Patents Issued in September 18, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080225363
    Abstract: An optical deflector includes a plurality of piezoelectric unimorph oscillating bodies (210a to 210d) that cause a reflecting plate (1) to oscillate rotationally, centering upon a pair of flexible support units (2a and 2b). The optical deflector forms a single structure of the oscillating plates (23a to 23b), the reflecting plate (1), the flexible support units (2a and 2b), and a support body (9), by connecting one set of the terminals of the oscillating plates (23a to 23d) of the suite of piezoelectric unimorph oscillating bodies (210a to 210d) to the flexible support units (2a and 2b), and connecting the other set of terminals to the support body (9). Furthermore, the plurality of piezoelectric unimorph oscillating bodies (210a to 210d) each respectively comprise a plurality of parallel oscillating bodies (23a1 to 23a-3, 23b-1 to 23b-3, 23c-1 to 23c-3), and (23d-1 to 23d-3), and a suite of parallel actuators (28a-1 to 28a-3, 28c-1 to 28c-3, and 28d-1 to 28d-3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Tetsurou SAITOH, Eiji Mochizuki, Yukito Sato, Yoshiaki Yasuda, Masahiro Akamatsu, Masanao Tani
  • Publication number: 20080225364
    Abstract: A moving apparatus includes a cylindrical cam barrel provided with a cam groove; a moving member configured to be rotated relative to the cam barrel and moved in a perpendicular direction that is an axis direction of the cam barrel; and a bearing for supporting a support shaft fixed on the moving member in the cam groove, wherein when viewed from the axis direction of the support shaft, a contact position F between the bearing and the cam groove is located closer to the side of the rotation center axis of the moving member than the axis line of the support shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shunsuke Ota
  • Publication number: 20080225365
    Abstract: An optical scanning device for scanning surfaces of an even number of photoconductors simultaneously includes a rotating deflecting device arranged substantially at a center in a housing to deflect optical beams, and a plurality of scanning optical systems corresponding to the even number of photoconductors, arranged to be substantially symmetrical with the rotating deflecting device as a symmetry center. The plurality of scanning optical systems include a plurality of folding-back mirrors and at least one long lens having power in a sub-scanning direction, respectively, and the pluralities of folding-back mirrors and the at least one long lenses of the symmetrically arranged scanning optical systems are arranged to be symmetrical to each other with the rotating deflecting device as the symmetry center, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Yasumasa TOMITA
  • Publication number: 20080225366
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a prism capable of being utilized in a scanned beam projector comprises a first window disposed on a first surface through which the beam is capable of passing to impinge upon a scan engine at an angle of incidence off axis from an axis normal to a plane of the scan engine, and a second window disposed on a second surface through which the beam is capable of passing. The first surface of the prism is disposed at a non-parallel angle with respect to the second surface to reduce distortion of the scan pattern or image from the scan engine. The prism may further comprise one or more internal surfaces capable of reflecting the beam onto the scan engine off axis, where such reflecting may impart a desired polarization state to the beam reflected onto the scan engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua M. Hudman, Joshua O. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080225367
    Abstract: An optical deflecting device including a mirror member having a light reflective area. The optical deflecting device includes a plurality of electrodes that are formed on a substrate, a fulcrum member that functions as an electrode and a regulation member. The range of movement to a respect direction of the substrate is regulated by the regulation member, which includes a conductive material at least in the surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Seiichi KATOH, Takeshi NANJYO
  • Publication number: 20080225368
    Abstract: A scanning device (40, 40?) for an optical code reader (1) is described, comprising a printed circuit board (2), an electric motor (42) having a stator (44), a magnetic rotor (43) and a plurality of coils (64), and a polygonal mirror (41) integral with the rotor (43) of the motor (42), characterized by having a support (66) of the coils (64) adjacent to the side of the printed circuit board (2) opposite the magnetic rotor (43) to keep said plurality of coils (64) in positions corresponding to a plurality of holes (65, 65?) of the printed circuit board (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: DATALOGIC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Stefano Ciabattoni, Vincent Comte
  • Publication number: 20080225369
    Abstract: A discretely controlled micromirror device provides multiple motions of a micromirror using stepper plate and micromirror bottom support. The discretely controlled micromirror device can be controlled in a low driving voltage. Also, simple motion control is applied by digital controlling and only single voltage is needed for driving the micromirror motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicants: STEREO DISPLAY, INC., ANGSTROM, INC.
    Inventors: Hye Young Kim, Dong Woo Gim, Jin Young Sohn, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
  • Publication number: 20080225370
    Abstract: This continuous phase sheet deformable mirror leverages advances in polymer manufacturing to create a low-cost alternative to the existing microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and bulk (piezoelectric and electrostrictive) deformable mirror technology. These novel mirrors can be used for any form of phase control including but not limited to piston control, beam steering, and higher order adaptive optics. The preferred mirror surface is a pellicle, but any thin polymer high optical quality surface will suffice. The thin polymer phase sheet can be combined with any actuator structure, like those produced by MEMS, to create a higher quality hybrid deformable mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Active Optical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Dennis Mansell
  • Publication number: 20080225371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminator (10, 30, 40) comprising a spatial light modulator (14) including an array of elements (16) each adapted to selectively transmit incoming light without altering the direction of the light, or alter the direction of incoming light; a lamp (12) arranged to illuminate the modulator; a lens (20, 42) for directing unaltered light from the modulator onto an illumination surface (24); and means for forwarding essentially all light altered in direction by the modulator towards the illumination surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg
  • Publication number: 20080225372
    Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP L.L.C
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Ian Clarke, Nigel Cook, Richard Parker, Mark A Hunt, Michael Hughes
  • Publication number: 20080225373
    Abstract: An image display apparatus capable of switching a display mode between a directional display mode of displaying a first image in a first viewing direction and a second image in a second viewing direction and a non-directional display mode of displaying the same image in both the first and second viewing directions includes an image forming unit and an optical member. The image forming unit forms an image and emits image light representing the image. The optical member is disposed adjacent to an emitting side of the image forming unit and is used for switching the display mode. The optical member includes two light-transmitting plate members, a lens member disposed between the two plate members and having a predetermined refractive index, a refractive-index variable medium sealed in a gap between the lens member and the two plate members, and a refractive-index adjusting unit that adjusts a refractive index of the refractive-index variable medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Goro HAMAGISHI, Osamu YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20080225374
    Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e. g oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Robert A. Hayes, Mickael Joulaud, Thibault J. B. Roques-Carmes, Stephanie a. Palmier
  • Publication number: 20080225375
    Abstract: A system for scanning an antenna array of the present invention. The system includes a first mechanism for modulating a desired signal on an optical carrier signal. The first mechanism includes a frequency-tunable optical oscillator with a phase shifter for changing an output frequency of the optical oscillator. A second mechanism employs the optical carrier signal to derive signals having predetermined phase relationships. A third mechanism receives the feed signals and radiates corresponding transmit signals in response thereto to the antenna array to steer the array. In more specific embodiment, the desired signal is a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, and the phase shifter is an electrically controlled optical RF phase shifter. The optical carrier signal includes a first optical carrier signal and a second optical carrier signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Irwin L. Newberg, Steven R. Wilkinson, Jar J. Lee, Robert A. Rosen, Kapriel V. Krikorian
  • Publication number: 20080225376
    Abstract: Devices for modulating light signals. A modulator includes a rolled optical fiber cable having a preset tensile stress along the longitudinal axis thereof, a coating layer applied to the rolled optical cable, and at least one piezo acoustic transducer secured to the coating layer. The piezo acoustic transducer is operative to generate a sound wave that modulates a frequency of a light signal passing through the rolled optical fiber cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Hyeung-Yun Kim
  • Publication number: 20080225377
    Abstract: An apparatus and to a method of optoelectrical conversion, comprising the steps of: providing a first electrical signal to an electrical directional element, using the electrical directional element to direct the first electrical signal to an optoelectric converter, using the optoelectric converter for converting the first electrical signal into an optical signal and providing the optical signal to a DUT, using the optoelectric converter for receiving and converting a reflected optical signal reflected by the DUT back into a second electrical signal, and using the electrical directional element to direct the second electrical signal to a receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Josef Beller
  • Publication number: 20080225378
    Abstract: A dielectric coating is provided which has both a dielectric constant greater than 2.5 and a hydrophobic surface. The dielectric coating may be provided by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of organosilane, organosiloxane, organosilazane, organometallic, and/or hydrocarbon precursors. Methods are also provided for altering the contact angle of a liquid in contact with the dielectric coating, e.g., for electrowetting applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher M. WEIKERT, Steven J. Martin, Mathieu Maillard, Julien Legrand
  • Publication number: 20080225379
    Abstract: A varifocal optical system includes a substantially circular membrane deposited on a substrate, and a ring-shaped PZT thin film deposited on the outer portion of the circular membrane. The membrane may be a MEMS-micromachined membrane, made of thermal oxide, polysilicon, ZrO2 and SiO2. The membrane is initially in a buckled state, and may function as a mirror or a lens. Application of an electric voltage between an inner and outer electrode on the piezoelectric thin film induces a lateral strain on the PZT thin film, thereby altering the curvature of the membrane, and thus its focal length. Focal length tuning speeds as high as 1 MHz have been demonstrated. Tuning ranges of several hundred microns have been attained. The varifocal optical system can be used in many applications that require rapid focal length tuning, such as optical switching, scanning confocal microscopy, and vibration compensation in optical storage disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Mark J. Mescher
  • Publication number: 20080225380
    Abstract: An optical receiver apparatus and methods for mitigating intersymbol interference (ISI) in a differentially-encoded modulation transmission system by controlling constructive and destructive transfer functions. The receiver includes a bandwidth control element for controlling transfer function bandwidth, a transfer phase controller for controlling transfer function phase and/or an imbalancer for imbalancing the transfer functions for compensating for intersymbol interference and optimizing the quality of the received optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian L. Heffner, Christian Malouin, Theodore J. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20080225381
    Abstract: An optical receiver apparatus and methods for mitigating intersymbol interference (ISI) in a differentially-encoded modulation transmission system by controlling constructive and destructive transfer functions. The receiver includes a bandwidth control element for controlling transfer function bandwidth, a transfer phase controller for controlling transfer function phase and/or an imbalancer for imbalancing the transfer functions for compensating for intersymbol interference and optimizing the quality of the received optical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian L. Heffner, Christian Malouin, Theodore J. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20080225382
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a bulk optic material (for example, silica) is processed to form a spatially microstructured element, such as a photonic bandgap (PBG) structure. An ultra-short laser pulse source is used as an input signal that is applied to the bulk optic PBG structure to generate an enhanced continuum output. The PBG structure may comprise any type of one-, two- or three-dimensional grating structure, where the selected structure will dictate the type(s) of enhancement(s) that are present in the generated continuum—generally in the form of a broadened continuum and/or the inclusion of one or peaks in the continuum. The use of a relatively small-dimensioned bulk material allows for the continuum to be generated without the need for any type of optical confinement (waveguide). In one embodiment, the bulk PBG structure may be is subjected to one or more additional processes (such as UV exposure, electromagnetic field application, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Nicholson, Paul S. Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20080225383
    Abstract: Methods and devices for generating stable, tunable and intense output light pulses are provided. A primary beam of light pulses is used to form a filament in an interaction zone. A secondary bean of light pulses is superposed with the filament and interacts therewith to generate the output light pulses. The parameters of the primary and secondary beams in the interaction zone can be controlled to obtain targeted optical characteristics of the output pulses. Multiple secondary beaus may also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Francis Theberge, See Leang Chin
  • Publication number: 20080225384
    Abstract: A high extraction efficiency laser system. The novel laser system includes a laser amplifier and a laser source adapted to provide a laser beam to the amplifier such that polarization states for incident and reflected light within the amplifier are perpendicular one to another. In an illustrative embodiment, the laser beam is input to the amplifier such that the beam reflects back and forth between the side walls of the amplifier with an angle of incidence of about 45 degrees, and the laser beam is linearly polarized in the plane of incidence. This arrangement reduces interference fringes in the amplifier. In an alternative embodiment, the system includes an aberrator adapted to add time-varying aberrations in the laser beam at a rate exceeding an inversed lifetime of an inverted population in the amplifier to increase spatial homogenization of saturation and extraction patterns in the amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Alexander A. Betin, Vladimir V. Shkunov
  • Publication number: 20080225385
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-stage optical amplifier including a high SN ratio and a method of controlling the same. A multi-stage optical amplifier is configured such that the gain of an amplifying unit in a first stage is greater than that of an amplifying unit in another stage. Therefore, it is possible to increase signal components that have been reduced due to spontaneously emitted light in the first stage, and thus relatively reduce noise. As a result, the obtained signals including a high SN ratio can be maintained in another stage, and it is possible to obtain a high SN ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: TAKAHIRO TOMITA
  • Publication number: 20080225386
    Abstract: A fiber laser arrangement with regenerative pulse amplification, having a femtosecond fiber oscillator as a pulse-generating unit, a fiber amplifier designed both as a pulse-amplifying and pulse-stretching device to amplify and to stretch the femtosecond pulses generated by the femtosecond fiber oscillator, a regenerative amplifier, which has a disk-shaped laser crystal as a gain medium, and which is designed to produce additional pulse stretching during the regenerative amplification, and a pulse compression device, which temporally compresses the amplified and time-stretched pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Leitner
  • Publication number: 20080225387
    Abstract: Collectors are disclosed. The collectors can be for illumination systems with a wavelength ?193 nm, including ?126 nm, and the EUV range. The collectors can serve to receive the light rays emitted from a light source and to illuminate an area in a plane. The collectors can include at least a first mirror shell or a first shell segment as well as a second mirror shell or a second shell segment receiving the light and providing a first illumination and a second illumination in a plane which is located in the light path downstream of the collector. An illumination systems are also disclosed. The illumination systems can be equipped with a collector. Projection exposure apparatuses are also disclosed. The projection exposure apparatuses can include an illumination system. Methods for the manufacture of microstructures by photographic exposure are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT AG
    Inventors: Joachim Hainz, Martin Endres, Wolfgang Singer, Bernd Kleemann, Dieter Bader
  • Publication number: 20080225388
    Abstract: The invention provides a compact optical scanning observation apparatus having an internal focusing mechanism and which is suitable for in-vivo observation of animals. The optical scanning observation apparatus comprises a light source for illuminating a sample; an objective optical system for focusing illumination light onto the sample; a detection-light splitting device for splitting off collected detection light from the illumination light; a detection-light focusing optical system for focusing the split-off detection light; a detector for detecting the focused detection light; a focus scanning device disposed between the detection-light splitting device and the objective optical system; and a lateral-direction scanning device, disposed between the focus scanning device and the objective optical system, for scanning the illumination light from the light source on the sample, in substantially orthogonal directions with respect to the optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tadashi HIRATA
  • Publication number: 20080225389
    Abstract: A polarizer and a flat panel display apparatus including the polarizer are provided. The polarizer includes: a base; and a plurality of grids on the base, the plurality of grids including a first component and a second component, and having a thickness in a thickness direction of the polarizer. The first component includes a dielectric material and the second component includes a metal. The first component and the second component have a concentration gradient in the thickness direction, wherein a concentration of the first component in the grids increases along a thickness direction toward the external light incidence side, and a concentration of the second component in the grids increases along a thickness direction away from the external light incidence side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jong-Seok Oh, Jong-Hyuk Lee, Young-Woo Song, Kyu-Hwan Hwang, Joon-Gu Lee, Jae-Heung Ha, Chul-Woo Park
  • Publication number: 20080225390
    Abstract: An optical microstructure plate and mold for fabricating the same is disclosed. The optical microstructure plate comprises a substrate. An optical microstructure element is formed on the substrate. A period alignment mark is disposed on the substrate to provide alignment for fabricating the optical microstructure element by a mold. A universal alignment mark is disposed on the substrate to provide alignment for bonding another plate therewith. Specifically, the mold comprises a concave within a mold substrate, a spoiler around the concave, and a buffer zone adjacent to the spoiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Chia-Yang Chang, Teng-Sheng Chen, Hsiao-Wen Lee, Sheng-Shin Guo
  • Publication number: 20080225391
    Abstract: A Zero-order diffractive filter comprising a first layer (1) with a periodic diffractive microstructure, forming a waveguide, and at least one adjacent second layer (2, 4, 5), wherein said first layer (1) has a refractive index that is higher than the refractive index of said second layer (2, 4, 5) by at least 0.2. At least one of said second layers (2, 4, 5) is a porous layer comprising nanopores. The period ? of the diffractive microstructure is between 100 nm and 3000 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Harald Walter, Gilbert Gugler, Alexander Stuck, Robert Beer, Marc Pauchard
  • Publication number: 20080225392
    Abstract: The invention concerns an optical system. The optical system comprises an input for receiving an optical signal, a predetermined output plane, and a diffraction grating for separating the optical signal received at the input into spectral elements thereof. The grating has a diffraction surface with a first predetermined profile. The first profile is formed by a plurality of points each conducted by different equations. Consequently, each spectral component is focused on the predetermined plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao KO
  • Publication number: 20080225393
    Abstract: A diffractive light outcoupling unit for forming a part of a directive light outcoupling system of a lighting device including a plurality of diffractive outcoupling units. The diffractive light outcoupling units each include a carrier element for accommodating a diffractive surface relief pattern, and a diffractive surface relief pattern including a plurality of consecutive diffractive surface relief forms defined on a surface area of the carrier element arranged to couple light incident on the diffractive surface relief pattern outside the carrier element via interaction involving at least two surface relief forms of the plurality of surface relief forms of the diffractive surface relief pattern so as to enhance the directivity of the coupled light. A diffractive light outcoupling system includes a plurality of diffractive light outcoupling units. A lightguide includes the outcoupling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: OY MODINES LTD
    Inventor: Kari Rinko
  • Publication number: 20080225394
    Abstract: An optical element is provided in the present invention, which comprises an element body and a plurality of microlens elements. The element body has a first surface disposed thereon. The plural microlens elements are arranged two-dimensionally on the first surface. The size and shape for each microlens elements may be different from each other and the arrangement for the plural microlens elements on the first surface may be random and arbitrary so that the optical element of the present invention are capable of performing light diffusion and light-redirecting effects without generating interference fringes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ying-Hsiu Lin, Po-Hung Yao, Wen-Hsun Yang
  • Publication number: 20080225395
    Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). Such techniques may be used in connection with a light sensor. In certain example embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) includes a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip, with the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, and with each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength. An adhesive bonds the light sensor to the PCB. A hole is formed in the PCB and the opaque layer so as to allow the light sensor arrays to see through the hole formed in the PCB and the opaque layer. A state of the vehicle lights is settable in dependence on the light sensor. The PCB is located in or is supported by the vehicle windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.,
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Publication number: 20080225396
    Abstract: A reflective element assembly for a variable reflectance vehicular mirror includes a front substrate having a transparent conductive coating disposed on a second surface thereof, and a rear substrate having an electrically conductive metallic reflective coating disposed on a third surface thereof. At least an edge portion of the rear substrate is recessed from a corresponding perimeter edge portion of the front substrate so as to define an overhang region of the front substrate relative to the rear substrate. At least a portion of a third surface conductive coating continues from the third surface over at least the perimeter edge to define a wraparound portion of the third surface conductive coating at the perimeter edge, with the third surface conductive coating establishing electrical continuity between the third surface and the portion of the perimeter edge. An electrical connection may make electrical contact with the wraparound portion at the overhang region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian A. McCabe, Hamid Habibi, Niall R. Lynam, Donald L. Bareman
  • Publication number: 20080225397
    Abstract: A rearview mirror incorporates the use of electrochromic mirror glass capable of dimming via electronic controls. The electrochromic mirror glass dims when glare from vehicle driving aft of the motor vehicle impinge on the rearview mirror. The rearview mirror includes a control circuit with a single sensor. The sensor receives glare from aft and ambient light forward the motor vehicle. A light conductor guides light from the two directions. A sensor receives the light from the two directions and is able to discern between the glare light and the ambient light, by filtering the light received from each direction based on color. One color is received from one location and not from the other. The sensor is sensitive to wavelengths and can identify the magnitude of flux received in each color. This allows the interior rearview mirror to identify situations that are appropriate for dimming the electrochromic mirror glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Rolf Thiel, Manfred Herrler
  • Publication number: 20080225398
    Abstract: A beam-catching device is provided for a cutting-beam processing machine configured to deliver a cutting beam to a workpiece. The beam-catching device includes a housing which has a line-like opening pointing toward the cutting beam, the cutting beam discharging from the underside of the workpiece during processing of the workpiece and entering the housing through the opening, and a solid medium disposed within the housing and configured to move relative to the opening of the housing in a direction crossing the cutting beam in order to absorb energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TRUMPF WERKZEUGMASCHINEN GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Blaser, Martin Petera
  • Publication number: 20080225399
    Abstract: A line head includes: a first lens array having a plurality of first lenses each having a convex surface as a light incidence surface; a second lens array that is arranged at a light-emitting surface side of the first lens array so as to be opposite to the first lens array and that has a plurality of second lenses, which are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of first lenses and each of which has a convex surface as a light incidence surface; and at least a light-emitting element provided for each of the first lenses at a light incidence side of the first lens array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyoshi TSUJINO, Nozomu INOUE, Yujiro NOMURA, Ken IKUMA
  • Publication number: 20080225400
    Abstract: Photochromic materials and photochromic compositions and articles including the photochromic materials are disclosed. The photochromic materials may be the reaction product of a hyperbranched polyester polyol having, on average, at least two reactive hydroxyl groups, and at least one photochromic indeno-fused naphthopyran.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Shanti Swarup, Carol L. Knox, Feng Wang
  • Publication number: 20080225401
    Abstract: A compact imaging lens system includes three lenses. The first lens is a positive meniscus lens having a convex side facing toward the image side, which has a big focusing power and is provided to capture image and for balance of aberration. The first lens serves to make the lens system a low sensitivity lens system. The second lens is a negative lens and is provided mainly for correcting chromatic aberration and off-axis aberration. An aperture is set between the first and second lenses, and this is of benefit to balance of aberration. The third lens is a negative lens and is provided for correcting off axis aberration. All the lenses can be made of plastics. This facilitates cost reduction, weight reduction, while still maintains a high resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Chen-Cheng Liao
  • Publication number: 20080225402
    Abstract: An optical component (10) comprises a transparent set of cells (15; 25) juxtaposed in parallel to a surface of the component. Each cell is hermetically sealed and contains a substance with an optical property. The set of cells comprises cells of several sizes. The size of the cells can be varied between various locations of the surface of the component (10), for making it possible to cut out the component without altering its optical properties. Furthermore, the variation in size of the cells serves to prevent diffraction or scattering from being visible in certain zones of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Essilor International (Compagnie General D' Optique)
    Inventors: Jerome Ballet, Chirstian Bovet
  • Publication number: 20080225403
    Abstract: A variable focus lens package (2) comprises an annular body (10) having a through-hole (11), which is closed off by means of lens members (30, 70), and which is sealed by means of sealing rings (50, 60). The through-hole (11) is filled with quantities of water (86) and oil (87), which are separated by a meniscus (88). The various lens package elements are fixed with respect to each other by means of clamping units (20a, 20b). By this arrangement, a very compact and robust lens package (2) is obtained. A portion of the surface of the body (10) is covered with an electrically conducting layer (16). The shape of the meniscus (88) is variable under the influence of a voltage between this electrically conducting layer (16) and the water (86). In this way, the meniscus (88) is applicable as a lens having an adjustable focus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.
    Inventors: Johannus Wilhelmus Weekamp, Edwin Maria Wolterink, Kornelis Renkema
  • Publication number: 20080225404
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide zoom and/or autofocus lenses. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lens is provided with at least one tunable lens. The focal length and/or focus of the lens may be varied without mechanically moving or changing the separation between one or more lens components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Yin S. Tang
  • Publication number: 20080225405
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a zoom lens including at least two movable lens groups; an image pickup element that converts an optical image formed with the zoom lens into an electric signal; and an image processor that electrically corrects a lateral chromatic aberration to be generated at the zoom lens. The zoom lens satisfies Conditional Expressions (1) and (2) as follows, ?5.0<W—ate(X)/T—ate(X)<?0.2 ??(1) 0.003<|Max—ate(10)/Himg|<0.03 ??(2) where W_ate(X) is an aberration amount of the lateral chromatic aberration from the C-line to the g-line, at a wide-angle end, corresponding to a (X×10) % image height, T_ate(X) is an aberration amount of the lateral chromatic aberration from the C-line to the g-line, at a telephoto end, corresponding to a (X×10) % image height, Max_ate(X) is one of W_ate(10) and T_ate(10), the one having a larger absolute value, and Himg is a diagonal length of the image pickup element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Kuroda, Takeshi Hatakeyama
  • Publication number: 20080225406
    Abstract: Providing a close-up lens with superb optical performance capable of focusing from infinity to a close distance allowing a life-size magnification by an internal focusing system with small moving amounts of focusing lens groups, an imaging apparatus, and a method for focusing a close-up lens. The close-up lens includes four lens groups, and is able to focus an object with an imaging magnification from ?=0 through at least ?=?0.5, wherein upon focusing, a first lens group and a fourth lens group are fixed with respect to an image plane, and a second lens group and a third lens group are moved along an optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Mitsuaki WADA
  • Publication number: 20080225407
    Abstract: Data related to an object distance which is sent from a camera apparatus is captured. A focus lens position instructed value CL is calculated based on an object distance instructed value CD and a zoom position information value ZP. An object distance returned value PL to be transmitted to the camera apparatus is obtained based on a current lens position CF and the zoom position information value ZP. Whether the focus lens position instructed value CL is equal to the lens position CF or not is determined. When the focus lens position instructed value is not equal to the lens position, a focus lens is moved in accordance with the focus lens position instructed value CL is performed. When the focus lens position instructed value is equal to the lens position, lens driving processing is not performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takayuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20080225408
    Abstract: There is provided a subminiature imaging optical system installed in a mobile telecommunication terminal or a PDA, or used in a surveillance camera or a digital camera. The subminiature imaging optical system including: first, second, third and fourth lenses sequentially positioned from an object side to an image side, the first lens having positive refractive power, the second lens having negative refractive power, the third lens having negative refractive power, and the fourth lens having positive refractive power, wherein each of the third and fourth lenses has at least one aspherical surface. The subminiature imaging optical system corrects chromatic aberration superbly to reduce color fringing significantly, thereby achieving high resolution and compactness as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD., OKUDAIRA SAITEKI SYSTEM LABORATORY
    Inventors: Cheon Ho Park, Phil Ho Jung, Jae Cheol Jeong, Sadao Okudaira
  • Publication number: 20080225409
    Abstract: A lens design comprising a positive lens made of barium fluoride crystal material and a negative lens element made of glass with dispersive properties common to the family of Schott type materials enabling an object to be imaged with superior chromatic aberration correction in the spectral range extending from the visible to the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The achromatic lens design as described has negligible residual and higher order chromatic aberration throughout the visible, the near-infrared or simultaneously both the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Carl Alexay
  • Publication number: 20080225410
    Abstract: Optical assemblies for use in medical or other devices so as to image an object under examination onto an image sensor include a plurality of lens elements that can be retained in lens barrel. The lens elements and the lens barrel can be sealed with a compressible gasket. In one example, at least one lens element is made of an injection-moldable plastic and at least one lens element is made of a relatively dispersive optical glass. A lens barrel diameter or lens diameter can be selected to permit access to the object under examination with surgical or other tools. Aperture plates can be situated so as to reduce flare in the object image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Alexander Ning, Robert Lu, William Lucas Churchill, Sergey S. Grigoryants
  • Publication number: 20080225411
    Abstract: There is provided a subminiature imaging optical system utilizing only three sheets of lenses having positive, negative and positive refractive powers, respectively. The subminiature imaging optical system comprising, sequentially from an object side: a first lens having a meniscus shape with a convex object-side surface, the first lens having at least one apherical surface and positive refractive power; a second lens having a meniscus shape with a convex image-side surface, the second lens having at least one spherical surface and negative refractive power; and a third lens having both surfaces formed of an aspherical surface and having positive refractive power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jin Jong Kim, Young Gi Kim, Yong Joo Jo
  • Publication number: 20080225412
    Abstract: A lens device is provided and includes: a lens barrel body in a box form opened in an upper surface thereof; a lid member attached to the upper surface of the lens barrel body; three fixing units that fix the lid member and the lens barrel body; and at least one engaging unit that engages the lid member with the lens barrel body so as to prevent the lid member from separating from the lens barrel body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Takao OZAKI, Koichi NAGATA, Motohiko HORIO