Abstract: A micro-optic film structure that alone or together with a security document or label projects images spatially coordinated with static images and/or other projected images is provided. The inventive film structure is made up of: (a) one or more polymer film materials; (b) one or more planar arrangements of primary image icons; (c) one or more planar arrangements of focusing elements or lenses; and (d) one or more secondary image icons. The planar arrangements are configured such that when a planar arrangement of primary image icons is viewed through a planar arrangement of focusing elements or lenses, one or more first synthetic images are projected. The secondary image icons appear as static and/or other projected images. These images are spatially coordinated with the first synthetic image(s) projected by the film structure, such that when simultaneously displayed therewith, they visually enhance or cancel the projected first synthetic image(s).

Abstract: A beam forming device produces a linear intensity distribution on a work plane. The device contains a laser light source that can emit laser radiation, an optical device that can transfer the laser radiation in a linear intensity distribution on the work plane, and lens that are used to influence the linear intensity distribution on the work plane and that can be displaced in the direction of diffusion of the laser radiation. The intensity profile can be modified perpendicular to the extension of the linear intensity distribution by modifying the position of the lens in the direction of diffusion of the laser radiation.

Abstract: A lens array apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in which in the lens array apparatus includes a predetermined angle of gradient in relation to a thickness direction for each of a plurality of lenses, an exiting direction of light emitted from each lens is at an angle of gradient allowing respective converging points of the light emitted from each lens to be positioned on a predetermined straight line that corresponds to each lens and is parallel with the thickness direction, under a plurality of different ambient temperatures.

Abstract: An optical element according to an embodiment includes: a lens array including a plurality of convex shaped lenses provided on a first surface thereof and taking a flat shape at a second surface which is opposite from the first surface; a lens holder comprising concave portions formed to correspond to respective lenses in the lens array, at a surface opposed to the lens array, each of the concave portions having a size which makes it possible for one of the convex shaped lenses corresponding to the concave portion to fit therein; and a drive unit configured to drive at least one of the lens array and the lens holder to bring the convex shaped lenses in the lens array and the concave portions in the lens holder into an isolation state or a contact state.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: A high definition thin lens dimensional image display device and methods of manufacturing the same. The thin lens dimensional image display device generally includes a lens array on a first surface of a film, such as a lenticular lens array or a fly's eye lens array, with a printed imaged either printed directly on a second planar surface of the film, or on a separate substrate that is laminated thereto. The resulting display device offers a lower cost display device having greater flexibility for a wider variety of applications than traditional image display devices, without compromising image quality. Processes for manufacturing the display device include printing on a pre-fabricated thin lens web, inline printing of an image and patterning of the lens array, and inline printing of a substrate and application of a coating to the substrate which is subsequently patterned or embossed.

Abstract: Disclosed are animated/active lenticular devices that are useful as animated entertainment and advertising devices. In one embodiment, the device is used in connection with an advertising button or card that can be attached to a product or article of clothing. Other uses include fixed displays, greeting cards, books, point-of-purchase displays, sporting event devices that can be worn on clothing or attached to the skin, and the like.

Abstract: A tactical radiating device for directed energy includes at least two generators of high energy directed beams. At least one beam combining system combines high energy directed beams emitted by the generators into a combined high energy beam. A focusing device focuses the combined high energy beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing plenoptic camera artifacts. A first method is based on careful design of the optical system of the focused plenoptic camera to reduce artifacts that result in differences in depth in the microimages. A second method is computational; a focused plenoptic camera rendering algorithm is provided that corrects for artifacts resulting from differences in depth in the microimages. While both the artifact-reducing focused plenoptic camera design and the artifact-reducing rendering algorithm work by themselves to reduce artifacts, the two approaches may be combined.

Abstract: Provided is an illumination structure which includes a light source and an illumination lens. The light source emits light in at least one wavelength band. The illumination lens includes a light receiving portion and a light outgoing portion. The light receiving portion divides the light from the light source in a plurality of different directions and the light outgoing portion emits the divided light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like, having a micro-optical moiré magnification arrangement having a motif image that consists of a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of micromotif elements (28) that is planar or applied on a curved surface, and a periodic or at least locally periodic arrangement of a plurality of microfocusing elements (24) that is planar or applied on a curved surface, for moiré-magnified viewing of the micromotif elements (28) of the motif image, the arrangement of micromotif elements (28) and/or the arrangement of microfocusing elements (24) exhibiting, in the planar case, no symmetry axis in the plane of the arrangement in its periodic or at least locally periodic regions.

Abstract: An image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.

Abstract: A method for designing an optical device which includes a lens and a microlens array is disclosed. A point spread function (PSF) of the lens including rotationally symmetrical aberration coefficients is formulated, wherein the PSF presents various spherical spot sizes. A virtual phase mask having phase coefficients is provided and the phase coefficients are added to the PSF of the lens, such that the various spherical spot sizes are homogenized. The virtual phase mask is transformed into a polynomial function comprising high and low order aberration coefficients. A surface contour of the lens is determined according to the rotationally symmetrical aberration coefficients and the low order aberration coefficients, and a sag height of each microlens in the microlens array is determined according to the high order aberration coefficients. An optical device using the design method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical power divider includes a body having a first side and a second side. The first side includes at least one cylindrical input lens and the second side includes an array of output lenses. The at least one cylindrical input lens is configured to expand input light along a first axis to be directed to a plurality of the output lenses arranged along the first axis and the output lenses are configured to focus the light received from the input lenses into respective output beams of light.

Abstract: A line head, includes: a lens array that includes a first lens, a second lens and a light transmissive substrate on which the first lens and the second lens are arranged in a first direction; and a light emitting element substrate on which light emitting elements are arranged in the first direction, wherein the first lens is formed such that, in a cross section in the first direction including an optical axis of an imaging optical system comprised of the first lens, a curvature of the first lens at an outer peripheral portion has a sign opposite to that of a curvature of the first lens on the optical axis or has a smaller absolute value than the curvature of the first lens on the optical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.

Abstract: An optical film includes a first refraction layer having a first surface with first optical lens patterns for scattering light and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first optical lens patterns having a lens shape, and a second refraction layer on the first surface and having second optical patterns for redirecting light in a first direction that is perpendicular to the second surface of the first refraction layer, the second optical patterns being linearly arranged.

Abstract: Device for illuminating an area, in particular for illuminating a mask (14), for example for a lithographic application, with at least one light source (1) for producing light (3) that can be used for the illumination, optics means (2) for shaping the light (3) produced by the at least one light source (1), and separation means (4, 4?, 4?) capable of dividing the light (3) to be used for the illumination into several mutually separated partial beams (5), so that these partial beams (5) can illuminate the area to be illuminated with a spacing therebetween. The present invention also relates to a device for applying light to a work area.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design for the transmit and receive optical elements of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, where at least one converging lens is incorporated within the body of each transmit and receive element. The optical elements of the improved design are more mechanically robust, easier to incorporate into the touch screen assembly, and are less susceptible to stray light and the ingress of foreign matter. In one embodiment the converging lens collimates the light into a plane wave. In another embodiment the converging lens focuses the light to an external point. In yet another embodiment, each transmit and receive element also includes at least one diverging lens. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a method for directing light onto a digital micromirror device is disclosed that includes the steps of directing light toward a DMD through a lens that includes a plurality of lens elements such that, absent correction, the directed light is distorted at the DMD; and compensating for the distortion of the directed light at the DMD by predistorting the directed light prior to reaching the DMD by the plurality of lens elements.

Abstract: A front curtain is biased by a biasing force so as to move from a third position on an optical path of an optical system to a fourth position at which the front curtain does not block a subject image being imaged by the optical system in a direction parallel to an imaging surface of an imaging element IMG. A rear curtain is biased by a biasing force so as to move from the third position on the optical path of the optical system to the fourth position at which the rear curtain does not block the subject image being imaged by the optical system in a direction parallel to the imaging surface of the imaging element IMG. A multiocular lens is moved by one or both of a front curtain driving mechanism and a rear curtain driving mechanism between a first position on the optical path of the optical system and a second position at which the multiocular lens does not block the subject image being imaged by the optical system in a direction parallel to the imaging surface of the imaging element IMG.

Abstract: A security device comprises a substrate having an array of microlenses on one side and one or more corresponding arrays of microimages on the other side. The microimages are located at a distance from the microlenses substantially equal to the focal length of the microlenses. The substrate is sufficiently transparent to enable light to pass through the microlenses so as to reach the microimages. Each microimage is defined by an anti-reflection structure on the substrate formed by a periodic array of identical structural elements, light passing through a substrate and impinging on the microimages being reflected to a different extent than light which does not impinge on the microimages thereby rendering the microimages visible.

Abstract: A flexible substrate having a plurality of lenses disposed in an array on a surface of the substrate wherein the lenses are formed by etching the substrate.

Abstract: A lens array includes: a lens array substrate having a light transmissive property; a first lens disposed on the lens array substrate; and a second lens disposed on the lens array substrate in a first direction from the first lens and different from the first lens in peripheral shape.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to rear-projection image display are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a projector for projecting an image and a screen configured to display the image. The screen comprises a filter layer having a light reception side and an image display side. The filter layer includes an array of trapezoidal transmissive elements and an array of trapezoidal absorption elements, where a wider base of each of the trapezoidal transmissive elements faces the light reception side of the filter layer, and where a wider base of each of the trapezoidal absorption elements faces the image display side of the filer layer.

Abstract: There is provided a light source unit which includes a luminescent light source which receives excitation light so as to emit light of a predetermined wavelength band, excitation light sources which shine excitation light on to the luminescent light source, a reflection space having the luminescent light source in an interior thereof and an emission space which emits luminescent light source light emitted from the reflection space from an emission port whose area is made smaller than the area of the luminescent light source and a projector which employs the light source unit.

Abstract: A process for making a microlens array or a microlens array masterform comprises (a) providing a photoreactive composition, the photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; and (b) imagewise exposing at least a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of microlenses, each of the microlenses having a principal axis and a focal length, and at least one of the microlenses being an aspherical microlens.

Abstract: Lens pairs include: a first lens to form an intermediate image, which is an inverted image of an object, on an intermediate image plane; and a second lens to form an image of the object, which is an inverted image of the intermediate image, on the image plane. A ratio of SO1 (the distance between the first principal plane of the first lens and the object plane) to SI1 (the distance between the second principal plane of the first lens and the intermediate image plane) is substantially the same as the ratio of SI2 (the distance between the second principal plane of the second lens and the imaging plane) to SO2 (the distance between the first principal plane of the second lens and the intermediate image plane). The distance between the first lens and the object plane is different from a distance between the second lens and the imaging plane.

Abstract: A lens array apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in which the lens array apparatus can achieve appropriate optical performance regardless of changes in ambient temperature. As a predetermined angle of gradient in relation to a thickness direction for each of a plurality of lenses, an exiting direction of light emitted from each lens is at an angle of gradient allowing respective converging points of the light emitted from each lens to be positioned on a predetermined straight line that corresponds to each lens and is parallel with the thickness direction, under a plurality of different ambient temperatures.

Abstract: One example of a solar voltaic concentrator has a primary Fresnel lens with multiple panels, each of which forms a Köhler integrator with a respective panel of a lenticular secondary lens. The resulting plurality of integrators all concentrate sunlight onto a common photovoltaic cell. Luminaires using a similar geometry are also described.

Abstract: In an optical apparatus according to the present invention, the lens thicknesses and curvature radiuses of respective first lenses are optimized so that beam waist positions of optical beams emitted from the respective first lenses of a lens array are independently changed according to aberration of a second lens, and the focal position deviation due to the aberration of the second lens is cancelled by a difference between the beam waist positions, which is given on the lens array side. As a result, it is possible to suppress, at a low cost, variations in focal positions of the optical beams which are emitted from respective ports of the lens array to be condensed by the common lens.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes: a plurality of image-capturing pixels, each equipped with a first micro-lens used to condense light; and a plurality of focus detection pixels engaged in focus detection, each equipped with a second micro-lens used to condense light; the plurality of image-capturing pixels and the plurality of focus detection pixels being disposed in a two-dimensional array. The first micro-lens and the second micro-lens are formed so that a light condensing position at which light is condensed via the second micro-lens is set further toward a micro-lens side than the light condensing position at which light is condensed via the first micro-lens.

Abstract: A projection type display apparatus is provided that is safe even when a person looks directly into a laser beam. A laser operation control unit sets the output power of at least one laser source so that intensity A (mW/mm2) of the laser beam on at least one spatial light modulation element satisfies relationship of A<686×B2 when numerical aperture B on image side of an illumination optics system is set.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a display device, in particular a security document, includes providing m images of an object, wherein m is at least equal to 2, dividing each image into n sets adjacent arrays (l1,1, l1,2 . . . l1,n), . . . , (lm1, lm2, . . . lmn) of picture elements, spaced at a mutual distance ?, applying the images in an interlaced manner on an image layer in sets of interlaced arrays (l11, l21 . . . lm1), . . . , (l1n, l2n . . . lmn) below a lens structure having line-shaped lens elements over the image layer with one line shaped lens element overlying a corresponding set of adjacent arrays, wherein upon applying the arrays onto the image layer, and/or upon providing the lens elements, each array of picture elements is provided onto the image layer in an out of focus manner to form a blurred array or each array is imaged by the lens elements to form a blurred array, wherein a mutual distance of the edges of adjacent blurred arrays is smaller than the mutual distance ?.

Abstract: A security device comprises a substrate having an array of microlenses on one side and one or more corresponding arrays of microimages on the other side. The microimages are located at a distance from the microlenses substantially equal to the focal length of the microlenses. The substrate is sufficiently transparent to enable light to pass through the microlenses so as to reach the microimages. Each microimage is defined by an anti-reflection structure on the substrate formed by a periodic array of identical structural elements, light passing through a substrate and impinging on the microimages being reflected to a different extent than light which does not impinge on the microimages thereby rendering the microimages visible.

Abstract: There is provided an image sensor having micro lenses of which pitches decrease by different ratios according to left side and right side ratios, which are arranged in different ratios according to upper side and right side ratios, and of which pitches in the edge area are equal to a pixel pitch to arrange the micro lenses in a predetermined interval, thereby capable of preventing ambient sensitivity from deteriorating and suppressing crosstalk.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display lens arrangement comprises an array (9) of parallel lenticular lenses (11), wherein the lens array comprises first and second materials of different refractive indices (60,62) sandwiched between planar substrates, with the interface between the first and second materials defining the lens surfaces. The first material has a refractive index n1, the lens array has a lens pitch p and the lenticular lenses have a radius of curvature at their centre of R, and the lenses satisfy n1 (p/2R)>0.6. This arrangement gives reduced banding and loss of intensity at steep angles when used in an autostereoscopic display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser processing method and laser processing apparatus for enabling improvement and maintenance of homogenization of a beam intensity distribution in an irradiated region. The laser processing apparatus comprises, at least, an ASE light generation section for emitting ASE light, and a homogenizer for splitting the ASE light into multiple beams. The ASE generation section for emitting the ASE light as processing laser light is provided, and whereby the deterioration of homogenization due to inter-beam interference is suppressed. The homogenization of beam intensity distribution is improved by locating a condenser lens relative to an object such that the object is shifted from a focus position of the condenser lens in the homogenizer, by intentionally deteriorating a beam quality M2 of the ASE light itself emitted from the ASE light generation section to about 2 to 10, or by a combination of these, in laser processing.

Abstract: An exposure device is provided that has a light emitting unit having a plurality of light emitting elements and a lens array having a pair of lenses having a first lens and a second lens, the lens array having a shielding unit for shielding a light from any one of the pair of lenses, wherein a formula EC<EP/2 is satisfied, where EP denotes an interval between two adjacent light emitting elements of the plurality of light emitting elements and where EC denotes an off-set between a central axis of the first lens and a central axis of the second lens.

Abstract: A crystallization apparatus includes a light modulation element, and an image forming optical system that forms a light intensity distribution set based on light transmitted through the light modulation element on an irradiation surface. The crystallization apparatus irradiates a non-single crystal semiconductor film with light having the light intensity distribution to generate a crystallized semiconductor film. A curvature radius of at least one isointensity line of a light intensity substantially varies along the isointensity line in the light intensity distribution on the irradiation surface, and a curvature radius of at least a part of the isointensity line has a minimum value of 0.3 ?m or below.

Abstract: A lens array according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first upper lattice plate including a plurality of first upper lattices; a first lower lattice plate including a plurality of first lower lattices; a first membrane disposed between the first upper lattice plate and the first lower lattice plate; a transparent liquid filled in the first lower lattice plate; and a hydraulic pressure controller positioned in the first lower lattice plate, wherein the first upper lattice and the first lower lattice are engaged with each other, thereby forming a plurality of first regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light control film that can prevent generation of a moiré pattern when it is superimposed on another member having a regular structure while securing sufficient front luminance, and a backlight device using the same. The light control film of the present invention has a light control layer provided with an uneven pattern on a surface, and in this uneven pattern, a plurality of convexes having circular bases of approximately the same diameters are arranged so that the bases thereof should not overlap with one another and each should touch one or two or more other bases, and ratio of convexes arranged so that each of circular bases thereof should touch both bases of two convexes of which bases touch each other is controlled to be 50 to 92% among the total convexes arranged. The backlight device of the present invention is a backlight device incorporated with the aforementioned light control film.

Abstract: A tamper indicating optical security device that operates to produce one or more synthetic images is provided. Any attempt to detach (e.g., forcibly remove) this device from an underlying base material will cause one or more layers of the security device to separate or delaminate, rending the device partially or totally inoperable. The inventive device is contemplated for use with, among other things, currency or banknotes, secure documents such as bonds, checks, travelers checks, identification cards, lottery tickets, passports, postage stamps, and stock certificates, as well as non-secure documents such as stationery items and labels. The inventive device is also contemplated for use with consumer goods as well as bags or packaging used with consumer goods.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure features an optical system configured to create from a beam of light an intensity distribution on a surface, whereby the optical system comprises at least a first optical element which splits the incident beam into a plurality of beams some of which at least partially overlap in a first direction on said surface and whereby the optical system further comprises at least a second optical element which displaces at least one of said beams in a second direction on said surface.

Abstract: A method for forming an image of a beam source that during operation provides a beam, and wherein the beam is split so as to divide the beam into beamlets, wherein a redirecting organ is used with which each individual beamlet is redirected to a predetermined degree with the extent of redirection of each beamlet by means of the redirecting organ depending on the distance of that beamlet to a central axis of the beam, such that the beamlets converge in a common point with the beamlets from the beam source being focused to foci located in the redirecting organ, and with the beamlets originating from these foci being focused in the common imaging point.

Abstract: A system for projecting one or more synthetic optical images, which demonstrates improved resistance to optically degrading external effects, is provided. The inventive system serves to lock the focal length of the focusing elements in place. In other words, no other transparent materials or layers brought into contact with the inventive system will serve to materially alter the focal length or the optical acuity of synthetic images formed by the system.

Abstract: An optical device comprises a first cylindrical lens array in which a plurality of first lens segments each having a first radius of curvature and a first width so as to divide laser light into a plurality of light components are arranged, and a plurality of second lens segments each having a second radius of curvature and a second width, and provided in at least one position of the first cylindrical lens array so as to be arranged between adjacent first lens segments.

Abstract: A system constructs a composite image using focus assessment information of image regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image sensor which comprises improved microlenses to cope with different optical requirements for oblique incident light or different components of light. In one embodiment, the image sensor comprises at least two microlenses having different radii of curvature. In another embodiment, the image sensor comprises at least one asymmetrical microlens.