Abstract: An optical manipulator (MAN) includes an optical element (OE), in particular composed of fused silica, and an actuating device (DR) that reversibly changes the surface form (SF) of the optical element (OE). The actuating device (DR) has a plurality of actuators (AK) that mechanically act on the optical element (OE) at a plurality of contact areas. The optical element (OE) at least at action regions in vicinities of the contact areas of the actuators (AK) is prestressed to an compressive stress of more than 1 MPa, preferably of more than 100 MPa, particularly preferably of more than 500 MPa. Also disclosed are a projection lens provided with at least one such optical manipulator (MAN), a projection exposure apparatus having such a projection lens, and a method for producing such an optical manipulator (MAN).

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a camera module including a housing of a substantially cuboid shape, a light reflecting portion, a plurality of solid-state imaging device, a lens, and an optical spectroscope. The light reflecting portion is arranged inside the housing and reflects the light incident from the opening portion which is formed on a top surface of the housing, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the housing. Each of a plurality of solid-state imaging devices has a light receiving surface which is provided in the housing vertically to the bottom surface of the housing. The lens is arranged inside the housing such that an optical axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The optical spectroscope is arranged inside the housing and separates the light which has passed through the lens into lights.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture integrally forms a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad.

Abstract: A rectangular plate optical reflecting mirror is provided in an optical scanner. The optical reflecting mirror reflects an optical beam onto a surface to be scanned. The optical reflecting mirror includes a center portion and end portions in a longitudinal direction. The center portion has a greater thickness than that of the end portions. Accordingly, rigidity of the optical reflecting mirror can be increased, and its characteristic frequency can be set at a high value. Thus, resonance of the optical reflecting mirror can be prevented from occurring as a result of vibration of a housing which vibrates with a plurality of vibration modes.

Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus includes: a color imager having a color filter formed on a light receiving surface thereof; a monochrome imager not having a color filter formed on a light receiving surface thereof; a light guiding unit for guiding, to the color imager and/or the monochrome imager, light originating from a subject; and an image formation unit for forming an image from a signal based on an output from the color imager and/or the monochrome imager.

Abstract: In a laser scanner for optically scanning and measuring an environment, the scanner having a center which defines for a scan the stationary reference system of the scanner and the center of the scan, a light emitter which emits an emission light beam, a light receiver which receives a reception light beam reflected by an object in the environment of the scanner, a control and evaluation unit which determines, for a multitude of measuring points of the scan, at least the distance between the center of the scan and the object, the scanner, for registering a scene with several scans having different centers, being movable between the centers of the scans, and a scanner mouse for registering the path followed by the scanner between the different centers of the scans, the scanner mouse optically registering the movement of the laser scanner relative to a reference surface.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture integrally forms a resilient beam portion adjacent an edge thereof carrying a grounding pad. The major components and subassemblies are self-fixturing during the final assembly process, eliminating the need for dedicated tools, fixtures and assembly equipment.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a light source; a bar-shaped light-guiding element having a first light-emitting section, which propagates light from the light source and irradiates an document from an oblique direction, and a second light-emitting section emitting light in a carrying direction of the document; a lens converging the light reflected from the document; a sensor receiving the light passed through the lens; a reflector disposed on the opposite side of the light-guiding element, by reflecting the light from the second light-emitting section such that an optical path of the light emitted from the second light-emitting section is located between the lens and the document, and irradiating the document from an oblique direction; and first and second light-scattering layers formed in areas opposed to the first and the second light-emitting sections, respectively, in the light-guiding element.

Abstract: An optical scanner has an oscillation-type optical scanning mechanism which includes a movable member which resonates at a predetermined resonance frequency, a drive signal generator which generates a drive signal for allowing the movable member to resonate at the resonance frequency, and an oscillation signal generator which generates an oscillation signal in response to a change of the radiation direction of the light beams. Here, the oscillation signal generator includes a dot clock generator which generates a dot clock which becomes the reference of time-series processing by setting a frequency of the oscillation signal as a reference frequency.

Abstract: This invention is an optical scanning apparatus comprises a plurality of beam generating units adapted to generate beams; an optical unit adapted to collimate axes of the beams generated by the plurality of beam generating units to scan at intervals corresponding to a recording direction along a image bearing member; a detection unit adapted to detect a beam interval between the plurality of beams collimated by the optical unit; a driving unit adapted to change the beam interval by driving the optical unit; a first control unit adapted to drive/control the driving unit so as to make the detected beam interval become a predetermined value; and a second control adapted to drive/control the driving unit in accordance with a rotation position of the image bearing member.

Abstract: A laser scanner may include a measuring head structured to be rotatable around a first axis, a first rotary drive structured to rotate the measuring head, a rotary mirror rotatable around a second axis, a second rotary drive structured to rotate the rotary mirror, a transmitter structured to transmit a light beam, a receiver structured to receive a reflection of the light beam from an object located at a distance from the laser scanner, and a processor structured to process signals embedded within the reflection of the light beam. The measuring head may include a plurality of modules, and the first rotary drive, rotary mirror, second rotary drive, transmitter, and receiver may be provided on one of the plurality of modules. At least two of the plurality of modules may be releasably connected to each other.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes, in order from the object side, a one-dimensional scanning mirror, a lens unit which has a flat shape, a two-dimensional image sensor which has a flat shape, and an image composition processing means in which images scanned by the one-dimensional scanning mirror and obtained by the two-dimensional image sensor are connected into one composite image. The lens unit coincides in direction of flatness with the two-dimensional image sensor. An aspect ratio ? of the imaging surface of the two-dimensional image sensor satisfies the following condition: 0.05<?<0.5 One section of an image divided into 2 to 32 sections with respect to one composite image composed through the image composition processing means corresponds to a photographing image obtained by the two-dimensional image sensor in a single scanning operation.

Abstract: A double-side scanning device includes glass platforms having an upper glass platform and a lower glass platform separated apart form each other to define a sheet-passage. Each of the glass platforms is divided into a scanning area and a light penetrating area. Light sources include a first light source disposed beneath the scanning area of the lower glass platform and a second light source disposed above the scanning area of the upper glass platform. Reflectors include first reflectors arranged beneath the lower glass platform and second reflectors arranged above the upper glass platform. A prism mounted at a side of the light penetrating areas of the glass platforms has at least two reflex surfaces for respectively receiving the image incident light from the first reflectors and the second reflectors. A lens is mounted at back of the prism. And an image-gathering device is disposed at back of the lens.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes M number of light sources that includes M number of semiconductor lasers and M number of coupling lenses, where M is a positive integer, a deflecting scanning unit that deflects laser beams from the light sources to a surface to be scanned, and a transmission-type prism that deflects optical path of the laser beam from at least one of the light sources by an infinitesimal amount of angle. The prism is disposed between the light sources and the deflecting scanning unit, has an incident surface and an output surface nonparallel to each other, and can rotate around an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the optical path of the laser beam.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus for optical scan that oscillates at least partially an oscillating body having a reflective mirror portion, to thereby modulate a direction in which the reflective mirror portion causes incident light thereon to be reflected off, is disclosed, the oscillating body comprising: a first spring portion, coupled to the reflective mirror portion, and excited to generate a torsional oscillation of the first spring portion; and a plurality of second spring portions, coupled to the first spring portion, and coupled to a fixed frame portion of the oscillating body in a bifurcation manner with a bifurcation spacing of the plurality of second spring portions being larger than a width of the first spring portion, the plurality of second spring portions being excited to generate flexural and torsional oscillations thereof.

Abstract: A multi-spectral camera is provided which includes an image pickup optical system which forms an image of a subject. A wavelength selecting device receives light beams from the image pickup optical system and outputs a light beam having a selected wavelength. A wavelength switching device selectively switches the selected wavelength of the wavelength selecting device. An image pickup element receives the light beam output from the wavelength selecting device and outputs image data. A spectroscope receives the light beams from the image pickup optical system and outputs spectral data. And a subject characteristic calculating unit calculates a spectral data characteristic of the subject from the spectral data output from the spectroscope.

Abstract: In a reflective scanning optical system employing an imaging optical system having a curved mirror with a rotationally symmetrical reflecting surface configuration, the change in magnification of the imaging optical system in the auxiliary scanning direction is reduced and thereby the beam spot diameter on the scan target surface is equalized, as well as equalizing the scan line interval on the scan target surface when the system is applied to a multibeam scanning optical system. The imaging optical system of the reflective scanning optical system includes a curved mirror with a rotationally symmetrical reflecting surface and a lens having an anamorphic lens surface configuration on its one side. In the anamorphic lens surface configuration, slope and curvature of the line of intersection of the lens surface and a plane parallel to the auxiliary scanning cross section change independently of each other as the position in the main scanning direction changes.

Abstract: A laser scanner has a first axis and a second axis extending essentially transversely to the first axis. A measuring head is adapted to be rotated about the first axis. The measuring head has at least a first, a second, and a third module, wherein at least the first module and the third module are releasably connected to each other. A first rotary drive for rotating said measuring head is comprised within the first and the second modules. A rotary mirror is adapted to be rotated about the second axis. The rotary mirror is comprised within the third module. A second rotary drive is provided for rotating the rotary mirror. The second drive is likewise comprised within the third module. A transmitter is provided in the measuring head for transmitting a light beam. A receiver is provided in the measuring head for receiving the light beam after a reflection thereof by an object located at a distance from the laser scanner.

Abstract: An optical scanning module includes a light-emission source emitting a light beam, a movable mirror reflecting the light beam, and a movable mirror driving part that causes the movable mirror to oscillate in first and second opposite directions. A frequency of pixel information supplied to the light-emission source varies in accordance with a primary scanning position of each of pixels.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus provides improved image quality by changing the amount of writing scale compensation for a pixel clock during a scanning cycle. A pixel clock generation unit of the optical scanning apparatus divides the scanning cycle into multiple division periods. A phase change of the pixel clock is carried out for each of the division periods. The phase change can also be different from scanning cycle to scanning cycle.

Abstract: A lens array 4 is formed as an erect 1:1 imaging lens by superimposing two lens plates 40 and 40 together. Each lens plate 40 consists of a number of micro lenses 41 which are regularly provided at a predetermined pitch and in a two-dimensional manner. This lens plate 40 is for example made by press molding the ultraviolet curing resin in a soft condition using a transparent mold and by irradiating the ultraviolet light on the ultraviolet curing resin from outside for hardening. Since the lens array 4 is provided with micro lenses 41 in rows in a sub-scanning direction, deterioration of an amount of light level resulting from the displacement between a light axis of the lens and an image sensor 6 is not generated.

Abstract: A scanner is provided that has a light-beam emitter for emitting a light beam, a light-beam deflector for deflecting the light beam to scan a scanning surface, a photo-detector provided at a position outside an image-forming scanning range of the scanning surface to detect a scanning light beam before the scanning light beam starts generating a scanning line in the image-forming scanning range, a rotatable member located in front of an incident surface of the photo-detector and positioned in a recess formed on an outer surface of a housing. The rotatable member is rotatable about a rotational axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the scanning light beam by said deflector. The scanner also has an optical member provided on the rotatable member that allows the scanning light beam to pass therethrough to be incident upon the incident surface of the photo-detector, and a device for adjusting rotational position of said rotatable member about said rotational axis.

Abstract: Internal drum recording apparatus provided with a rotating deflecting element, comprising two (or more) beams of different wavelengths, which are simultaneously operatable, and optical elements for bringing the two or more beams to a common optical path before they reach the rotating deflecting element. The deflecting element may have dispersing properties such that beams of different wavelengths will leave it at slightly different angles. The beams of different wavelengths may be generated by laser diodes or tunable laser diodes. The apparatus may further comprise a beam combiner to combine the beams generated by the light sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for obtaining image information of an image original, such as a photographic negative, are disclosed. Light for exposing the image original (5) is emitted by a light source (10). Light that has been used to expose the image original (5) is subsequently detected by a light detector (28-30). In this case, obtaining the image information of the image original (5) is controlled by a control unit (31). The control unit (31) determines a certain point in time (T2-T4, T8-T10) corresponding to a parameter that has been determined earlier and that is specific to the image original (5). The light detector (28-30) is triggered at certain points in time (T2-T4, T8-T10) by the control unit (31) for obtaining the image information of the image original (5).

Abstract: In an image sensor which has a photoelectric conversion element group, an illumination device having light sources of at least three emission colors R, G, and B, an imaging lens, and the like, moire noise in a color output image is eliminated, the original reading time is shortened, and a cost reduction is attained. For this purpose, a sensor array including a linear array of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, a lens array for imaging an original image on the sensor array, an illumination device using LEDs having emission colors R, G, and B, and a cover glass are supported by and fixed to a frame. The conjugate length of the lens array is set to fall within the range between the R and G emission wavelengths. An original pressed against the cover glass is illuminated by the illumination device, and light reflected by the original is converted into electrical signals by the sensor array, thereby reading the original image.

Abstract: An optical deflector of the present invention includes a movable mirror and torsion bars supporting the mirror and formed integrally with the mirror. The mirror reciprocatingly vibrates to reflect a light beam to thereby deflect it. The mirror is curved in the form of an arch in a section including at least the torsion bars. The mirror deforms little during vibration even if it is thin. Small power can cause such a thin mirror to vibrate with a large amplitude.

Abstract: Internal drum recording apparatus provided with a rotating deflecting element, comprising two (or more) beams of different wavelengths, which are simultaneously operatable, and optical elements for bringing the two or more beams to a common optical path before they reach the rotating deflecting element. The deflecting element may have dispersing properties such that beams of different wavelengths will leave it at slightly different angles. The beams of different wavelengths may be generated by laser diodes or tunable laser diodes. The apparatus may further comprise a beam combiner to combine the beams generated by the light sources.

Abstract: In an image sensor which has a photoelectric conversion element group, an illumination device having light sources of at least three emission colors R, G, and B, an imaging lens, and the like, moire noise in a color output image is eliminated, the original reading time is shortened, and a cost reduction is attained. For this purpose, a sensor array (1) including a linear array of a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, a lens array (2) for imaging an original image on the sensor array (1), an illumination device (3) using LEDs having emission colors R, G, and B, and a cover glass (4) are supported by and fixed to a frame (5). The conjugate length of the lens array (2) is set to fall within the range between the B and G emission wavelengths. An original pressed against the cover glass (4) is illuminated by the illumination device (3), and light reflected by the original is converted into electrical signals by the sensor array (1), thereby reading the original image.

Abstract: Scan exposure in a row or swath scanner is controlled by pulsing light sources with pulses that are separated by dark intervals from each other--and from the detector readout periods. Detector sequencing is thereby made independent of the velocity of the pixel-line advance mechanism. Different pulse widths for different colors provide color correction without calculation, or regularize color-space conversion calculations where needed. In a swath scanner, known technology of printing modes is imported into the scanning context. Order of pixel columns within each swath is reversed for printing--permitting use of novel configurations such as a dual-parallel-flatbed copier in which a single common scan-and-advance mechanism simultaneously transports the scan sensor and printheads. To produce mirror images, this configuration is also used without column reversal. In addition to red, green and blue light sources, an infrared source is used for reading invisible indicia that identify forms or media types.

Abstract: Light reflected from a document surface is given first color dispersion when passing through a prism interface and second color dispersion when passing through another prism interface. The second color dispersion is in an opposite direction to and has larger partial dispersion in a blue range than the first color dispersion. The prism interface may be replaced by an interface of two lenses which interface is a curved surface whose center of curvature is deviated from the optical axis of the reflected light in the auxiliary scanning direction.

Abstract: By applying the offset sampling using four-plane prism provided with four solid state imaging devices at four light output planes, chromatic aberration of lenses is eliminated even to the peripheral part of the imaging plane, and moire suppression effect is much enhanced. Furthermore, by using a plural number of matrix circuits, and by producing the luminance signal by changing the matrix ratios in low frequency range and in high frequency range, moire suppression effect is further enhanced, and luminance error is also eliminated.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a light source; a bar-shaped light-guiding element having a first light-emitting section, which propagates light from the light source and irradiates an document from an oblique direction, and a second light-emitting section emitting light in a carrying direction of the document; a lens converging the light reflected from the document; a sensor receiving the light passed through the lens; a reflector disposed on the opposite side of the light-guiding element, by reflecting the light from the second light-emitting section such that an optical path of the light emitted from the second light-emitting section is located between the lens and the document, and irradiating the document from an oblique direction; and first and second light-scattering layers formed in areas opposed to the first and the second light-emitting sections, respectively, in the light-guiding element.