Abstract: An illuminated optical magnifying device with an optical focusing unit that can produce a magnified image of an object to be observed and with an illumination device whose light is at least partially applicable for illuminating the object to be observed, whereby the illumination device is composed of at least one luminous diode, which is arranged in the magnifying device in such a way that its light can emerge from the magnifying device essentially straight toward the direction of the object to be observed.

Abstract: A multi-aperture irradiation profile shaping system is presented that uses at least one arrangement of at least three apertures associated with a plurality of optical elements, wherein at least one optical element has positive optical power and another one element has negative optical power. The system may be implemented with the apertures in one, two, or three dimensions. The system yields a predetermined arbitrary irradiation profile on a target. The shape of the apertures may be any one of square, rectangular, and hexagonal. The shape of the apertures may also be asymmetric so that a rotation of the aperture shape by 180 degrees around an axis perpendicular to the surface of the aperture yields an inverted aperture shape. The system may be implemented with apertures having symmetric and asymmetric shapes that allow nearly 100% fill factor.

Abstract: An optical member inspection apparatus includes an inspection optical system having a light source, and a diffusing means for diffusing the light emitted from the light source. The diffusing means has a central portion and a peripheral portion. The diffusion transmittance of the peripheral portion is higher than the diffusion transmittance of the central portion. The inspection optical system is also provided with an image pick-up means to pick-up an image of the optical member to be inspected, and is positioned so as to receive that light emitted from the light source and transmitted through the diffusing means and the optical member. A judging means is also provided, for judging whether or not the optical member has a defect, in accordance with image signals output from the image pick-up means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for acquiring an image of a patterned object such as a fingerprint including a light refracting device, a focusing lens, and a light source. The light refracting device can, for example, be a prism and includes an imaging surface, a light receiving surface and a viewing surface. Incident light from the light source is projected through the light receiving surface and reflected off a surface other than the imaging surface. This reflected light is then projected onto the imaging surface to create an image of the patterned object from substantially all scattered light through the viewing surface. The lens is placed adjacent to the viewing surface to focus the light on an image sensor. The apparatus is configured to reduce or substantially eliminate trapezoidal distortion and improve overall image sharpness in an image of an object created by the apparatus.

Abstract: A microscope having a device for selectable illumination for observation of a specimen by ultraviolet light, DUV light, or by visible light, and which can keep ultraviolet light and visible light separate. The microscope includes a visible light illuminating system to illuminate a specimen with visible light, an ultraviolet light illuminating system to illuminate the specimen with ultraviolet light, a visible light observation system to observe the specimen illuminated by the visible light illuminating system, and an ultraviolet light observation system to observe the specimen by the ultraviolet light illuminating system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination optical system including an optical integrator for forming a secondary light source by use of light from a light source, and a condenser optical system for condensing light from the optical integrator upon a surface to be illuminated, wherein the condenser optical system is arranged to change, independently of each other, an illuminance distribution and an angular distribution of the light incident on the surface illuminated.

Abstract: Multi-beam lithography apparatus is used for writing patterns on a substrate 14 such as a wafer for ICs. The patterns may have details of various dimensions. In order to enhance the production rate, it is attractive to write fine details with a small spot 16 and large details with a large spot. It is known to vary the spot size by varying the emissive surface of the electron source. In accordance with the invention the spot size is varied by varying the size 22 of the beam limiting aperture 20, thus enabling optimization of the beam current in dependence on the spot size. A preferred embodiment is provided with an additional (condenser) lens 24 such that the object distance remains constant when the magnification of the lens system 18, 24 is varied.

Abstract: An image forming optical system minimizes the effects of ghosts in an image. In one embodiment of the present invention, light is at an intermediate point of the optical system. Introducing light in this manner can result in ghosts being produced in the imaged data or in data being missing from the imaged data, both of which are undesirable conditions. The present invention minimizes ghosting and loss of data by maintaining one or more optical relationships to within set ranges.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: An optical instrument for facilitating the observation of surface engravings located on an optical lens includes a base housing having a light source therein for illuminating the optical lens. An image contrastor, selected based on the type of lens to be examined, is placed on the base housing over the light source. The image contrastor includes its own housing within which is positioned a viewing plate and a light diffuser. A screening pattern or coating is formed on the viewing plate to define a backdrop for examining the lens. A support member extends from the base housing and carries a magnifying lens. With this arrangement, an optical lens may be placed between the image contrastor and the magnifying lens to enhance the observation of engravings on the optical lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for generating a 360.degree. view of a surface area of a three-dimensional object, such as a wire or cable, and for inspecting the surface area for flaws or imperfections. A receiving lens defines an optical axis extending through the object, and an origin located on the optical axis within the object and spaced a predetermined distance from the receiving lens, for generating a direct image of a front surface section of the object. A first mirror is spaced a first predetermined distance from the origin on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens for generating a first mirror image of a first rear surface section of the object. A second mirror is spaced a second predetermined distance from the origin on another side of the object relative to the receiving lens, and on another side of the optical axis relative to the first mirror, for generating a second mirror image of a second rear surface section of the object.

Abstract: An optical element inspecting apparatus for inspecting optical elements for defects. The optical element inspecting apparatus includes an illuminating unit, an image capturing unit, two polarizers, a rotation device, a controller, and a means for composing a plurality of image data captured by the image capturing unit.The optical element to be inspected is placed between the polarizers and is illuminated by the illuminating unit. The light that passes through the polarizers and the optical element is captured by the image capturing unit and stored in memory. The controller controls the rotation device such that the polarizers are rotated by a predetermined amount and a subsequent image data is captured. In this way, a number of image data are captured and all image data are composed to make a composite image data. The optical element is examined to detect flaws therein by using the composite image data.

Abstract: A system for the remote identification of objects under varying light conditions. Objects are illuminated with a non-coherent light source for viewing by an observer. A low power laser diode and lens system which sends a laser beam out on an inclined plane determines the distance to and size of objects under observation. A significant change of position of objects under observation causes an alarm to be activated.

Abstract: The optical unit of an imaging system is disposed between a target object and an image plane, and permits the passage of cones of light from different point sources on the target object therethrough to form an image on the image plane. The optical unit is provided with an aperture stop to control sizes of the cones of light passing through the optical unit. The aperture stop forms an entrance pupil in relation to the optical unit. A rectifying mask, which is formed as an upright opaque plate, is disposed between the target object and the image plane. The aperture stop forms a corresponding aperture stop image on a plane of the rectifying mask, and the rectifying mask has a mask width which is narrower than the width of the corresponding aperture stop image, and a mask height which is greater than the mask width.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for applying a finishing block to a lens. An imaging screen for imaging an alignment pattern representing characteristics of the lens and reference data on the lens is provided. The lens is positioned in the apparatus with the pattern and the data aligned. With the lens in this position, the apparatus automatically attaches the finishing block to the lens in registration with the reference data.

Abstract: A drum scanning type image reading apparatus includes an illumination optical system and an imaging optical system. The illumination optical system is an optical system for irradiating light upon an original. A variable aperture stop is disposed at a conjugate position with the original. In the imaging optical system, a pick-up lens focuses an image of an image reading region of the original on an image focusing surface, and photomultiplier tubes read light passing through one of holes which are formed in a main aperture plate which is disposed on the image focusing surface. To change an image reading resolution in the image reading apparatus, the image reading region and an illumination region are changed by changing the aperture size of the main aperture plate and the size of the variable aperture stop.

Abstract: A device is provided for reading information from a media containing randomly located encoded data in the form of a one or two-dimensional symbology is provided. The device comprises a housing having a slot capable of receiving the media therein to an axial extent thereof. The media is illuminated by a light source disposed within the housing. The light reflected from the media is received and converted into pixel data that includes data representative of the symbology. Thereafter, the symbology data is discriminated from among the pixel data, and the discriminated symbology data is converted into readable information signals. Alternatively, the device may comprise a housing having a window and a light source disposed within the housing capable of providing illumination through the window onto the media when positioned in proximity to the window.

Abstract: An optical device for illuminating and inspecting the interior of restricted spaces at a distance, comprising an elongated tubular housing having a distal end, a proximal sight end, and two apertures adjacent to the distal end and on the outer surface of the housing, namely, a first aperture through which a focused light beam reflected off of a first mirror is directed into a restricted space, and a second aperture through which reflected light and the image within the restricted space is received and reflected off of a second mirror through the sight end.

Abstract: A lens assembly including a printed circuit board having a longitudinal series of light emitting diodes, a casing mounted on the printed circuit board and covered over the light emitting diodes and having a glass cover, and a lens having a bottom side mounted on the glass cover, a plane top surface, and a sand finished, peripheral surface which confines the light of the LEDs to the plane top surface of the lens.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for uniformly illuminating an illuminated object surface. The apparatus comprises light source means for supplying an illumination light beam having parallel rays, an optical integrator for forming a plurality of beams from the illumination light beam from said light source means, a condenser optical system for converging the plurality of beams from said optical integrator to illuminate the illuminated object surface in a superimposed manner, and an optical member having a light quantity attenuator for transmitting said illumination light beam so as to attenuate a light quantity of said illumination light beam by a predetermined amount, said optical member being located at or in the vicinity of a position conjugate with said illuminated object surface.

Abstract: A hand-held microfilm reader comprises an elongate body formed by two parts connected together at one end and separated at the other ends to form a slot. A microfilm sheet can be inserted in the slot with a translucent screen being provided to one side of the slot and a magnifying system to the other side of the slot. An electric light bulb is provided behind the translucent screen to illuminate the screen and the sheet and a clamping device is provided for releasably clamping a sheet against the translucent screen when a required portion of the sheet is in the field of view of the magnifying device.A translucent cover may be provided in the part carrying the screen to allow ambient light to the screen to illuminate a microfilm should the electric light system fail.

Abstract: An electronic light dot reticle sight (10) for a firearm has a concave surface lens (22) in a tubular lens housing (11) and an external LED (25) connected via a fiber optic (26) to generate a light point image viewable ahead of the concave surface. A tubular circuitry housing (32) joins lens housing (11) at right angles and has a light adjustment knob (58) which turns a printed circuit disk (42) against a contact (54) on an internal shoulder (39) to select a resistor connection (38, 46) to a spring-loaded common battery contact (49). A spring-loaded pin (73), passing through a recoil bar (70) having an arcuate projection (93) that fits within an arcuate recess (94), provides a shock-resistant connection between lens housing (11) and the firearm. Adjustment screws (31, 94) act at one end of bar (70) to set windage and elevation about the pivot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnifying observation apparatus of a video type in which an image of an object to be observed which has been picked up by an image pick-up apparatus incorporating an imaging device therein is reproduced on a monitor display and observed. It is an object of the invention to attain a compact structure of the entire system so as to permit easy observation in a simple manner. According to the present invention, in order to achieve such object, not only the imaging device but also a control circuit unit for the imaging device, an optical system for focusing the image of the object to be observed on the imaging device, and a light-source lamp for lighting the object to be observed, are incorporated in the image pick-up apparatus.

Abstract: An optical accessory for reflection spectroscopy having a very small sampling area and provided with a microscope for aiding the user to locate a sample to be analyzed on the active sampling area where it can interact with a radiation beam. The microscope is characterized by fiber optic bundles to supply sample illumination via a cone-shaped light-funnelling tip terminated in a thin hard optically transparent wear tip, e.g., of sapphire. The microscope is also used to apply pressure via the wear tip to the sample while it is being illuminated and while it can be viewed to maximize interaction with the radiation.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method and an implement for permitting one to precisely know the degree of the brilliance of a diamond, the colors of the light, and so on. A gem to be observed or photographed is placed inside a container having an opening in the top. The gem is so placed in the container that light can enter the container only from directions lying within the range of angles of 20 to 50 degrees about the line vertical to the gem. The gem inside the container is observed or photographed from above the container while directing light into the container from above. As an example, the method is carried out with an implement comprising a container having an opening at the top, a reflecting plate having a hole in its center and disposed above the container such that the light reflected by this reflecting plate enters the container, and a seat portion on which a gem is placed. The seat portion is located substantially in the center of the bottom of the container.

Abstract: Viewer apparatus for object sorting machines and illumination system for such viewers, the viewer in one embodiment having a housing with a viewing device and a light source mounted therein and an opening through which objects to be sorted pass, with one or more reflectors disposed in the housing to reflect light onto portions of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for illuminating an object surface with light at varying angles of incidence and for optically evaluating the object surface for features and defects, etc. are disclosed. In a specific implementation the systems and methods, the target object comprises a coin and the illumination and evaluation techniques are used to accurately objectively evaluate the numismatic quality of the coin and/or identify the coin. Central to the illumination and evaluation techniques is the ability to apply a uniform confined beam of light to the surface of the target object to be imaged. The confined angles of incidence of the beam of light includes a perpendicular component angle of incidence range and a parallel component angle of incidence range relative to the object surface. The component ranges are defined such a light beam illuminates the object surface from a well-defined direction.

Abstract: A cursor magnifying glass arrangement has a support body for holding a magnifying glass body having a cylindrical portion and a lens section. The cylindrical portion is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the cylindrical axis and is convexly curved. An evaluation coil is disposed coaxially to the cylindrical portion. The lens body is removably, preferably interconnectedly, supported in the support body, and the evaluation coil is fixed on the support body radially outside of the path of the edge light beam of the lens section.

Abstract: A magnifying assembly of the type employing a lens surrounded by a plastic or metal holding is placed in a light diffuser, which light diffuser is an annular member having an open top which is associated with a peripheral flange upon which the magnifying lens rests. The member has a bottom opening which is associated with an annular curved flange which is abraded so as to uniformly diffuse light over the surface of a document to be read whereby the area enclosed by the bottom opening of the annual member is uniformly illuminated by a light source.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable, visual inspection aid is described which has a variety of uses in diverse fields, e.g., manufacturing, service and repair industries, health care field, hobby field, etc. The inspection aid includes a light source and a prism having one mirrored surface. Optionally there may also be included a magnifying lens for magnifying the image viewed through the prism. The device is useful for visually inspecting objects in areas not readily viewed with the naked eye.