Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laminated member with an recorded information code, having a high reading accuracy, which do not detract from product design and which do not require a special reading apparatus. A laminated member 10 of the present invention comprises a transparent material layer 12 on which an information code is recorded, and a reflection-reduction layer 14 provided at the opposite side from a side where the information code is observed. The transparent layer 12 comprises low-reflectance portions 18 and high-reflectance portions 16 having a higher reflectance than the low-reflectance portions 18. The information code is recorded as a distributed pattern of the high-reflectance portions 16. The reflection-reduction layer 14 reduces reflected light advancing to the transparent material layer 12.

Abstract: A refractive-type zoom lens optical system includes a first lens group having a negative lens power and including a reflection member, a second lens group having a negative lens power, a third lens group having a positive lens power, a fourth lens group having a negative lens power, and a stop between the second lens group and the third lens group, wherein an overall length of the system is fixed during zooming and focusing.

Abstract: An image formation system includes a projection lens being a last optical component of the image formation system; a light pipe; a controlling device, for controlling the image formation system; a first curved surface optical component, for receiving and transmitting light from the light pipe; and a second curved surface optical component, for receiving the light from the first curved surface optical component and transmitting the light to the controlling device; wherein the first curved surface optical component and the second curved surface optical component make the light pipe and the controlling device image-conjugate.

Abstract: A camera module (100) includes a housing (110), a lens (120), an optical group (130), a drive mechanism (160) and two image sensors (180, 190). The optical group includes a first and a second mirror (132, 134) respectively having a reflective surface (133, 135) and a middle lens (136). The drive mechanism moves the first mirror between a first and a second position. The second reflective surface of the second mirror faces being oriented so as to be able to reflect light to the second image sensor. When the first mirror is in the first position, the first reflective surface is oriented so as to be able to reflect light to the first image sensor. When the first mirror is in the second position, the first reflective surface is oriented so as to allow the light to pass through the middle lens and reach the second mirror.

Abstract: An optical lens includes a recessed part and a refracting part. The recessed part has a substantially circular plan view and a substantially V shaped cross-section. The recessed part forms an angle of no more than an angle of about 20° with respect to a vertical line. The recessed part has a plurality of curved surfaces including different radii so that a light incident into the recessed part is totally reflected from the curved surfaces. The refracting part has a substantially circular plan view extended from the recessed part. A light incident into the refracting part and the reflected light from the recessed part are refracted from the refracting part. Therefore, a luminance uniformity and a color uniformity are improved.

Abstract: An optical scanning device provides a radiation source (2,200), a collimator lens (4,40), an objective (7,90) for converting a beam (5,30?) to a scanning spot at the position of an information layer (101) of a record carrier (1,100). The device also includes an electrowetting cell (6). The electrowetting cell (6) acts such that a beam (5,30?) enters the objective (7,90) at a predetermined height of an entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) independent of the position of the objective (7,90) and that the beam (5,30?) forms a predetermined angle at the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) with the optical axis (8). In this way the rim intensity may be kept constant over the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90).

Abstract: In a lens unit including a plurality of lens groups, the first, most object-side lens group includes a prism that changes the optical axis. In this lens unit, during zooming, while the first lens group is kept stationary, an image-sensing device is moved along the optical axis.

Abstract: A near field lens for an automotive light assembly which has a reduced thickness. Generally, the near field lens includes a main body of light transmitting material. A pocket is formed in the main body for receiving light from a light source. The pocket is defined by an inner radially facing surface and an inner axially facing surface. The inner radially facing surface is structured to reduce the thickness of the lens.

Abstract: A compact image taking lens system with a lens-surfaced prism of the present invention comprises a prism, an aperture stop, a first lens element, a second lens element, reflecting mirror surface, and image surface, optionally an infrared cut-off filter. By introducing a lens-surfaced prism, the compact image taking lens system with a lens-surfaced prism of the present invention has many advantages over the prior arts in the field of invention, such as compactness in thickness, small number of optical elements, high performance of optical quality, enough space for optional elements such as an infrared cut-off filter and diversity in optical geometries.

Abstract: An optical lens includes a recessed part and a refracting part. The recessed part has a substantially circular plan view and a substantially V shaped cross-section. The recessed part forms an angle of no more than an angle of about 20° with respect to a vertical line. The recessed part has a plurality of curved surfaces including different radii so that a light incident into the recessed part is totally reflected from the curved surfaces. The refracting part has a substantially circular plan view extended from the recessed part. A light incident into the refracting part and the reflected light from the recessed part are refracted from the refracting part. Therefore, a luminance uniformity and a color uniformity are improved.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup element and an optical system configured to form an image on the image pickup element. The optical system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power and including a reflecting member configured to deflect an optical axis, and a rear lens unit having a positive refractive power and including at least one lens unit having a positive refractive power. The second lens unit is stationary for zooming. During zooming, the image pickup element moves, and an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit and an interval between the second lens unit and the rear lens unit vary.

Abstract: A method of determining materials of lenses contained in an optical system of a projection exposure apparatus is described. First, for each lens of a plurality of the lenses, a susceptibility factor KLT/LH is determined. This factor is a measure of the susceptibility of the respective lens to deteriorations caused by at least one of lifetime effects and lens heating effects. Then a birefringent fluoride crystal is selected as a material for each lens for which the susceptibility factor KLT/LH is above a predetermined threshold. Theses lenses are assigned to a first set of lenses. For these lenses, measures are determined for reducing adverse effects caused by birefringence inherent to the fluoride crystals.

Abstract: An image-taking lens unit has an image-taking lens system that forms an optical image of an object and an image sensor that receives the optical image in a rectangular image-sensing region and converts the optical image into an electrical signal. The image-taking lens system includes a reflective optical element that bends the optical path. Of the lens elements constituting the image-taking lens system, the most image-side lens element called the last lens element is molded of resin, and is given a non-circular outer shape fulfilling a prescribed condition.

Abstract: A high-performance image-forming optical objective lens made compact and thin, particularly in the object side direction, by twice folding the optical path by means of two prism lenses longitudinally separated and arranged in an angular relationship to one another. The prisms have entrance and exit faces each of which is constructed of a curved surface having optical power, as well as having a rotationally symmetric polynomial aspheric attribute. The image-forming optical objective is particularly suited to helmet-mounted applications wherein the angular means for folding the optical path provides for an optical objective configuration that closely conforms to the exterior surface contour of the helmet, while providing a minimal forward projection in object space from the helmet.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging apparatus capable of imaging a wide area, controlling parallax to achieve an excellent image quality, and utilizing an imaging element with a relatively large package.

Abstract: A system for multiple mode imaging is disclosed. The catadioptric system has an NA greater than 0.65, and preferably greater than 0.9, highly corrected for low and high order monochromatic aberrations. The system employs unique illumination entrances and optics to collect reflected, diffracted, and scattered light over a range of angles. Multiple imaging modes are possible by varying the illumination geometry and apertures at the pupil plane. Illumination can enter the catadioptric optical system using an auxiliary beamsplitter or mirror, or through the catadioptric elements at any angle from 0 to 85 degrees from vertical. The system may employ a relayed pupil plane, used to select different imaging modes, provide simultaneous operation of different imaging modes, Fourier filtering, and other pupil shaping operations.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes a light source for emitting a light beam; an objective lens for condensing the light beam emitted from the light source and irradiating an optical recording medium with the condensed light beam; a collimator lens, disposed between the light source and the objective lens, for forming the light beam emitted from the light source into a parallel light beam and guiding the parallel light beam to the objective lens; and an aberration correcting device, disposed in an optical path connecting the light source and the optical recording medium, for correcting aberration. The aberration correcting device is disposed in an optical path connecting the light source and the collimator lens.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus, in particular an ophthalmoscope or microscope or transillumination microscope, comprising a light source arrangement (20) and an illumination beam path (3) which is predetermined at least by an illumination lens arrangement (4), and an observation beam path (11) which is predetermined at least by an observation lens arrangement (12), wherein at least one illumination field aperture (2) is arranged in the illumination beam path (3) and at least one observation field aperture (13) is arranged in the observation beam path (11) and the illumination beam path (3) and the observation beam path (11) are arranged at an angle different from 0° in an illumination image plane (6) in which the illumination field aperture (2) can be imaged by the illumination lens arrangement (4), wherein the illumination lens arrangement (4) and the observation lens arrangement (12) are lens arrangements which are separate from each other, wherein a single light-reflecting mirror body (14) which is oscillati

Abstract: A transparent multi-layer lens construction to be worn as a sunglass lens, or a fashion lens, that reflects light in a diffuse manner. The multi-layer lens construction is, in part, a combination of surface form and surface texture combined with a reflective medium and an anti-reflective coating. The present invention offers vast improvements over previously disclosed lens constructions in that it provides for both improved reflectivity and improved optical quality.

Abstract: A magnification varying optical system that directs light from an object to an image sensor includes in order from the object side: a first lens unit having negative optical power and including an optical axis changing element that changes the optical axis; a second lens unit having positive optical power and including three lens elements; a third lens unit having negative optical power; and a fourth lens unit having positive optical power. In this magnification varying optical system, in magnification varying from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens unit is stationary, the distance from the first lens unit to the second lens unit decreases, and the distance from the third lens unit to the fourth lens unit increases. The magnification varying optical system satisfies the specified conditions.

Abstract: A non-uniform light source is combined with a system including an integrating light pipe, a mask placed at the output of the light pipe, and a focusing element placed one focal length beyond the light pipe output at an angle appropriate for directing the light toward the illumination plane of the system. The purpose of the mask is to attenuate areas of the light pipe output that correspond to high irradiance regions at the illumination plane. Accordingly, this combination of optical components produces light with desired irradiance profile, including a substantially uniform irradiance profile, at the illumination plane.

Abstract: A device for reshaping a laser beam may include a first optical element to receive the laser beam. The device may also include a second optical element to invert and reshape the laser beam to substantially correspond to a aperture of a beam director.

Abstract: A system for generating and transmitting energy and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The system for generating and transmitting energy includes prisms, lenses, mirrors, optical cables or optic conduits, heat filters, light filters, and electricity filters. The lenses comprise lens systems to capture electromagnetic signals (wave and particle) coming from any source of radiant energy, from one or more sources of light, from one or more reflective surfaces, or from any electromagnetic wave, long or short. Upon receiving the electromagnetic signals, the lens system multiple n times the intensity of the signals by a method of infinitesimal folding of signals, a method basically consisting of an over-concentration of signals folding onto themselves tenth to millionth times in order to produce substantially concentrated signals and to project the substantially concentrated signals into one single optical cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic image pickup system whose depth dimension is extremely reduced, taking advantage of an optical system type that can overcome conditions imposed on the movement of a zooming movable lens group while high specifications and performance are kept. The electronic image pickup system comprises an optical path-bending zoom optical system comprising, in order from its object side, a 1-1st lens group G1-1 comprising a negative lens group and a reflecting optical element P for bending an optical path, a 1-2nd lens group G1-2 comprising one positive lens and a second lens group G2 having positive refracting power. For zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens group G2 moves only toward the object side. The electronic image pickup system also comprises an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom optical system.

Abstract: Provided is a zoom lens allows size reduction in the depth direction and compactness. The zoom lens includes a plurality of lens groups (GR1 to GR5) and performs zooming by changing an inter-group distance. Of the plurality of lens groups (GR1 to GR5), a first lens group (GR1) on the most object side has a positive refractive power and is fixed. A reflection member for bending an optical axis is provided in the first lens group (GR1) and the reflection member is formed of a rectangular prism (P) having a negative refractive power. In addition, an imaging apparatus using the zoom lens is provided.

Abstract: A lens defines central axis, and includes a light receiving surface, a light reflecting surface, and a light exiting surface. The light reflecting surface is opposite to the light receiving surface along the central axis. The light exiting surface extends between the light receiving surface and the light reflecting surface. When a light source emits a light, a portion of the light emitted by the light source passes through the light receiving surface, and is incident on and is reflected at a plurality of reflections angles by the light reflecting surface to the light exiting surface so as to exit the lens in directions perpendicular to the light exiting surface for all said plurality of reflection angles.

Abstract: Catadioptric single camera systems capable of sampling the lightfield of a scene from a locus of circular viewpoints and the methods thereof are described. The epipolar lines of the system are radial, and the systems have foveated vision characteristics. A first embodiment of the invention is directed to a camera capable of looking at a scene through a cylinder with a mirrored inside surface. A second embodiment uses a truncated cone with a mirrored inside surface. A third embodiment uses a first truncated cone with a mirrored outside surface and a second truncated cone with a mirrored inside surface. A fourth embodiment of the invention uses a planar mirror with a truncated cone with a mirrored inside surface. The present invention allows high quality depth information to be gathered by capturing stereo images having radial epipolar lines in a simple and efficient method.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, a positive third lens group and positive fourth lens group, in this order from the object. The negative first lens group includes a reflection member, and the first lens group remains stationary when zooming is being performed from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. The zoom lens system satisfies the following conditions: 1.0<f2 /(fw×ft)1/2<1.5 ??(1) 1.2<|f1a|/fw<1.8 (f1a<0 ) ??(2) 2.0<f1b/ft<4.0 ??(3) wherein f2: the focal length of the positive second lens group; fw: the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity; ft: the focal length of the entire zoom lens system at the long focal length extremity; f1a: the combined focal length of an object-side lens element with respect to the reflection member; and f1b: the combined focal length of image-side lens elements with respect to the reflection member.

Abstract: In general, in a first aspect, the invention features a system that includes a microlithography projection optical system. The microlithography projection optical system includes a plurality of elements arranged so that during operation the plurality of elements image radiation at a wavelength ? from an object plane to an image plane. At least one of the elements is a reflective element that has a rotationally-asymmetric surface positioned in a path of the radiation. The rotationally-asymmetric surface deviates from a rotationally-symmetric reference surface by a distance of about ? or more at one or more locations of the rotationally-asymmetric surface.

Abstract: A projection optical system for projecting, while enlarging, an image formed on an image formation surface onto an image projection surface from an oblique direction relative thereto has at least three optically powered reflective surfaces and a refractive lens surface having a non-rotation-symmetric free-form curved surface and disposed between the first and second reflective surfaces as counted from the image formation surface side.

Abstract: An obstacle-detectable mobile robotic device includes a frame body capable of traveling on a surface, a control circuit mounted to the frame body for controlling the traveling manner and direction of the frame body, and a detection system mounted to the frame body and electrically connected with the control circuit. The detection system has an optical emitter, an optical receiver, and a reflector. The optical emitter emits the light onto the surface, and the light is reflected onto the reflector and then to the optical receiver to be received by the optical receiver. A receiving area generated by the optical receiver on the reflector never overlaps the surface. Accordingly, the obstacle-detectable mobile robotic device can effectively avoid ambient light pollution to have preferable detection potency.

Abstract: A system may include an optical element including a surface defining a recess, conductive material disposed within the recess, and a solder mask disposed over a portion of the conductive material. The solder mask may define an aperture through which light from the optical element may pass. Some aspects provide creation of an optical element including a surface defining a recess, deposition of conductive material on the surface such that a portion of the deposited conductive material is disposed within the recess, and substantial planarization of the surface to expose the portion of the conductive material disposed within the recess.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide an image display device for modulating light from a light source on the basis of display image data to display an image. The image display device can include a first optically modulating device for modulating light from the light source, a second optically modulating device for modulating light from the first optically modulating device, a relay lens system provided between the first optically modulating device and the second optically modulating device for forming an optical image of the first optically modulating device on a light-receiving surface of the second optically modulating device, and at least one reflecting optical device provided between plural lenses forming the relay lens system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panoramic attachment optical system and a panoramic optical system for taking an image having a full 360°-direction angle of view or projecting an image at a full 360°-direction angle of view. These optical systems are reduced in size and flare light and improved in resolving power. A panoramic attachment optical system 10 attached to the entrance side of an image-formation lens 20 to form a full 360°-direction image on an image plane 30 comprises a transparent medium that is rotationally symmetric about a center axis 1 and includes at least one internal reflecting surface 12 and at least two refracting surfaces 11 and 13. A light beam incident on the entrance surface 11 in order of travel of light enters the transparent medium via the entrance surface 11, and is reflected at the internal reflecting surface 12 to leave the transparent medium via the exit surface 13, forming an image at a position of the image plane 30 off the center axis 1 via the image-formation lens 20.

Abstract: A mono-bloc catadioptric imaging lens comprising a solid body and a single-focal Maksutov type construction characterized by two refractive surfaces and two reflective surfaces wherein all surfaces are surfaces of revolution and wherein at least one surface is aspheric.

Abstract: An optical unit for forming an object image according to the present invention includes: a reflection member for bending an optical axis of the optical unit; a front lens group arranged closer to an object side of the optical unit than the reflection member; a rear lens group arranged closer to an image forming side of the optical unit than the reflection member; and a driver for driving the optical unit. The driver drives the reflection member and the front lens group in a predefined first direction and in a predefined second direction.

Abstract: A zoom lens system comprises, in order from an object side, a positive first lens unit including a reflective optical element, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit and a positive fourth lens unit, or a positive first lens unit, a negative second lens unit, a positive third lens unit, a negative fourth lens unit and a positive fifth lens unit. During zooming from a wide-angle end toward a telephoto end, the first lens unit is fixed, at least the second and third lens units move, and a space between the lens units changes. The second lens unit is positioned closer to an image-surface side in the telephoto end than in the wide-angle end, and the third lens unit is positioned closer to the object side in the telephoto end than in the wide-angle end. An image taking apparatus including the zoom lens system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resin molding body has two faces (front face 15 and lower face 19) perpendicular to each other, and also has a total reflecting face 23 approximately having an angle of 45° with respect to these two faces. Plural collimating lenses 16 and a spacer 17 are integrally formed on one face. Plural collimating lenses 20 and a spacer 21 are also integrally formed on the other face. A wall taking-away portion 26 is concavely arranged between the two faces so as to be located on the rear face side of the total reflecting face 23. Guide holes 18, 22 for inserting guide pins thereinto and connected to optical connectors, etc. are bored on the two faces of the resin molding body.

Abstract: A variable optical-property element includes a liquid crystal the pitch of twist is less than 60 times the wavelength of light used, so that a spatially uneven electric or magnetic field or temperature is applied to the liquid crystal to thereby form an index distribution, and the electric or magnetic field or the temperature is changed to thereby alter the index distribution. In this way, the variable optical-property element is capable of changing its optical properties as a liquid crystal lens and is used in an optical apparatus.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing distinguishable light, in the presence of ambient light is disclosed. The process involves admitting light in a first wavelength band through a first light admission port into a first optical cavity at least partially defined by a first reflector operably configured to reflect light out of the first optical cavity. The process also involves filtering ambient light reflected into the first optical cavity and entering and exiting a first space defined about the first light admission port such that ambient light outside the first wavelength band is attenuated on entry and exit from the first space.

Abstract: Optical Projection System and Method for Photolithography. A lithographic immersion projection system and method for projecting an image at high resolution over a wide field of view. The projection system and method include a final lens which decreases the marginal ray angle of the optical path before light passes into the immersion liquid to impinge on the image plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotationally asymmetric optical system which includes at least one reflecting surface rotationally symmetric about a center axis, is rotationally symmetric about the center axis, and is adapted to form a full 360°-direction image on an image plane or project an image located on the image plane at a full 360°-direction angle of view, and a rotationally asymmetric optical element which is located in such a way as to surround the full circumference of the entrance surface of the full-panoramic optical system in order of travel of light rays in the case of an image-formation optical system, and in reverse order of travel of light rays in the case of a projection optical system, and is rotationally asymmetric about the center axis.

Abstract: The invention presents a wide-angle imaging assembly which comprises a main lens produced from an aspheric optical block. The aspheric optical block comprises a vertical axis of symmetry; a transparent upper surface, at least part of which is capable of reflecting rays that impinge upon it from the interior of the optical block; a transparent perimeter surface; and a transparent lower surface. The optical block is fabricated from material selected to enable optical transmittance of a specific spectral range. Light rays in the specific spectral range originating in a first scene, having a 360 degrees panoramic perimeter, are refracted by the transparent perimeter surface, enter the optical block, are then reflected by the upper surface towards the transparent lower surface, where they are then refracted by the transparent lower surface, and exit through it.

Abstract: An optical system with an optical beam propagation extension, having an input and an output for the optical beam. The system includes at least two optical reflection elements for reflection of the beam, arranged to extend the propagation of the beam by reflection on the reflection elements, and at least one optical beam transmission element arranged to be traversed at least twice by the optical beam in different directions during propagation of the optical beam in the optical system. The optical transmission element ensures an optical transformation of the optical beam each tim the optical beam passes through so as to correct the divergence thereof.

Abstract: An optical module for an optical mouse utilizes the optical theory to provide the light signals as coordinates enabling the optical mouse to offer smoother response and precise tracking. The light coming from a light-emitting device forms the image through multiple transmissions, refractions and reflections, and the image reflects on a light signal acquisition device to provides the coordinates for the displacement of the optical mouse.

Abstract: Two integrating light pipes are optically coupled to a focusing element to produce light with uniform irradiance and intensity profiles. The first ILP stage is used to receive spatially non-uniform light from a single or multi-color source and produce a uniform irradiance distribution while leaving the intensity distribution substantially unaltered. The focusing optical element swaps the irradiance and intensity distributions received from the output of the first ILP and feeds it to a second ILP stage which, in turn, completes the spatial homogenization of the light by transforming the non-uniform irradiance received from the focusing element into an output of uniform irradiance. As a result of this sequence of transformations, a homogeneous multi-color light output, both in intensity and irradiance, is produced.

Abstract: A catadioptric projection optical system for forming a reduced image of a first surface (R) on a second surface (W) is a relatively compact projection optical system having excellent imaging performance as well corrected for various aberrations, such as chromatic aberration and curvature of field, and being capable of securing a large effective image-side numerical aperture while suitably suppressing reflection loss on optical surfaces. The projection optical system comprises at least two reflecting mirrors (CM1, CM2), and a boundary lens (Lb) whose surface on the first surface side has a positive refracting power, and an optical path between the boundary lens and the second surface is filled with a medium (Lm) having a refractive index larger than 1.1.

Abstract: There is provided a lighting module of the type having a solid-state light source, in particular a LED, a supporting plate, and a lens; the lens has a recess housing the light source; the lens is supported by and projects from the plate by means of supporting members (25) carried by the lens and for fitting the lens directly to the plate; and the supporting members are formed in one piece with the lens, and are spaced apart and separated from one another by cooling windows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens unit including: a first lens group; a second lens group; an optical-path bending member; a movable frame holding the first lens group; a stationary frame holding the movable frame movably in an direction of the first optical axis, and adopted to telescopically house the movable frame therein; and a bending-member moving mechanism for moving the optical-path bending member. When an image is taken, the movable frame protrudes from the stationary frame and the optical-path bending member is arranged at a position so as to bend the first optical axis in the direction of the second optical axis. When the lens unit retracts, the bending-member moving mechanism moves the optical-path bending member to retreat the optical-path bending member from an area where the first lens group to be housed in the stationary frame.

Abstract: An optical microscope includes a light source which irradiates a sample with illuminating light. A mirror, which has a variable reflection surface, reflects the illuminating light. A correction table stores plural data of plural shapes of the reflection surface which correspond to changes in a focal position and an aberration. A controller selects, from the plural data stored in the correction table, data of one of the shapes of the reflection surface that is suitable for correcting the focal position and the aberration. And the controller controls the mirror so that the reflection surface forms the shape corresponding to the selected data.