Abstract: A transportable electronic cassette and an image reading device carry out communication by laser light between themselves, with the separation distance to the casing of the opposing device detected by separation distance sensors provided respectively to the electronic cassette and the image reading device. The value of the separation distance detected is monitored to see whether or not the separation distance exceeds a reference value of the detected value at the start of communication by a specific value or more. Conclusion can be made that there has been a relatively large change in the relative position of the electronic cassette and the image reading device if the detected value of the separation distance becomes greater than the reference value by the specific value or more, and consequently emission is halted of the laser light from the electronic cassette and the image reading device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing an image on a pixel array. The method includes the steps of continuously changing the distance between a lens and a pixel array between a first distance and a second distance and obtaining an image projected onto the pixel array through the distance is changing. The apparatus includes a lens and an electromechanical structure to continuously change the distance between the lens and the pixel array between the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring backward light, which is constructed for checking, prior to laser processing, backward light that propagates backward through an isolator included in a laser processing apparatus. The present invention also relates to a laser processing method and the like. A laser processing apparatus has an optical head provided with a laser light source part, light guide, and isolator. The optical head has an emitting optical system, irradiation optical system, and light collecting optical system. The method of measuring backward light uses a photodetector to detect, from reference light introduced from a measurement light source into the optical head, the power of an optical component that has passed through the isolator, while changing the position of the measurement light source.

Abstract: Apparatus, for detecting at least one object and preventing receiver burn-out, mounted on a vehicle, including a laser and at least one receiver, the receiver being coupled with the laser, the laser for transmitting a beam of light and the receiver for detecting reflections of the beam of light from the object, the laser including at least one signal diode, a commutator, a power supply signal diode driver, a circulator, an erbium doped fiber (EDF), a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM), a narrow band Bragg reflector, a first fiber pump diode, an output combiner and a second fiber pump diode, the commutator being coupled with each signal diode and the power supply signal diode drive, the circulator being optically coupled with each signal diode, the EDF and the output combiner, the WDM being optically coupled with the EDF, the narrow band Bragg reflector and the first fiber pump diode and the second fiber pump diode being optically coupled with the output combiner, each signal diode generating a beam of ligh

Abstract: The irradiation unevenness caused by drift occurring in a beam short-axis direction is reduced without adding a new beam shaping unit and affecting the propagation characteristic of a beam in an optical resonator. A position deviation detector for detecting a position deviation of a laser beam before passing through a beam shaping optical system, an angle deviation detector for detecting an angle deviation of the laser beam before passing through the beam shaping optical system, a deflection mirror for deflecting the laser beam, which is disposed in an optical path between a laser and an object (substrate), and a mirror controller for controlling orientation of the deflection mirror, based on detection data obtained using the position deviation detector and the angle deviation detector so as to eliminate the position deviation from a reference irradiation position in the short-axis direction of a linear beam on a surface to be irradiated.

Abstract: A controlling system for illumination of a golf course and a controlling method thereof are provided. The illumination controlling system is used for a golf course that has multiple holes. The illumination controlling system has multiple groups of lighting modules respectively corresponding to the multiple holes. Each group of lighting module comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices, a plurality of power devices having control circuit units and chargeable batteries, a plurality of solar panels, and a plurality of motion sensors. Each chargeable battery provides a first working voltage for each light-emitting device. Each control circuit unit connects electrically to utility power to supplies a second working voltage for each light-emitting device. Each motion sensor connects electrically with the control circuit unit of each power device for switching each light-emitting device. The controlling system and method are provided for saving energy of golf course.

Abstract: Monitoring a bias point of an optical modulator includes receiving an optical signal modulated by the optical modulator. Photons of the optical signal are received at a photon reactive material operable to produce a reaction in response to the arrival of a predetermined number of photons. Reactions are produced in response to the arrival of the photons of the optical signal. Feedback is generated in response to the reactions. The feedback reflects the waveform of the optical signal, and indicates one or more bias points of the optical modulator.

Abstract: A welding light detection and anti-glare eye protection apparatus, which shields welding light generated in welding or cutting environments to safely protect eyes of a worker from the welding light, and a method for controlling the same are provided. When the apparatus is powered on, it is determined, based on a reference value, whether or not a specific time has passed without detecting welding light. If the specific time has passed without detecting welding light, a power saving mode is performed. If welding light is detected while the power saving mode is performed, normal power is supplied and light transmittance is controlled. When the power saving mode is performed, the reference value is reset so that photosensitivity is reduced below a specific value. This method saves energy while preventing the apparatus from operating abnormally. Thus, it is possible to drive the anti-glare eye protection plate most efficiently according to ambient environments.

Abstract: The system for stabilizing wavelength of LED (light emitting diode) radiation in backlight module of the LCD (liquid crystal display) comprises two photodiodes, a plurality of LEDs, a microprocessor unit (MCU) and a driver circuit, wherein two photodiodes have different photo sensitivities in response different wavelengths. A target value, associated with a ration of photo sensitivities of the two photodiodes under two different wavelength radiations, is stored to the MCU as a referred value. Thus, another wavelength (or wavelength variation) of LED radiation is derived by comparing another target value with the referred value. The MCU determines a correction constant based on a colour match function of the derived wavelength, and outputs a compensation signal to compensate LED, wherein the compensation signal is equal to multiplication of the correction constant and an original light intensity compensation signal for compensating light intensity loss of the LED.

Abstract: Optical power uses light to run remote, isolated circuits without metallic wires. An optical power system may include a single photovoltaic component that supplies a first voltage in response to impingement of light on the photovoltaic component. A voltage booster receives the first voltage from the photovoltaic component and supplies a second voltage signal at a second voltage that is greater than the first voltage. The optical power system may be integrated with a sensor that is powered by the second voltage from the voltage booster. The photovoltaic component may be an inexpensive light emitting diode.

Abstract: An image capturing system includes an image capturing section that includes a plurality of light receiving elements configured to receive light in a first wavelength range and light in a second wavelength range, a control section that controls the light in the second wavelength range to be received by each of the plurality of light receiving elements more frequently than the light in the first wavelength range, where the light in the second wavelength range has a lower spectral intensity than the light in the first wavelength range, and an image generating section that generates an image by using the light in the first wavelength range received by the plurality of light receiving elements at a given timing and the light in the second wavelength range received by the plurality of light receiving elements at a different timing.

Abstract: A control for an auto-darkening lens or other optical device monitors light incident on the viewing area or in relatively close proximity to the viewing area of the lens to provide accurate light sensing and to avoid inadvertent blocking of light to one or more light sensors. Reflectors, prisms, prism strips and the like may be used to direct light to the sensor(s). A method for detecting light incident on an auto-darkening lens and a method for controlling an auto-darkening lens direct light from the viewing area of an auto-darkening lens or from relatively close proximity to the viewing area to one or more sensors to detect such light and, accordingly, to control operation of the auto-darkening lens.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical displacement detection apparatus and an optical displacement detection method. The optical displacement detection apparatus comprises: at least two light sources for projecting light of different spectrums to a surface under detection, respectively; an image capturing unit for receiving light reflected from the surface under detection and converting it into electronic signals; and a processor and control circuit for calculating displacement according to the electronic signals from the image capturing unit, wherein the processor and control circuit is capable of switching between the light sources.

Abstract: A chip for analyzing a medium includes an organic light emitter for emitting a light signal, a photodetector including a detector area, a layer sequence separating the organic light emitter and the detector area, and a reservoir into which the medium may be introduced. The organic light emitter and the photodetector are optically couplable by means of a path of rays of the light signal, and the reservoir is arranged within the path of rays of the light signal.

Abstract: A method for focusing a charged particle beam, the method includes: (a) altering a focal point of a charged particle beam according to a first focal pattern while scanning a first area of a sample and collecting a first set of detection signals; (b) altering a focal point of a charged particle bean according to a second focal pattern while scanning a second area that is ideally identical to the first area and collecting a second set of detection signals; and (c) processing the first and second set of detection signals to determine a focal characteristic; whereas the first focal pattern and the second focal pattern differ by the location of an optimal focal point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically analyzing samples in a biological sample container containing samples arranged at different locations on the base of the container. An optical acquisition device is provided comprising a detector and an objective. The position of the upper and lower surfaces of the base at each of the sample locations is determined by a confocal polychromatic displacement sensor. Light is collected from each of the sample locations by adjusting the focal plane to be coincident with, or vertically offset from, the upper surface of the base, as determined from the displacement sensor. This allows for rapid scanning of large numbers of samples in a multi-well plate or other biological sample containers.

Abstract: Provided is an image capturing system, including an image capturing section that includes a plurality of first light receiving elements that receive light in a specified wavelength region and light in a first wavelength region, which is different from the specified wavelength region, and a plurality of second light receiving elements that receive light in the specified wavelength region and light in a second wavelength region, which is different from the specified wavelength region; and a control section that controls a spectrum of the light received by the plurality of first light receiving elements and the plurality of second light receiving elements.

Abstract: A wireless illumination sensing assembly for sensing a property of illumination within a semiconductor processing environment is provided. The sensing assembly has a power source and a wireless communication module coupled to the power source. Measurement circuitry is also provided. At least one illumination sensor having an electrical characteristic that varies with the property of illumination. The illumination sensor(s) is/are coupled to the measurement circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects in a monitored area, said sensor comprising at least one transmitter (4) for emitting light rays (3), at least one receiver (6) for receiving transmitted light rays (5), and an evaluation unit (7) for generating an object detection signal in dependence on signals received and present at the receiver (6) output. Furthermore provided is an optical element consisting of an injection-molded plastic part (9). Respectively one first and one second segment of the optical element functions as a Fresnel lens (9a, 9b) for forming a beam with the transmitted light rays (3) and/or the received light rays (5).

Abstract: A light source device including a semiconductor light emitting element and a control section for controlling the semiconductor light emitting element in accordance with an input value. The control section includes a supply section that supplies the semiconductor light emitting element with a drive current based on the input value and an estimated threshold current of the semiconductor light emitting element, and an estimation section that obtains the estimation of the threshold current using the drive current and the amount of light detected to be emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element.

Abstract: Image forming displays is provided. The display has a first layer having imaging elements positioned thereon; and a power circuit to provide electrical energy for the imaging elements. Wherein each imaging element comprises: an illumination circuit having an illumination element adapted so that the illumination element generates light at an intensity that is based upon a control signal, and a wireless communication circuit adapted to detect a wireless communication signal and to generate the control signal. A body contains the wireless communication circuit and the illumination circuit with the body occupying a space that is less than about five cubic millimeters. Imaging elements can also be adapted to sense radiation and provide wireless signals having data therein said data being based upon the amount of sensed radiation.

Abstract: A lens assembly and method of adjusting a lens assembly using an electrically active polymer element. The assembly comprises a lens; a pixel array for receiving an image through said lens via an optical path; a moveable element for changing the optical properties of said optical path; and at least one electrically active polymer for changing volume in response to an applied voltage, said polymer being coupled to said moveable element such that changes in volume of said polymer causes movement of said moveable element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for depositing solder in a first pattern over a first bonding pad on the substrate; depositing solder in a second pattern over a second bonding pad on the substrate, wherein the second pattern defines a larger area than the first pattern; placing the electronic device on the substrate such that pads on the electronic device are aligned with the first and second bonding pads; and reflowing the solder between the pads on the electronic device and the first and second bonding pads, causing the solder deposited on the first bonding pad to form a first solder joint and the solder deposited on the second bonding pad to form a second solder joint. The second solder joint is larger than the first solder joint causing the electronic device to be attached at an angle relative to the substrate.

Abstract: To provide a small-size image sensor and electromagnetic radiation imaging device which can obtain a good image without relying on the condition of an object, the image sensor including a plurality of pixel units arranged two-dimensionally, wherein each of the plurality of pixel units includes: a first photodiode and a second photodiode; a readout circuit which reads a signal generated by the first photodiode and a signal generated by the second photodiode, and outputs the read signals, the readout circuit being connected to the first photodiode and the second photodiode; and a difference circuit which outputs a difference signal corresponding to a difference between the signal read from the first photodiode and the signal read from the second photodiode, the difference circuit being connected to the readout circuit.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to optical microcavities and emitters that are spectrally aligned in an arrangement having an array of such microcavity-emitter combinations. The spectral alignment can be selective, in that a portion of the array of microcavity-emitter combinations, or a single microcavity-emitter combination, can be individually spectrally aligned. In specific examples, light is coupled within a semiconductor device having wavelength-dependent structures and optical cavities optically couple to the wavelength-dependent structures. One of the optical cavities and a wavelength-dependent structure are spectrally aligned, independent of another of the optical cavities.

Abstract: A laser safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition.

Abstract: A plurality of pupil relays are configured to optically overlay a generally corresponding plurality of control points, so as to facilitate alignment of a laser beam with respect to a plurality of optical components, such as a system entrance pupil, a deformable mirror, a steering mirror, and a system exit pupil.

Abstract: A system for measuring an object and for monitoring the surface of the object. The system comprises at least a first subsystem for determining one or more dimensions of the object and a position of the object within the first subsystem, and at least a second subsystem for determining a surface structure of the object. Further, the system comprises a control unit generating control signals (iii) for operation of the second subsystem as a function of data (i) of the first subsystem with respect to a position of the object in the first subsystem and/or the dimension of the object, and of data (ii) of the second subsystem with respect to a position of the camera device in the second subsystem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for real-time correction of a voltage drift of an optical switch. The correction may be made without interrupting an optical data stream of the optical switch. Three voltage states of the optical switch may be monitored continuously to determine whether a voltage drift has occurred. Upon determining that the voltage drift has occurred, a signal processing unit with voltage correction circuitry may apply a voltage to a single port of the optical switch to adjust the three voltages of the optical switch equally to achieve a minimum null signal. The technique may be extended to adjust a voltage drift of multiple optical switches connected in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a color lighting device comprising at least one light-emitting source (1a, 1b, 1c) fixed on a common substrate (3), each light-emitting source (1a, 1b, 1c) comprising at least one light-emitting diode (LED) (1a, 1b, 1c), each light-emitting source (1a, 1b, 1c) comprising one photosensor (2a, 2b, 2c) that detects the light output only of the associated light source (1a, 1b, 1c), and each light-emitting source (1a, 1b, 1c) being connected to an analog control circuit (4a, 4b, 4c) that controls the drive of each light-emitting source (1a, 1b, 1c) separately on the basis of a light output detected by the associated photosensor (2a, 2b, 2c), while each control circuit (4a, 4b, 4c) comprises a comparator (5a, 5b, 5c) connected to the associated photosensor (2a, 2b, 2c).

Abstract: A system for recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting that light into electrical current which can be used to power the same light source or other devices. An exemplary embodiment may use photovoltaic cells to recapture light from ceiling lights and convert it into a source of power for the ceiling light. Another embodiment may be a tanning bed that recaptures light using photovoltaic cells. Some embodiments may recapture light from multiple lighting fixtures. An exemplary embodiment may include a computer and battery for storing energy produced by the photovoltaic cells. Another exemplary embodiment is a method of recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting the light into energy which can be used to power electrical activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lighting system (10) comprising a plurality of LED light sources for generating a mixed color light, the plurality of LED light sources including at least one LED light source comprising at least one LED adapted to emit light of a first wavelength and a wavelength converter for converting at least a portion of the light emitted from the LED(s) to light of another wavelength, and a control system (33) for individually controlling the flux output of the LED light sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable color light emitting device (10) comprising a light emitting diode (12) for emitting light, which diode in turn comprises a plurality of electrically conducting layers (14, 16, 18), at least one of which being such that lateral current spreading in the diode is limited to form at least two independently electrically addressable segments (36), for allowing illumination of an optional number of the segments. At least one of the number of segments is provided with a wavelength converter (34) adapted to convert at least part of the light emitted from its associated segment to generate light of a certain primary color. The invention also relates to systems incorporating at least one such light emitting device and a method for controlling such a light emitting device.

Abstract: Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a light state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a sensing circuit, a weld detect circuit, a positive voltage generator, and a negative voltage generator. The sensing circuit senses incident light and provides an output indicative of the incident light. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit, and enables a dark state drive signal to be delivered to the shutter assembly. The positive and negative voltage generators output the dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the light state to the dark state upon enablement by the weld detect circuit. The dark state drive signal includes a high voltage pulse followed by a stable AC waveform. The high voltage pulse is formed by a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal.

Abstract: Conventional mirror angle control systems require a detection mirror separate from a deflection mirror. Depending on the accuracy with which these mirrors are fitted relative to each other, in products incorporating such control systems, degraded control accuracy may result. Moreover, a separate light source is needed for shining laser light on the detection mirror. This makes it difficult to miniaturize products incorporating these control systems, and leads to increased electric power consumption. To overcome these disadvantages, in the mirror angle control system of the invention, light from a light source is shone on a mirror, and part of the light reflected therefrom is condensed, with a reflective hologram, on a light receiver. Then, based on an electrical signal commensurate with the inclination angle of the mirror as outputted from the light receiver and a target signal, a drive signal is fed to a driver that drives the mirror to rotate.

Abstract: An actively driven, metal light shield for shielding floating diffusion regions and amplifiers of multi-port CCD or CMOS imager arrays from unwanted light is disclosed. The driven shield overlies one or more floating diffusion regions and buffer amplifiers lying outside the active pixel area of the imager (non-imaging area), which is also protected from unwanted light by a fixed potential shield. The driven shield is directly electrically connected to a source node of a source-follower amplifier stage, i.e., the buffer amplifiers non-inverting output. The fixed potential shield is electrically connected to a DC voltage capable of eliminating charging of the fixed potential shield and substantially overlies the non-imaging area and at least partially overlapping the driven shield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system (10; 30; 50) for a LED luminary (12) including a plurality of LED light sources of multiple colors for producing a mixed color light. The control system comprises means (22) for controlling the LED light sources in accordance with a difference between set point values representing a desired light output and first control data provided by at least one optical sensor (14; 32) responsive to a property of the light produced by the LED light sources. The control system is characterized by means (26; 38) for compensating said set point values in accordance with second control data provided by a temperature sensor (24) responsive to the temperature of the optical sensor(s) (14; 32). The additional temperature sensor makes it possible to compensate for changes in the spectral sensitivity of the optical sensor(s), whereby the color stability of the LED luminary with integrated optical sensors can be increased.

Abstract: A multi-spectral sensor system and methods are disclosed. One aspect of the invention comprises a multi-spectral sensor system mountable to a mobile platform. The system may comprise an image capturing system, a first translation stage affixed to the image capturing system and a stationary optics assembly. The system may further comprise a motion controller configured to move the first translation stage and image capturing system across the stationary optics along a traveling direction opposite of a traveling direction of the mobile platform and at substantially the same rate as the mobile platform is moving during a stare operation.

Abstract: A method of producing a radiation diffractive sensor that diffracts radiation according to Bragg's law is disclosed. The sensor is produced by forming an ordered periodic array of particles on a substrate, coating the array of particles with a polymeric matrix, curing the matrix to fix the array of particles within the matrix and contacting the fixed array with an activator, wherein the activator shifts the wavelength of radiation diffracted by the sensor from a first wavelength to a second wavelength.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement (100) provides light (117) of a desired color. The arrangement comprises a plurality of light sources (101, 102, 103) that each emit light of a respective color that, when mixed, is perceivable as the desired color. A light detector (197) is configured to receive light (116) reflected by a color reference surface (109) having a specific reference color. The detector also provides a s (105) analyzes the signal from the light detector and recognizes the color of the received light as the color of the reference surface. The controller controls the light sources such that the desired color corresponds to the color of the color reference surface.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device includes a plurality of optical sensors having different photosensitivity, wherein signals of the optical sensors having prescribed photosensitivity are read in response to object information.

Abstract: An adaptive optics system is provided. The system includes a light source, a pair of deformable mirrors and a detection module. The light source is configured to provide an outgoing beam. The outgoing beam has an amplitude and a phase. The first deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam and adjust its associated amplitude. The second deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam reflected from the first deformable mirror and adjust its associated phase. The detection module is configured to detect an incoming beam and the reflected outgoing beam from the second deformable mirror and generate certain signals. The signals are used to control the first and second deformable mirrors such that the amplitude of the outgoing beam is the same as that of the incoming beam and the phase of the outgoing beam is opposite that of the incoming beam.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the pulse width of ultra-short light pulses of an input repetitive light pulse signal comprises a two-photon absorption detector (2) in the form of a microcavity (3) having an active region (4) located between top and bottom distributed Bragg reflectors (5,6). An optical fibre cable 16 directs the input light pulse signal combined with a reference repetitive light pulse signal normal to an incident surface (8) of the detector (2). The input light pulse signal is split in a polarisation light splitter (19) to form the reference light pulse signal which is passed through a delay line (23) to a polarisation light combiner (20) to be combined with the input light pulse signal, and directed at the incident surface (8) by the optical fibre cable (16). The delay line (23) is operated for alternately bringing the respective light pulses of the input and reference light pulse signals into and out of phase with each other to produce a pulsed photocurrent in the microcavity (3).

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating multiple, closely spaced, independently controlled near-field light sources are disclosed. By providing an aperture having at least two, orthogonally oriented ridge structures, two or more closely spaced near-field light sources can be generated by controlling the polarization direction of the illuminating radiation. Control of the shape of the aperture, and relative dimensions of the ridge structures allows optimization of the relative intensities of the near-field sources.

Abstract: Provided is a light device. The light device comprises a backlight unit, a multi-sensor unit, a backlight driving unit, and a backlight control unit. The backlight unit comprises light emitting diode devices to provide light. The multi-sensor unit is included in a light emission region of the backlight unit and senses a wavelength and/or intensity of light emitted from the light emitting diode devices and transmits sensed values as feedback. The backlight driving unit supplies driving power to the light emitting diode devices, and the backlight control unit receives the sensed values from the multi-sensor unit to control the light emitting diode devices through the backlight driving unit.

Abstract: A scanning particle beam instrument is provided, the instrument including a scanner, a radiation detector and a DC amplifier, the DC amplifier being operable to amplify a signal generated by the radiation detector to produce a video signal, the instrument further including a controller operable to so direct the beam relative to a specimen, or to determine when the beam is so directed relative to a specimen, that an actual video signal produced by the DC amplifier may be compared with a desired video signal, to compare actual and desired video signals and to adjust a DC offset of the DC amplifier so as to reduce a difference between the signals. Also provided is a method of producing a video signal using such an instrument.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.

Abstract: A lens assembly and method of adjusting a lens assembly using an electrically active polymer element. The assembly comprises a lens; a pixel array for receiving an image through said lens via an optical path; a moveable element for changing the optical properties of said optical path; and at least one electrically active polymer for changing volume in response to an applied voltage, said polymer being coupled to said moveable element such that changes in volume of said polymer causes movement of said moveable element.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking attitude of a device includes fixing a two-dimensional array of photosensors to the device and using the array to form a reference frame and a sample frame of images. The fields of view of the sample and reference frames largely overlap, so that there are common imaged features from frame to frame. Sample frames are correlated with the reference frame to detect differences in location of the common features. Based upon detection of correlations of features, an attitudinal signal indicative of pitch, yaw, and/or roll is generated. In the preferred embodiment, the attitudinal signal is used to manipulate a screen cursor of a display system, such as a remote interactive video system (RIVS). However, attitudinal tracking using the invention may be employed in other applications.