for polarizing the two beams from the first birefringence wave plate, a second birefringence wave plate for separating the two beams from the second polarizer into four beams along the polarizing direction, and a third polarizer for polarizing the four beams from the second birefringence wave plate, in the existing confocal microscopy.

Abstract: A microscope includes a microscope optical system that forms an enlarged image of an observation position by an immersion objective lens with an immersion liquid is filled between the observation position and the objective lens, a moving mechanism that moves a state that a first observation position among a plurality of observation positions on a substrate is positioned in a field of view of the microscope to another state that a second observation position is positioned in the field of view of the microscope, an immersion supplier that supplies the immersion liquid to fill between the objective lens and the observation position, an immersion remover that removes the immersion liquid filled between the objective lens and the observation position, and an immersion remove controller that makes the immersion remover remove the immersion liquid before operating the moving mechanism.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for controlling a microscope stage assembly having a rod for moving the stage in two directions. The rod is detachably secured to the microscope stage assembly. The rod includes at least one substantially circular stick with an attachment end and a gripping end. The attachment end is arranged to be detachably secured to the microscope stage assembly. The invention also includes an interchangeable microscope stage movement device for providing X and Y movement of a sample. The device includes a microscope stage assembly and a joystick detachably secured to the stage assembly at more than one location of the stage assembly.

Abstract: Projection screens include a substrate, a reflective layer on the substrate and a refractive layer on the substrate. The reflective layer includes reflective microstructures of about 5 ?m to about 500 ?m in size, and arranged in a first pattern to reflect light at a first spatial frequency. The refractive layer includes refractive microstructures of about 5 ?m to about 500 ?m in size, and arranged in a second pattern that is different from the first pattern, to refract light at a second spatial frequency that is different than the first spatial frequency. Related fabrication methods also are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double-sided image film screen including a plastic material having a high optical transmission property and a light-refracting material, made of silica, having an optical transmission property and a refractivity of 1.4˜2.5, wherein a content and a particle size of the light-refracting material and a thickness of the film screen are designated such that an image incident on the film screen by means of light projected from a projector is dividedly displayed on front and rear surfaces of the film screen, thereby displaying the image formed thereon though the front and rear surfaces thereof, increasing the visibility of the image and eliminating a hot spot generated by a projection light source of the projector. Compared to conventional screens, the double-sided image film screen is advantageous in that it displays the image through the front and rear surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a black matrix light guide screen display. In a particular embodiment, provided are a plurality of aligned light guides, each having an input end, a midsection and a magnifying output end. A black matrix material is disposed adjacent to the light guides proximate to the magnifying output ends. The plurality of aligned light guides are arranged into a plurality of light guide layers, each layer one light guide thick. The magnifying output ends of each layer are aligned in substantially contiguous parallel contact with interposed black spacers to provide substantially the same magnification vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A three dimensional display system 100 using two spatial light modulators and a single projection path. Light source 102 emits a white light beam 104 which typically is focused onto an aperture of a recycling integrator 106. The light beam travels through the recycling integrator 106 and is reflected several times by the walls of the integrator 106. The sequential color filter creates a filtered light beam comprised of at least three spatially separated light beams. The filtered light beam, containing the colored filtered sub-beams, is separated by a polarizing beam splitter 116 into two separate light beams, each comprising a portion of each color sub-beam created by the sequential color filter. A first portion of the light beam having a first polarization state is passed to a first spatial light modulator 112. A second portion of the light beam having a second polarization state is reflected to a second spatial light modulator 114.

Abstract: A polarization pattern assembly produces a polarization pattern. In an embodiment, a polarization pattern assembly includes a frame that supports a polarization pane in a central region of the frame. The polarization pane changes the polarization direction of light incident upon the polarization pane. Different polarization patterns in a pupil of a polarized illuminator can be generated.

Abstract: An optical device includes an interface between two or more media. The refractive indices, orientations of media, and alignment relative to a propagating wave define a refractive boundary at which reflections may be reduced or eliminated, and at which, for certain incident angles, rays may be refracted on the same side of the normal as the incident ray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system of applying optical gradient forces to form a plurality of optical traps to manipulate small particles. The system includes a light source for generating a focused beam of light which is directed along an optical axis though a phase patterning optical element having a variable optical surface and which has a virtual lens encoded thereon. The optical element produces a plurality of beamlets that are coverged at a position between the optical element and a single transfer lens, and directed through the transfer lens to overlap at the back aperture of a focusing lens. The focusing lens coverges the beamlets to form a plurality of optical traps in the working focal region where particles to be examined, manipulated, or measured, are disposed.

Abstract: In an optical filter, a thin film is formed by laminating low refractive index layers alternatingly from a substrate side with high refractive index layers. The thin film is provided with first, second, and third laminated portions. In the first laminated portion, the refractive indices of the high refractive index layers become gradually higher. In the second laminated portion, the refractive indices of the high refractive index layers are substantially equal to the highest refractive index of the high refractive index layers constituting the first laminated portion. In the third laminated portion, the refractive indices of the high refractive index layers become gradually lower, and the refractive indices of the low refractive index layers are substantially equal to the lowest refractive index of the low refractive index layers constituting the second laminated portion.

Abstract: An optical surface substrate. The optical substrate features a three-dimensional surface. The optical substrate is defined by a first surface structure function modulated by a second surface structure function, the first surface structure function producing at least one specular component from a first input beam of light. The second surface structure function has a geometry with at least pseudo-random characteristics to modulate the first surface structure function such that the surface of the optical substrate produces specular and diffuse light from the first input beam of light. The optical substrate is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including brightness enhancement and projection devices.

Abstract: The optical elements are made from an opto-ceramic material that is characterized by high density, transparency for visible light and IR, high refractive index, high Abbe number and outstanding relative partial dispersion. Mixed oxides are sintered to obtain the opto-ceramic material. The mixed oxides contain zirconium oxide and hafnium oxide mixed with one or more oxides of yttrium, scandium, lanthanide elements, and optionally mixed with one or more of SiO2, Na2O, and TiO2. Alternatively the mixed oxides contain zirconium oxide and hafnium oxide mixed with CaO and/or MgO and optionally mixed with one or more of SiO2, Na2O, and TiO2. In addition, the mixed oxides can also include one or more oxides of Al, Ga, In, and Sc; optionally one or more oxides of yttrium, some lanthanide elements; and optionally one or more of SiO2, Na2O, MgO, CaO, and TiO2.

Abstract: Non-mechanical optical beam steering and switching is produced by optically controlled liquid crystal spatial light modulator with angular magnification by high efficiency volume Bragg gratings recorded in a photosensitive PTR glass. Small angle beam deflection in a photoactive liquid crystal cell is produced by exposing it to a controlling beam from an external source of radiation with predetermined distribution of power density which causes predetermined spatial gradients of a refractive index in a liquid crystal cell and, therefore, refraction of a controlled beam which is made to propagate in the region with spatial gradient of the refractive index. Large angle beam deflection is produced by a volume Bragg grating with angular selectivity adjusted in such way that small angle scanning produced by optically controlled liquid crystal spatial light modulator results in change of diffraction efficiency from zero to 100% for switching the beam for two Bragg angles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of fluid lens configurations that enable beam steering and focus adjustment. For example, according to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid lens is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side of the lens to an output side of the lens along an axis of optical propagation extending through first and second lens surfaces defined by the immiscible fluids of the lens. Respective tunable lens surfaces are formed along the interfaces between the immiscible fluids and an external signal is capable of changing the shape of those surfaces. Because the two lens components forming the lens surfaces are laterally offset, the focal length and beam steering of the lens can be tuned by varying the shape of the surfaces. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a zoom lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens unit having a negative optical power; a second lens unit having a positive optical power; and a third lens unit having a positive optical power. In this particular exemplary embodiment, the zoom lens system changes an interval between the first and second lens units, and an interval between the second and third lens units during zooming.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprises, in order from an object side, a negative first lens group G1, a positive second lens group G2 and a positive third lens group that has positive refractive power. In the zoom lens system, zooming is carried out by moving the first lens group and the second lens group, the first lens group consists of two or three lenses that include a negative glass lens located closest to the object side, the second lens group consists, in order from the object side, of a cemented lens composed of a positive glass lens and a negative glass lens and a plastic meniscus lens that is convex on the object side and both surfaces of which are aspherical, the third lens group consists of one positive plastic lens, and a combined focal length f2 of the second lens group and a focal length Lf23 of the plastic meniscus lens in the second lens group satisfy the following condition 0<|f2/Lf23|<0.3.

Abstract: A variable focus optic module is provided with a housing, a lens assembly, and a protrusion and recess system. The lens assembly is movably disposed in operable relationship with the housing. The protrusion and recess system includes at least one protrusion disposed on one of the housing and the lens assembly, and at least one recess disposed in the opposing one of the lens assembly and the housing. The at least one protrusion operatively engages the at least one recess to control axial movement of the lens assembly, in discrete steps relative to the housing.

Abstract: A lens barrel for zooming in the photographing region and retraction to the non-photographing region, equipped with a stationary barrel having a cam groove on the inner circumferential surface thereof, a cam barrel having a cam pin which is engaged with the cam groove, provided on the outer circumferential surface thereof and supported rotatably to the stationary barrel and movably along the optical axis. The inner circumferential surface of the stationary barrel has a first cam groove to be used at least in a part of the photographing region and a second cam groove to be used at least in a part of the non-photographing region, and the outer circumferential surface of the cam barrel has a first cam pin to be engaged with the first cam groove and a second cam pin to be engaged with the second cam groove.

Abstract: An illumination optical system disposed in order to diffuse illumination light emitted from a light source, includes at least one optical device having a roughened optical surface, with the arithmetic average roughness of the roughened surface set in a range of 0.05 to 0.75 [?m].

Abstract: A wide-angle lens system includes a negative front lens group and a positive rear lens group, in this order from the object. The negative front lens group includes a negative first sub-lens group and a positive second sub-lens group, in this order from the object. The positive rear lens group includes cemented lens elements having a positive R1 lens element and a negative R2 lens element, a positive R3 lens element having a convex surface facing toward the image, and a positive R4 lens element, in this order from the object. The wide-angle lens system satisfies the following conditions: ?0.8<f1a/f1b<?0.1 ??(1) 0.6<f/fR<1.1 ??(2) wherein f1a designates the focal length of the negative first sub-lens group; f1b designates the focal length of the positive second sub-lens group; f designates the focal length of the entire wide-angle lens system; and fR designates the focal length of the positive rear lens group.