Abstract: Voice coil motor (VCM) actuators for rotating an optical path folding element (OPFE) over an extended scanning range relative to a scanning/rotation range needed for optical image stabilization (OIS).

Abstract: A lens system is configured to form an image on an imaging element having a quadrilateral shape disposed on an optical axis, and includes a first free-curved lens being asymmetrical with respect to the optical axis. A free-curved surface of the first free-curved lens has positive refractive power at an intersection point between a circle separated from the optical axis by a length having a predetermined ratio with respect to a minimum image height and a first surface passing through the optical axis and parallel to longer sides of the imaging element, and negative refractive power at an intersection point between a circle separated from the optical axis by a length having the predetermined ratio with respect to the minimum image height and a second surface passing through the optical axis and parallel to shorter sides of the imaging element.

Abstract: The system and method for imaging having filter containing polarized elements, multispectral elements or both being oscillated in circular or linear motion so each individual pixel will view a scene thru the individual filters. The motion of the filter is synchronized with a frame rate of an imager. In one example this is accomplished by micro actuators. Each pixel sampling feeds a processor detection algorithm that determines if a multispectral/polarization signature is present in the scene.

Abstract: A device can be configured to cause the superscattering of acoustic waves and/or to enable incident angle-dependent scattering. The acoustic superscattering device can include a body that has an outer peripheral surface. One or more resonators can be defined in the body. The one or more resonators can open to the outer peripheral surface of the body. When there are a plurality of resonators, the resonators are not in communication with each other within the body. The acoustic superscattering device can be configured to cause the superscattering of a target acoustic wave impinging upon the body.

Abstract: A lens locking apparatus is configured to be coupled to a lens module. The lens module is configured to focus on an object by translating along an optical axis of the lens module. The lens locking apparatus is configured to fix a position of the lens module by applying a compressive force on the lens module when the lens module is at a focused position.

Abstract: A lens (10) has an incidence surface (11) having a cylindrical shape and forming a concave shape, and an emitting surface (12) forming a convex shape with respect to an optical axis (10a). A light source (20) has a large divergence angle in a vertical direction, and a divergence angle in a horizontal direction which is smaller than that in the vertical direction. The light source (20) is located at a position of focal length of the lens (10) in the vertical direction on a side of the incidence surface. The horizontal direction of the light source (20) is aligned with a curvature direction of the cylindrical shape of the lens (10).

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a light source, a scanning member, and an incident optical system. The scanning member two-dimensionally scans a scanning area with the deflected light beam in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The incident optical system guides the emitted light beam to the scanning member, the incident optical system including the light source. The scanning area includes a first area and a second area surrounding the first area. When the scanning area is viewed from a side of the scanning member, at least a part of the incident optical system is disposed in an area of the second area that overlaps one of two divided areas of the scanning area. The two divided areas are divided by a line segment parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: An intraoral scanning device comprises a hand-held housing and a confocal imaging device disposed in the hand-held housing. The confocal imaging device has a predetermined astigmatic aberration disposed in a light path thereof to asymmetrically focus light in a predetermined manner, wherein the light is associated with an image of a portion of an object captured by the confocal imaging device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a printing apparatus. The printing apparatus includes a light-emitting device, a reflector, and a light-sensing device. The light-emitting device emits printing light. The reflector is at least partially located in an irradiation region of the printing light, and has a surface reflecting the printing light at different positions to generate reflected light having different exit directions. The light-sensing device includes a light-sensing surface. The light-sensing surface is at least partially located in an irradiation region of the reflected light and senses the reflected light to generate a plurality of continuously-distributed light spots on the light-sensing surface with any adjacent light spots equally spaced apart.

Abstract: A lens moving apparatus includes a housing for supporting a first magnet, a bobbin, which includes a first coil provided on an outer surface thereof and which moves in a first direction, a support member, which is disposed over one side surface of the housing, and which supports the bobbin and the housing such that the bobbin and the housing are movable in second and/or third directions, which are perpendicular to the first direction, a second coil, which is disposed over the housing, and which is spaced apart from the support member by a predetermined distance and which generates an electromagnetic force to move the support member in the second and/or third directions, and a printed circuit board disposed over the second coil.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-laser system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the multi-laser system includes a plurality of lasers, a plurality of laser beams, a beam positioning system, a thermally stable enclosure, and a temperature controller. The thermally stable enclosure is substantially made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as at least 5 W/(m K). The thermally stable enclosure can help maintain alignment of the laser beams to a target object over a range of ambient temperatures. Various embodiments of an optical system for directing light for optical measurements such laser-induced fluorescence and spectroscopic analysis are disclosed. In some embodiments, the optical system includes a thermally conductive housing and a thermoelectric controller, a plurality of optical fibers, and one or more optical elements to direct light emitted by the optical fibers to illuminate a flow cell. The housing is configured to attach to a flow cell.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a driving apparatus, a driving method thereof, and a scanning mirror. The scanning mirror includes an accumulator unit and a processor unit. The accumulator unit receives and adds up a frequency control word and a first accumulation value to generate a second accumulation value. The processor unit coupled to the accumulator unit receives the second accumulation value. The processor unit generates a driving signal according the second accumulation value and the preset value and adjusts the second accumulation value for outputting the first accumulation value.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprising, a light source that emits a laser beam, a lens array on which the laser beam is illuminated, a plurality of element lenses having a diameter greater than or equal to the laser beam are arranged in the lens array, the lens array being rotatable around an optical axis of the laser beam, wherein the two lens arrays are arrayed in an optical axis direction of the laser beam, and the element lenses in each lens array are arranged such that a boundary between the element lenses adjacent to each other radiates from a rotation center of the lens array and a direction in which the element lens of one of the lens arrays traverses the optical axis of the laser beam is orthogonal to a direction in which the element lens of the other lens array traverses the optical axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: A lens driving device includes a lens holder for holding a lens, a supporter portion for supporting the lens holder in a movable manner, a drive portion for driving the lens holder, and an elastic portion for supplying the lens holder with a force in a predetermined direction. The supporter portion includes a shaft engaging with a bearing of the lens holder, and the force in a predetermined direction includes a force in a direction perpendicular to the shaft and a force in a direction to rotate the lens holder about the shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a light manipulating device. The light manipulating device can include a light guide and an actuator above the light guide with at least one lens connected to the actuator. The at least one lens and the light guide can have a substantially similar refractive index.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an automatic document feeder to feed an original document downstream, a frame, an image reader to read the original document fed by the automatic document feeder, and an image reader mounting unit to hold the image reader thereon. The frame pivotally supports the image reader mounting unit. A parallelism adjusting unit is provided to adjust parallelism of the image reader mounting unit. The parallelism adjusting unit is disposed on a side opposite a pivoting center for the image reader mounting unit at a prescribed interval therefrom. The pivoting center is located near a reading reference point in the image reader, at which the image reader starts reading the original document in main and sub-scanning directions.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a scanning system includes optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements include an optical fiber and a gradient-index (GRIN) lens. The optical fiber has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis, and is configured to transmit a light ray. The GRIN lens has a GRIN perimeter and a GRIN lens optical axis, and is configured to refract the light ray. The movement system moves a first optical element relative to a second optical element in a closed path such that the GRIN lens optical axis substantially aligns with the imaginary fiber axis at at least one point of the path and the GRIN perimeter intersects the imaginary fiber axis at at least two points of the path.

Abstract: A laser scanning optical device includes: alight source having a plurality of emission points; a plate-like light source holder which holds the light source in a center of the light source holder; a base arranged to face the light source holder; and an attitude adjusting part which adjusts an attitude of the light source by adjusting a tilt of the light source holder, and the attitude adjusting part includes an inclined part and an inclination conveying part, and adjusts the tilt of the light source holder with respect to the base by displacing an abutting position of the inclined part corresponding to the inclination conveying part along an inclined surface of the inclined part.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes an optical housing; an elongated optical element arranged in the optical housing and having a shape extending in a main-scanning direction; a retaining member provided at a side opposite to a surface of the optical housing on which the optical element is arranged to maintain an attachment attitude of the optical element in the optical housing; a curvature adjusting unit configured to adjust a curvature of the elongated optical element in a scanning line via the retaining member; a tilt adjusting unit configured to adjust a tilt of the optical element in the scanning line by making the optical element rotate on an optical axis via the retaining member; and a positioning unit configured to position the optical element in the optical axis direction, and provided in the optical housing and having such a shape that the optical element fits the positioning unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical probe (1) suitable for miniature applications. An example application is a fiber-based confocal miniaturized microscope. The optical probe comprises a coil-based actuation system (9, 10) comprising drive coils (9) capable of displacing the distal end (3) of an optical guide (2) housed (4) by the optical probe. The probe makes use of a feedback loop which alternate between driving the displacement of the optical guide by driving a current through the drive coils and switching off the current through the drive coils, and while the drive current being switched off, measure the speed of the distal end of the optical guide. The measured speed is compared to the set-point speed, and if a difference is detected, the drive current is adjusted to eliminate, or at least bring down, this difference.

Abstract: A scanning type image display apparatus includes a light source unit for emitting a laser beam, a scanning mirror for scanning the laser beam two-dimensionally in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction, and a control unit for controlling driving of the scanning mirror. The control unit drives the scanning mirror such that a scanning frequency in the first direction is higher than a scanning frequency in the second direction, and varies a scanning amplitude in the first direction by varying the scanning frequency in the first direction in synchronization with a period of the scanning frequency in the second direction.

Abstract: A light scanning unit and an image forming apparatus employing the same. The light scanning unit deflects light in a main scanning direction, irradiates the light on a photoconductive drum, and includes a beam detecting sensor to detect a horizontal synchronization signal by receiving a part of the light beam reflected and scanned by a beam deflector, and leads of terminals of the beam detecting sensor are not exposed to the light beam to be scanned.

Abstract: A miniature rotating transmissive optical scanner system employs a drum of small size having an interior defined by a circumferential wall rotatable on a drum axis, an optical element positioned within the interior of the drum, and a light-transmissive lens aperture provided at an angular position in the circumferential wall of the drum for scanning a light beam to or from the optical element in the drum along a beam azimuth angle as the drum is rotated. The miniature optical drum scanner configuration obtains a wide scanning field-of-view (FOV) and large effective aperture is achieved within a physically small size.

Abstract: A method for controlling the position of a microscope lens comprising receiving a reference signal corresponding to a reference position of the microscope lens; receiving a measurement signal corresponding to an actual position of the microscope lens; receiving a deviation signal characteristic of a predetermined positional deviation from the reference position; and using the measurement signal, the deviation signal and the reference signal to generate a positional control signal for use in setting the position of the microscope lens.

Abstract: A laser scanning optical device includes: alight source having a plurality of emission points; a plate-like light source holder which holds the light source in a center of the light source holder; a base arranged to face the light source holder; and an attitude adjusting part which adjusts an attitude of the light source by adjusting a tilt of the light source holder, and the attitude adjusting part includes an inclined part and an inclination conveying part, and adjusts the tilt of the light source holder with respect to the base by displacing an abutting position of the inclined part corresponding to the inclination conveying part along an inclined surface of the inclined part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a switchable optical imaging system and a 3D/2D image switchable apparatus having high functional flexibility in a number of aspects and adaptability to various applications. The present invention is based on generating directional optical beams, transforming these optical beams and projecting transformed optical beams in a field of view to thereby divide the field of view into one or more adjustable viewing zones and to form 2-dimensional (2D) images or perspective views of a 3-dimensional (3D) image of an object or scene therein. The present invention is embodied in the switchable optical imaging system and the 3D/2D image switchable apparatus using the same system.

Abstract: An optical code reader of the imager type includes: at least one non-collimated light source having an illumination optics associated therewith including at least one lens; and a photodetector device having a receiving optics associated therewith including at least one lens, wherein the at least one lens of the illumination optics and the at least one lens of the receiving optics are displaceable together to change their distance from the at least one light source and from said photodetector device respectively.

Abstract: An optical device includes a laser light source for outputting a laser beam; an optical member including an aspherical lens with an incident surface on which the laser beam is incident and an output surface from which the laser beam is output, and adapted to scan the laser beam output from the output surface across a predetermined target; and a housing for housing the optical member. The optical member further includes a first positioning portion at a side of the incident surface and a second positioning portion at a side of the output surface. The housing includes a first engaging portion to be engaged with the first positioning portion and a second engaging portion to be engaged with the second positioning portion. The first and second positioning portions have mutually different shapes.

Abstract: A laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light outward while raising and lowering the beam. The beam may define a conical surface of varying inclination. The transmitter includes a laser source that directs a beam generally vertically, and a beam diverting element. The beam diverting element is positioned in the path of the beam, intercepting the beam and redirecting it. The beam emerges from the transmitter as a non-vertical beam that is raised and lowered. The diverting element may include a pair of mirrors configured as a pentaprism, with one of the mirrors pivotable. Alternatively, the diverting element may include a plurality of micro mirrors. Also, the diverting element may include a conical reflector and an annular lens which is cyclically raised and lowered. The beam may be raised and lowered cyclically according to a predetermined schedule, or it may be raised and lowered non-cyclically.

Abstract: A lens stage for use in a scanning system is provided. In certain embodiments, the lens stage comprises: a) a support comprising a first rail and a second rail, in which the first rail and the second rail are mounted to the support in parallel; and b) a linearly moveable lens assembly comprising: i) a voice coil comprising a moving coil that moves in a direction parallel to the rails; ii) a lens; iii) a bracket that is attached to: a) the moving coil and b) the lens, and moveably engaged with the rails via a set of bearing cars; and iv) means to reduce force exerted on the set of bearing cars due to thermal expansion of the moving coil.

Abstract: Disclosed are MEMS-based optical image scanners and methods for imaging using the same. According to one embodiment, a 3-D scanner for endoscopic imaging is provided, which includes a MEMS mirror for 1-D or 2-D lateral scanning and a MEMS lens for scanning along the optical axis to control the focal depth. The MEMS lens can be a microlens bonded to a MEMS holder. Both the MEMS holder and the MEMS mirror can be electrothermally actuated. A single-mode fiber can be used for both delivering the light to and receiving the returning light from an object being examined.

Abstract: A deflecting unit deflects a plurality of light fluxes from a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in two-dimensional array. An coupling optical system between the light source and the deflecting unit includes an optical coupling element that collimates the light fluxes and a line-imaging element that images the light fluxes near the deflecting unit in a sub-scanning direction. A holding unit holds the line-imaging element in a state that a position of the line-imaging element is adjusted with respect to a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. A scanning optical system condenses the deflected light fluxes on the scanning surface.

Abstract: A camera device includes optics to produce a projected image, where the projected image has a projected image area. The camera device also includes a moveable sensor to move to a number of positions within the projected image area and capture a portion of the projected image, as an image portion, in each of the positions, and processing logic to combine the image portions together into a final image.

Abstract: A light source device includes a light source, a coupling lens configured to convert light emitted from the light source into a beam of light, a holding member configured to hold the coupling lens, and a frame to which the holding member is fixed. The holding member includes a tubular main body portion for holding the coupling lens, and a pair of first protrusions sticking out from an outer peripheral surface of the main body portion. The pair of first protrusions have fixing surfaces lying in the same plane and fixed to the frame.

Abstract: A lens-mounting structure according to the present invention is; a lens mounting structure that glues a lens and a mounting surface of a support portion that supports the lens using an adhesive agent applied therebetween, to mount the lens to the support portion, characterized by setting a gluing surface area of the mounting surface of the support portion and the adhesive agent to be smaller than a gluing surface area of the lens and the adhesive agent.

Abstract: Shown is a lens device 16 comprising a displaceable lens 18 and a guide 42, by means of which the lens is guided so as to be capable of being displaced. The lens device 16 comprises a first and a second galvanometric motor 46a, 46b and a first and a second force transmission device 54a, 56a; 54b, 56b, which is coupled to the rotor of the first and second galvanometric motor 46a, 46b, respectively, and which is coupled to the lens 18 at a first and second junction 58a, 58b, respectively. The force transmission device is suitable to convert a rotary motion of the rotor of the first and second galvanometric motor 46a, 46b, respectively, into a displacement motion of the lens 18. The first and the second junction 58a, 58b are thereby spaced apart from one another in a direction at right angles to the displacement direction of the lens 18.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes, in an effective scanning area in the target surface, a mechanism that causes a scanning speed at each scanning position with respect to a scanning speed at an approximately center in the effective scanning area to be within a range under a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A one-dimensional image is obtained by light modulation using a one-dimensional light modulation device 4 in which a plurality of pixels are arrayed in the form of a line. The obtained one-dimensional image is scanned by a light deflection unit 8 that performs scanning in a direction perpendicular to the array direction of the one-dimensional light modulation device 4, and projected by a projection optical system 6 that includes therein the light deflection unit 8, thereby forming a two-dimensional image. The aspect ratio of the obtained two-dimensional image is variable in accordance with an angle through which the one-dimensional image is scanned by the light deflection unit 8.

Abstract: A line confocal microscope system, comprising an illumination system with a source of collimated light and a line forming optics arranged to provide a line shaped illumination area to be scanned over a sample, an image receiving system, and two or more objective lenses that are interchangeable in the optical path to provide different magnification, wherein the objective lenses have different aperture diameters, and the illumination system comprises a beam shape transformer arranged in between the source of collimated light and the line forming optics to selectively transform the cross-sectional shape of the collimated beam of light transmitted to the line forming optics to a predetermined shape in response to the back aperture diameter of the objective lens that is arranged in the optical path.

Abstract: A scanner arrangement (50), in particular a scanning microscope, for optically scanning an object (101) in a sequence of scanning steps, has: a drivable moving object stage (40) and an objective assembly (4, 7-10), which has a front objective lens (9, 103) on an objective lens carriage (8) which can be moved parallel to the object stage (40) by a carriage drive (5, 6, 10, 11), wherein the object stage (40) can be driven during the sequence of scanning steps in order to achieve a continuous movement and the objective lens carriage (8) with the front objective lens (9, 103) can be driven in each of the scanning steps for a forward movement step, in which the front objective lens (9, 103) is moved synchronously with the object stage (40) out of an initial position, and in each case between successive scanning steps for a backward movement into the initial position, with the object (101) being able to be optically scanned during the continuous movement of the object stage (40).

Abstract: A high precision refractive scanner includes a light source that generates a light beam, a lens pair including a stationary plano-concave lens and a movable plano-convex lens, a thin film-covered panel, and an F-theta lens that focuses the light beam that passes through the lens pair onto the panel. The plano-convex lens has an initial position where a first edge is in refracting relation to the light beam and a final position where a second edge is in refracting relation to the light beam. The plano-convex lens rotates about a pivot point that represents the origin of the respective radii of curvatures of both lenses with a nominal air gap between the two lenses. Rotation of the plano-convex lens causes the light beam to be refracted over a predetermined scan angle. A focal spot forms a scribe when it travels from a first to a second edge of the panel.

Abstract: A method of imaging one or more biological objects using imaging apparatus capable of capturing an image across an imaging area. The method includes: placing the one or more biological objects (236) in an environment; providing in the environment, outside of the one or more biological objects, a contrast enhancing agent which provides contrast in an image between the one or more biological objects and the environment; and recording an image (240) of the one or more biological objects and the environment using the imaging apparatus, whereby a spatial definition for said one or more biological objects is derivable using contrast in the image which is provided by the contrast enhancing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical probe (1) with an optical guide (2), e.g. an optical fibre, and a lens system (6) rigidly coupled to an end portion (2a) of the optical guide. The probe has a housing (3) with a cavity for the optical guide, the housing having at its distal end a transparent window (4), the window having an insignificant optical power as compared to the optical power of the said lens system (6). Actuation means (8) displaces the 5 lens system so as to enable optical scanning of a region of interest (ROI). The invention is particularly suited for miniature applications e.g. for in-vivo medical application. By attaching the lens system (6) to the optical guide (2) via the mount (7), the field of view (FOV) of the optical probe (1) may be determined directly by the transverse stroke of the optical fibre (2). Hence only a relatively small stroke is required. The field of view is thus 10 effectively no longer limited by the transverse stroke.

Abstract: An attachment lens is arranged in a stage subsequent to a scanning lens. After a laser beam is converged by the scanning lens, the laser beam is converted into a parallel beam by the attachment lens. When the scanning lens is displaced in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the laser beam, a traveling direction of the laser beam is bent by a predetermined angle immediately after the laser beam passes through the scanning lens. Then, the traveling direction of the laser beam is further bent by a predetermined angle in the same direction by the passage of the laser beam through the attachment lens. Accordingly, a final swing angle of the laser beam outgoing from an outgoing window is increased by a swing angle imparted by the attachment lens compared with the case where the attachment lens is not arranged. One of lens surfaces of the attachment lens is formed in a toroidal surface, which allows the laser beam to have a long outline in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An optical scanning actuator includes a leaf spring member that has a base end fixed and a tip end, a light source that is fitted to the leaf spring member, an electromagnetic driving unit that oscillates the tip end of the leaf spring member, and an optical element that is fitted to the leaf spring member and that is irradiated with light outgoing from the light source to reflect or refract the light to thereby scan the light.

Abstract: An optical deflection apparatus includes a signal light source configured to emit signal light having one or more wavelengths, a control light source configured to emit control light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the signal light, a thermal lens forming optical element including a light absorption layer configured to transmit the signal light and selectively absorb the control light, and a beam-condensing unit configured to cause beam-condensation of the control light and the signal light at different convergence points in the light absorption layer.

Abstract: An object of interest is illuminated within the field of view of a microscope objective lens located to receive light passing through the object of interest. Light transmitted through the microscope objective lens impinges upon a variable power element. The variable power element is driven with respect to the microscope objective lens to scan through multiple focal planes in the object of interest. Light transmitted from the variable power element is sensed by a sensing element or array.

Abstract: A rifle scope system allows adjustment of the scope while a shooter maintains the shooting posture and the scope sight picture. The scope system comprises an adjustment system comprising an electromechanical mechanism that responds to a signal from a remote controller manipulated by the shooter without having to significantly disturb the shooting posture. The adjustment system allows the shooter to adjust the scope's point of aim to coincide with a bullet's point of impact at a target. Such adjustment can be performed either by the shooter. Alternatively, such adjustment could be performed by a processor configured to adjust the point of aim based on a ballistic parameter associated with the bullet or the shooting environment. The adjustment system allows such processor-determined adjustments to be effected in a quick manner.

Abstract: Scanning beam systems, apparatus and techniques in optical post-objective designs with two beam scanners for display and other applications.

Abstract: An in-line laser scanning unit (LSU) with multiple light beams is disclosed. The LSU includes a minimized in-line mirror set composed by a plurality of vertically stacked Micro Electronic Mechanical System (MEMS) oscillatory mirrors and a linear corresponding scanning lens set formed by a plurality of F-Sin ? lens stacked vertically so as to correct the variation of reflective angle of the oscillatory mirror that is sinusoidal in time. Thus the scanning speed of multiple laser beams on the image plane is constant. Therefore, the volume of color printers is effectively reduced and the scanning efficiency is improved when the LSU in accordance with the present invention is applied to the optical engines of color printers.