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.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lenticular sheet having as its primary steps the provision of a substantially transparent substrate material; forming a plurality of lenses on a first side of the substrate; and shaping the substrate to correspond to a display area of a display device, wherein the plurality of lenses are angled to correspond to the pixel size and pitch of the display area. A display system is also disclosed, wherein the display systems generally includes a computer for processing, saving and playing at least one image; software for interlacing the image; software for processing slides and movies comprised of multiple images; a lenticular screen overlaid upon a video display device for viewing the interlaced images in three dimensions.

Abstract: A lens sheet according to the invention includes a base film, a lenticular lens resin layer, a prism resin layer, and a filling resin layer. The lenticular lens resin layer includes a plurality of cylindrical lenses formed on one surface of the base film and arranged. The prism resin layer includes a plurality of prisms formed on the other surface of the base film and arranged, and has a lower refractive index than the refractive index of the base film. The filling resin layer is filled on a surface of the prism resin layer provided with the arranged prisms and has a higher refractive index than the refractive index of the prism resin layer. Therefore, the lens sheet according to the invention can restrain side lobe light emitted obliquely to the front surface.

Abstract: A lens array is provided. A manufacturing process is facilitated and micro fabrication can be performed. In addition, variation in an optical axis that depends on the processing accuracy and decentering of a droplet in the voltage-driven state is suppressed. In a lens array, a plurality of pyramidal recesses that receive droplets are two-dimensionally formed in a sealed cell in which first liquid that is conductive and second liquid (droplet) that is insulative are contained without being mixed with each other. Since the recesses are formed in a pyramidal shape, the centering performance of the droplets placed in the recesses can be improved and variation in optical axes of lens elements formed of interfaces of the droplets can be suppressed. In addition, the optical axes can be stably positioned and decentering of the droplets in the voltage-driven state can be suppressed.

Abstract: A multifocal lens array and a three-dimensional stereoscopic image display apparatus, which has a low cost, simple structure. A two-dimensional image is displayed on a display apparatus and is incident on a multifocal lens array. The array includes a plurality of lenses arranged on a planar surface, respective focal distances of the lenses being selected so that a focal point-containing surface is formed at a surface inclined relative to the planar surface. A stereoscopic diffusing panel including six transparent panels is disposed at the focal point-containing surface, and is moved periodically in a depth direction, so that sectional images of a three-dimensional stereoscopic image are rendered on the stereoscopic diffusing panel through image light from the apparatus, and hence a person viewing light reflected from the stereoscopic diffusing panel can see the three-dimensional stereoscopic image due to an after-image effect.

Abstract: An imaging system is based on in-line x-ray optics arranged in combination with an X-ray detector to detect radiation from radio-labeled substances within an object to be imaged. This arrangement will provide a nuclear imaging device with potentially orders of magnitude higher resolution and efficiency and it will moreover be relatively easy to align and to produce and assemble in large quantities.

Abstract: An erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes a stack of a plurality lens array plates built such that pairs of corresponding lenses form a coaxial lens system, where each lens array plate is formed with a plurality of convex lenses on both surfaces of the plate. The plate receives light from a substantially straight light source facing one side of the plate, and the plate forms an erect equal-magnification image of the substantially straight light source on an image plane facing the other side of the plate. The main lens arrangement direction differs from the main scanning direction of the erecting equal-magnification lens array plate.

Abstract: A lens array, includes: a plurality of lens substrates which include a plurality of lenses arranged in a first direction; and a support member which supports the plurality of lens substrates arranged in the first direction.

Abstract: The light beam 5a emitted from a light source Pa is formed into a parallel light beam 6a upon entering the substrate 1 as a result of the effect of lens strips 2a. The parallel light beam 6a reaches the end surface on the emission side of the substrate 1, and is there subjected to the effect of lens strips 3a so that this light beam is focused at a focal position Qa (focal point) on the rear side of the lens strips 3a. Similarly, the light beam 5b emitted from a light source Pb is subjected to the effect of lens strips 2b and is formed into a parallel light beam 6b inside the substrate 1; this light beam is then further subjected to the effect of lens strips 3b, and is therefore focused at a focal point Qb located in a position that is separated from the surface of the substrate 1 by a distance of f.

Abstract: An optical system is provided, for example for use with a display device (1) to convert a flat image from the display device (1) to a non-flat image. The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (3, 5), at least one of which is non-flat. The reflectors (3, 5), together with polarisation optics (2, 4), provide a light path (6) such that light from the display (1) is at least partially transmitted by the first reflector (3), partially reflected by the second reflector (5), partially reflected by the first reflector (3) and partially transmitted by the second reflector (5) so that a viewer (8) perceives a non-flat, for example curved, image. Light which does not follow the light path (6) is prevented from leaving the optical system.

Abstract: An optical sheet for display use wherein two or more optical sheets are stacked therein and the optical sheets are joined to one another on one peripheral side of each by a thermoadhesive film is to be provided. Also an optical sheet for display use wherein two or more optical sheets are stacked therein and the optical sheets are joined to one another on two or more peripheral sides of each by a thermoadhesive film is to be provided. Since the optical sheets are joined to one another on one peripheral side or two or more peripheral sides of each by a thermoadhesive film, the step of cutting each of multiple films (sheets) into the product size can be omitted, and so can be the step of stacking multiple layers of films (sheets) while positioning them. Also, it is free from a problem which derives from protective sheets, resulting in advantages in both cost and quality aspects. Moreover, it is free from a problem which arises when multiple layers of films are stacked.

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 lenticular lens comprises multiple convex unit lenses, two sides of each unit lens being curved surfaces gradually spreading outwardly from the upside (plane of emergence) to the base (plane of incidence) of the unit lens, and these unit lenses are disposed on a base film in parallel with each other. The acute angle ? between a tangent to two curves corresponding to the two sides of the unit lens on its section vertical to the longer direction and a line parallel to the upside (or the base) of the unit lens is in a range represented by the following inequality: 139(d/p)3?176(d/p)2+78(d/p)+74.4 >?>346(d/p)3?469(d/p)2+219(d/p)+45.0 where d is the length of half of the distance between the two curves, and p is the pitch at which the unit lenses are disposed.

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

Abstract: A new three-dimensional imaging system has been needed to overcome the problems of the prior arts using conventional variable focal length lenses, which have slow response time, small focal length variation, and low focusing efficiency, and require a complex mechanism to control it. The three-dimensional imaging system of the present invention uses the variable focal length micromirror array lens. Since the micromirror array lens has many advantages such as very fast response time, large focal length variation, high optical focusing efficiency, large size aperture, low cost, simple mechanism, and so on, the three-dimensional imaging system can get a real-time three-dimensional image with large depth range and high depth resolution.

Abstract: A synthetic micro-optic system and security device is disclosed including an in-plane image formed of an array or pattern of image icons and an array of focusing elements, the system producing at least two different synthetic images whereby one synthetic image operates to modulate or control the extent of the appearance of another synthetic image. In an exemplary form, the array of image icons forms an in-plane synthetic image, while the interaction of the array of focusing elements with the array of image icons forms a separate synthetically magnified image that serves to control the field of view of the in-plane image and, thus, serves to modulate or control the extent of appearance of the in-plane image. The appearance of the in-plane image, thus, visually appears and disappears, or turn on and off, depending upon the viewing angle of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing an imaging device with a system of convex and concave microlenses at different levels over an array of photosensors. The concave microlenses redirect leaking light, which is not directed by the convex lenses onto the photosensors, onto the photosensors.

Abstract: A lens, a lens array and imaging device and system containing a lens, and a method of forming a lens array and an imaging device and system containing a lens. Each lens has varying reflection indices in a radial direction.

Abstract: The current invention describes the method of making symmetrical radiation of extremely asymmetrical light sources, e.g. laser diode bars, using the shaper of three optical elements that preserve the brightness of the initial light source. The first element of the shaper-collimator of the fast axis-images the light source in the direction of the fast axis directly into the output plain of the shaper. The second and the third element of the shaper are the multi-segment elements that separate and optimally redistribute different beams and focus these in the direction of the slow axis. The surfaces of the shaper optical elements are described by the surfaces of the second and higher order, which enables compensation of different distortions, for instance field curvature aberration, distortion caused by the light source bending, etc. The shaper offers optimal order of secondary beam redistribution that has the least possible impact on the initial beam brightness.

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: A transmissive fly's eye integrator is disclosed that includes a first array of lenses and a second array of lenses. The first array of lenses and second array of lenses together form a fly's eye integrator, and the first array of lenses and second array of lenses comprise lenses which have a diameter selected from the range of 5 ?m-50 ?m, and a radius of curvature selected from the range of 25 ?m-2500 ?m.

Abstract: A collimating sheet, for use with a backlit display and the like, that includes a substrate, a plurality of microlenses on the output side of the substrate, a specularly reflective layer on the side of the substrate opposite the microlenses, and a plurality of apertures in the reflective layer in direct correspondence to the microlenses of the lens array. The specularly reflective layer can be relatively thinner than a diffuse reflective layer, which allows light to pass through the more readily. One or more layers of dielectric can be placed on top of one or more reflective material layers to further improves overall reflectivity. Apertures are preferably made in the light-absorptive and reflective layers with a laser ablation process wherein laser light illuminates the output side of the film. The laser light is brought to a focus by the lenslets of the lens array onto the light-absorptive layer, which then ablates a hole or aperture into the light-absorptive and reflective layer.

Abstract: An optical sheet has a large number of cylindrical lens elements provided successively on one of principal faces thereof. The cylindrical lens elements have a finite focal distance on the emission side of illumination light and have an aspheric face of a leftwardly and rightwardly symmetric sectional shape. Where a Z axis is taken in parallel to a normal line direction to the optical sheet and an X axis is taken in a direction of the row of the cylindrical lens elements, a cross sectional shape of the cylindrical lens elements satisfies Z=X2/(R+?{square root over ( )}(R2?(1+K)X2))+AX4+BX5+CX6+ . . . (where R is the radius of curvature of a distal end vertex, K is a conic constant, and A, B, C, . . . are aspheric coefficients).

Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a display device (104, 200, 301, 401) configured to display an image is disclosed. The display device comprises a plurality of picture elements, and one or more lenticular means (203). The lenticular means comprises one or more refracting layers (303, 403) configured to direct light emanating from said picture elements in a plurality of directions such that said image of a picture element is divided in two or more essentially identical images.

Abstract: A crystallization method includes wavefront-dividing an incident light beam into a plurality of light beams, condensing the wavefront-divided light beams in a corresponding phase shift portion of a phase shift mask or in the vicinity of the phase shift portion to form a light beam having an light intensity distribution of an inverse peak pattern in which a light intensity is minimum in a point corresponding to the phase shift portion of the phase shift mask, and irradiating a polycrystalline semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film with the light beam having the light intensity distribution to produce a crystallized semiconductor film.

Abstract: A microlens structure that includes a wedge formed to support and tilt the microlens is disclosed. The wedge results from heating a layer of patterned flowable material. The degree and direction of incline given to the wedge can be controlled in part by the type of patterning that is performed.

Abstract: A device for homogenizing light contains at least one optically functional surface through which light to be homogenized can pass and a plurality of concave and convex cylindrical lenses which are disposed in an alternating fashion one next to the other on the at least one optically functional surface. The device further has at least one first embodiment and at least one second embodiment, different from the at least one first embodiment, of transitions between the concave and the convex cylindrical lenses. Wherein the transitions between the concave and the convex cylindrical lenses are configured such that partial beams of the light to be homogenized, which have passed through different embodiments of the transitions between the concave and the convex cylindrical lenses, have an optical path difference with respect to one another, which contributes to the reduction of interference effects in the homogenized light.

Abstract: An illumination homogenizing optical element is disclosed that includes at least one optical surface having a plurality of refractive structures formed as either grooves or protrusions that, individually, are wider than the wavelength of light incident onto said illumination homogenizing optical element. At least part of the light incident onto the illumination homogenizing optical element is removed from the optical path by refraction of said light so as to provide even illumination on an illuminated surface. The illumination homogenizing optical element is advantageous over prior art illumination homogenizing optical elements in that it is easy and inexpensive to manufacture while providing sufficient optical performance.

Abstract: A compound eye is provided. The compound eye includes a microfluidic device defining a plurality of wells therein. A plurality of lenses are disposed in corresponding wells of the microfluidic device. Each lens has a tunable focal length. A tuning structure tunes the focal length of each lens in response to a predetermined stimulus.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a high-speed, miniaturized, low-cost DVD recording and reproducing system. The present invention is particularly directed to a motorless optical pick-up device for recording and/or reading information on or from an optical disc (CD or DVD), which provides focusing, tracking, seamless layer jumping, tilt compensation, and CD/DVD compatibility.

Abstract: Laser beams emitted by a plurality of laser sources are divided into a plurality of sub-beams, which are irradiated onto selected portions of an amorphous semiconductor on a substrate to crystallize the amorphous semiconductor. A difference in diverging angles between the laser beams is corrected by a beam expander. The apparatus includes a sub-beam selective irradiating system including a sub-beam dividing assembly and a sub-beam focussing assembly. Also, the apparatus includes laser sources, a focussing optical system, and a combining optical system. A stage for supporting a substrate includes a plurality of first stage members, a second stage member disposed above the first stage members, and a third stage member 38C, rotatably disposed above the second stage to support an amorphous semiconductor.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements formed in an element formation region of the substrate, a plurality of lenses formed over the element formation region so as to correspond to the plurality of optical elements, and a protective layer formed so as to cover the plurality of lenses. A holding member is formed on the protective layer in a region outside the element formation region. The holding member holds a bottom surface of a transparent member. A gap between the protective layer and the transparent member is filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: A lens array includes a plurality of lens units each of which includes a plurality of microlenses linearly arranged, and a light shielding member having a plurality of openings as apertures. The openings are disposed so as to face the microlenses of respective lens units. Facing microlenses of the lens units have optical axes substantially aligned with each other and passing the openings of the light shielding member. Light absorbing portions are provided in the openings.

Abstract: A plate of transparent material including, on its surface, a texture including a plurality of a feature in relief, whether in a form of depressions or projections. The feature includes a first face and a second face that are not mutually parallel, lines at a base of the faces being parallel. The first face forms, with the general plane of the plate, a larger angle than the angle formed by the second face with the general plane of the plate, the angles being angles inside the material if the feature is a projection, or angles on the outside of the material if the feature is a depression. The plate improves light transmission toward a photovoltaic cell, in particular when the plate is in a vertical position, for example on the surface of a noise barrier.

Abstract: A housing (10) with three-dimension appearance includes a transparent substrate (11), a micro lens array (12) formed on one surface of the transparent substrate, and a decorative layer (13) formed on another surface of the transparent substrate at an opposite side to the micro lens array. A method for making the housing is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a laser irradiation technique for irradiating the irradiation surface with the laser beam having homogeneous intensity distribution using a cylindrical lens array without being affected by the intensity distribution of the original beam. A laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator is divided by two kinds of cylindrical lens arrays into a plurality of beams, which are two kinds of linear laser beams with their energy intensity distribution inverted each other, and the two kinds of linear laser beams are superposed in a minor-axis direction. This can form the linear laser beam having homogeneous intensity distribution on the irradiation surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical manipulation system (10) for generation of a plurality of optical traps for manipulation of micro-objects including nano-objects using electromagnetic radiation forces in a micro-object manipulation volume (14), the system comprising a spatially modulated light source (16) for emission of a first light beam (24) with a spatially an adjustable spatial light modulator (26) for generating a second (28) and a third (30) modulated light beam, the second intensity modulated light beam propagating towards a first deflector (32) for deflection of the second light beam towards the micro-object manipulation volume (14), and the third intensity modulated light beam propagating towards a second deflector (34) for deflection of the third light beam towards the same volume (14).

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 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: A microlens having a plurality of lens material units separated by a plurality of trenches and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The relationship of the trenches to the lens material is such that an average index of refraction of the microlens decreases from a center to an edge of the microlens.

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 lens array capable of making the characteristics of lens elements uniform is provided. A lens array 10 according to the present invention includes first liquid 11 that is conductive, second liquid 12 that is insulative and that has a refractive index different from that of the first liquid, and a plurality of lens elements 13 forming lens surfaces 13A at an interface between the first liquid 11 and the second liquid 12. The lens surfaces 13A of the lens elements 13 reversibly vary in accordance with output control of an applied voltage. The lens array is structured such that the adjacent lens elements 13 liquidly communicate with each other, whereby differences in the amounts of the first liquid 11 and the second liquid 12 between the lens elements can be avoided and the lens characteristics can be made uniform.

Abstract: Disclosed are printed articles and methods for manufacturing printed articles. The printed articles typically include: (a) a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; (b) a graphic image layer comprising a plurality of images printed on at least one surface of the substrate; and (c) a plurality of polygonal lenses printed or formed on at least one surface of the substrate above the graphic image layer, wherein the polygonal lenses are clear, magnifying, convex lenses. The lenses may selectively magnify portions of the array of images to create a plurality of images that appear and disappear or images that float under or on top of the graphic image when viewed from different perspectives.

Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging apparatus for imaging a three-dimensional object may include a microlens array, a sensor device, and a telecentric relay system positioned between the microlens array and the sensor device. A telecentric relay system may include a field lens and a macro objective that may include a macro lens and an aperture stop. A method of imaging a three-dimensional object may include providing a three-dimensional imaging apparatus including a microlens array, a sensor device, and a telecentric relay system positioned between the microlens array and the sensor device; and generating a plurality of elemental images on the sensor device, wherein each of the plurality of elemental images has a different perspective of the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: An image sensor and fabricating method thereof are provided. The image sensor can include differently microlenses formed on a pixel array substrate. The differently shaped microlenses are formed using a phase mask where the light blocking region for each microlens pattern is positioned according to the relative angle of the microlens to a main lens. The phase shift mask results in a dome shaped microlens at a region of the pixel array substrate receiving incident light from the same axis as light incident the main lens and in asymmetrical shaped microlenses with a thicker region in a portion of the microlens farthest from the dome shaped microlens.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor may include at least one of: a semiconductor substrate over which a photodiode and transistors are formed; passivation layers formed over a semiconductor substrate; and color PRs buried in trenches formed in the passivation layers and formed to be higher than the trenches.

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: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a compressed microlens array comprises an array of lenslets arranged in the array to have the lenslet centers spaced apart at a first distance in a first direction and to have the lenslet centers spaced apart at a second distance in a second direction such that the first direction is greater than the second direction. A raster scan of an image projected onto the array of lenslets results in the image being displayed in an eyebox having an aspect ratio having a length in the first direction being longer than a length in second direction via virtual vignetting of the diffraction patterns resulting from the raster scan.

Abstract: A lenticular display in association with a consumer article such as a beverage container positioned with respect to the container so that a series of images are presented to the user as the article is used in its normal manner such as when the user is engaged in drinking. The images may be accompanied by a synchronized audio message. In other embodiments, the image may be illuminated and may impart motion.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for microlithography with wavelengths?193 nm that includes a primary light source, a first optical component, a second optical component, an image plane, and an exit pupil. The first optical component transforms the primary light source into a plurality of secondary light sources that are imaged by the second optical component in the exit pupil. The first optical element and the second optical element are reflective. The first optical component includes a first optical element having a plurality of first raster elements that are imaged into the image plane, producing a plurality of images being superimposed, at least partially, on a field in the image plane. The first optical component includes a collector unit and a second optical element having a plurality of second raster elements.