Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus includes a color filter on which a plurality of types of color filter elements are arranged, an optical path modulation optical element configured to shift an incident position of an image on the color filter by electrically modulating an optical path of the image, and a photoelectric conversion cell array configured to acquire image information for each color by detecting, in pixel units, light which has passed through the color filter. A color image is obtained by acquiring, in a time division manner, the image information for each color of the image of which a position is changed by the optical path modulation optical element by using a detection signal of the photoelectric conversion cell array, and combining the acquired image information for each color.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for preventing image astigmatism in wearable heads-up displays (WHUD) with laser projectors are described. A WHUD includes a support structure carrying a laser projector and an eyeglass lens with a transparent combiner. The laser projector includes at least one laser diode, at least one anamorphic optical element, and at least one controllable mirror. The at least one laser diode generates a laser light that, without optical manipulation, would result in an astigmatic, unfocused image at the eye of the user. The at least one anamorphic optical element anamorphically shapes the spot of the laser light to compensate for an astigmatic effect of at least the transparent combiner. The at least one controllable mirror scans the light onto the transparent combiner and the transparent combiner redirects the light towards an eye of a user to create a focused, non-astigmatic image.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring mode spectra for ion-exchanged glass substrates having a steep index region are disclosed. An interfacing fluid is provided between the coupling prism and the glass substrate. The interfacing fluid thickness is selected so that the variation in modal birefringence with fluid thickness is reduced to an acceptable level. The coupling prism can include a prism coating on the coupling surface so that the substrate-prism interface includes the prism coating. The coupling prism can also include stand-off members that serve to define the thickness of the interfacing fluid.

Abstract: A double-sided display structure comprising a light transmitting element comprising a light transmitting material. The light transmitting element has a pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) and a pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) substantially orthogonally disposed to the light receiving faces (22). A light reflecting layer (25) is disposed at an oblique angle to the light receiving faces (22) and the light emitting faces (23), and a pair of light-emitting displays (24) for displaying the same or different still and/or moving images are mounted such that an image from a respective light-emitting display (24) is emitted into a respective light receiving face (22) and is transmitted through the light transmitting element to be reflected by the reflecting layer (25) to a respective light emitting face (23), whereby the images received at the pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) are visible to observers through the pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) of the display structure.

Abstract: A variable focus prism has a first transmissive solution body, a second transmissive solution body that has a different refractive index to that of the first transmissive solution body, and a reflective solution body. The variable focus prism varies the shape of the transmissive surface and the reflective surface by electrical control of the transmissive surface formed on the interface between the first transmissive solution body and the second transmissive solution body, and the reflective surface formed on the interface between the second transmissive solution body and the reflective solution body.

Abstract: A changeable liquid prism array and a method of manufacturing the changeable liquid prism array are provided. The changeable liquid prism array includes a substrate, a wiring layer formed on the substrate, and including conducting wire portions and non-conducting wire portions where the conducting wire portions are not formed, and barrier walls disposed on the wiring layer. The changeable liquid prism array further includes cells defined by the barrier walls, a first liquid included in the cells, and a second liquid located on the first liquid. The changeable liquid prism array further includes side electrodes disposed on side surfaces of the barrier walls, and separated from each other by spaces corresponding to the non-conducting wire portions, and an upper electrode arranged above the barrier walls, and separated from the side electrodes.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display is provided. The stereoscopic display is able to control a viewing position and make a viewing angel wide. On top of a display panel, an image is provided through a plurality of pixels and is separated to a left-eye image and a right-eye image by a lenticular lens. An elastic membrane prism array controls an angle of emitted light. An elastic membrane prism array is disposed on the lenticular lens or on and under the lenticular lens. The elastic membrane prism array includes a prism body having a first chamber and a second chamber, a wall disposed between the first and second chamber, a prism plate connected to the wall, a piston adapted for moving back-and-forth and a transporting tube disposed between the piston and the prism body.

Abstract: A system for controlling an infrared light distribution pattern that includes an electrowetting lens arranged proximate to an infrared light source, and operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area; an electrowetting shutter overlaying the electrowetting lens, and operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area, and operable to a transparent state where infrared light passes through the electrowetting shutter; an object detector configured to detect an object in the area; and a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the object detector, and operate the electrowetting lens and the electrowetting shutter in order to control the infrared light distribution pattern based on a location of the object. The pattern may be uniform or may be customized for the object being heated.

Abstract: A variable focus prism has a first transmissive solution body, a second transmissive solution body that has a different refractive index to that of the first transmissive solution body, and a reflective solution body. The variable focus prism varies the shape of the transmissive surface and the reflective surface by electrical control of the transmissive surface formed on the interface between the first transmissive solution body and the second transmissive solution body, and the reflective surface formed on the interface between the second transmissive solution body and the reflective solution body.

Abstract: A video projector includes a reduced size spatial light modulator (400) that spatially modulates light from a light source (502) according to only a portion (e.g., ½) of a video frame at a time. A beam steerer (508, 600, 1600) steers spatially modulated light from the spatial light modulator to a correspond region (e.g., upper half, lower half) of a projection screen/surface (512) and one or more lenses (506, 510, 702, 802, 1002, 1008, 1100, 1300, 1502) insure that the spatially light modulator (400) is imaged onto the projection screen/surface (512).

Abstract: A pair of optical prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a refractive or diffractive cylindrical lens element, the later of which generates an aberration that at least partially compensates an aberration generated by the pair of optical prisms. The refractive or diffractive cylindrical lens element is rotated out of normal with respect to the optic axis of the system so as to provide for reflecting stray light away from the optic axis.

Abstract: Cellular matrices generally having a plurality of generally identical cells (open-ended geometric prisms) arranged to form a repeating geometric form, and characterized by radiant and/or convection barriers at each cell to mitigate undesired thermal transmission in a plurality of directions there through. Barriers of various embodiments include non-film sheet material, such as non-woven (e.g., spun) or batting-type sheet material as well as a foam sheet material, which may be substituted for some or all of the film material otherwise comprising the matrix, and/or integration of a thermally reflective film or coating into the matrix and/or enveloping panels of an inflatable body to provide enhanced thermal radiation mitigation means.

Abstract: A highly adaptable system for creating colorful spectral displays or for achieving a prismatic effect using visible light is provided. The invention includes a fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element fabricated from plate glass mirror material. A compound version of this monolithic element wherein multiple single elements have been affixed to one another for the purpose of creating a more complex spectral display is also provided. The invention also includes a prism-like device that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays on a variety of surfaces while utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light source such as the sun.

Abstract: A method for calculating out an optimum arrangement pitch between each two LED chip package units, including: providing a backlight module with a predetermined brightness value and a predetermined material information that a customer needs; determining what brightness level and amount of LED chip package units need to be used by a designer according to the brightness value and the material information of the backlight module; and dividedly arranging the LED chip package units determined by the designer on a light-entering area of the backlight module in order to define what the optimum arrangement pitch between each two LED chip package units is.

Abstract: A radiant energy trap. This diffuse and direct radiant energy concentrator comprises at least one reflector, a refractor substantially prism shaped and a receiver interfaced with the refractor. The invention is capable of a solid angle of acceptance of radiant energy, equivalent to that of a flat panel collector, while maintaining a relatively high concentration ratio of diffuse light. The invention can be embodied as an effective hybrid solar electric and thermal collector. A unique yet simple geometry results in relatively high optical and thermal efficiency. The invention can be embodied as a low profile 3-D diffuse light concentrator, combining reflection, refraction, and total internal reflection to approach the thermodynamic limit. It minimizes materials cost to the limits of cost reduction with relatively high efficiency PV cells. The invention increases the utilization of available solar energy and greatly reduces installed system payback periods, compared to prior art.

Abstract: A system for multidirectional electromagnetic wave irradiation of an object to be processed has at least one of a side face irradiation prism system capable of irradiating a top face and one, two or more side faces of the object, and a bottom face irradiation prism system capable of irradiating a bottom face of the object. The side face irradiation prism system has an optical path direction changing prism placed so that each of the optical paths through which electromagnetic waves entering the optical path from above travel extends via the optical path direction changing prism to reach the side face of the object, without being obstructed. In this way, a laser machining apparatus or the like can be implemented which can simultaneously irradiate the faces of the object to be processed with electromagnetic waves with accuracy without moving the object to be processed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an optical component in three dimensions. In one aspect, the method includes providing a substrate that includes contiguous rigid plates that are disposed such that a major surface of each rigid plate lies substantially in a single plane. At least one of said surfaces is characterized by a micro-optical structure. Further in the method, the substrate is folded such that the at least one surface having a micro-optical structure and at least one other of the above-recited surfaces are disposed at an angle to one another. A second method is also disclosed. Disclosed structures made by the method(s) include a mesa structure with a top plate and four sidewall plates, each facing a reflective plate, as well as closed structures such as cubes and rectilinear boxes into which separate plates may be disposed. A mold for preferentially making the substrate such as by injection molding is also detailed.

Abstract: A zoom lens including a varifocal lens unit having a plurality of movable lens groups, and a prism disposed on an image side of the varifocal lens unit. The prism has an incident plane on which a light flux from the varifocal lens unit enters, and an exit plane from which the light flux is emitted toward an image plane, and is configured such that the incident plane or the exit plane or both planes can be inclined with respect to an optical axis, whereby a field of view is shifted by a predetermined amount by inclining the plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small-size and light-weight optical system with an adjustable focal length. The invention relates to a method and system comprising an image plane on which there is formed an image of the target observed by the optical system, a first optical component with an adjustable focal length, and a prism with an optical path that is adjustable to correspond to the focal length adjusted for the first optical component. By means of the optical system according to the invention, there is formed an image of the target under observation, located at the distance of the focal length of the first optical component, on the image plane so that the first optical component, the prism and the image plane remain permanently in place in relation to each other.

Abstract: A tunable-shape prism comprises: a fluid chamber including a first fluid and a second fluid. The first fluid is electrically conducted and the second fluid is electrically insulated. The first fluid and the second fluid have different refractive indexes and the first fluid and the second fluid are non-miscible to each other. A meniscus is formed between the first fluid and the second fluid. A plurality of first electrodes are contacted with the first fluid and a plurality of second electrodes are even-annularly arranged around the first and the second fluids. The plurality of the second electrodes are coated by an insulator; and the plurality of the second electrodes and the corresponding first electrode together constitute a plurality of electrode pairs.

Abstract: A device for redirecting light may comprise a plurality of liquid prisms configured to transmit incident light from an image display element. The liquid prisms may be configured to selectively modulate a direction of the transmitted light relative to the incident light so as to selectively alter an angle at which an image generated by the image display element is projected to an observer. A method for redirecting light may comprise transmitting incident light from an image display element through a plurality of liquid prisms and selectively modulating a direction of the transmitted light relative to the incident light so as to selectively alter an angle at which an image generated by the image display element is projected to an observer.

Abstract: A prism unit includes a first prism having a first incident face and a first refraction face that is adjacent to and that cooperates with the first incident face to define a first angle ranging 50° to 70°, a second prism having a second incident face that is generally parallel to the first refraction face and a medium layer sandwiched between the first refraction face and the second incident face, and having a refractive index smaller than that of the first and second prisms.

Abstract: In a 2D/3D display, a switchable lenticular array having foci which can be switched in a continuous way between first focal strength and a second focal strength is provided. The switchable lenticular array comprises fluid cylindrical lens portions, while the foci can be controlled by electrowetting.

Abstract: A zoom lens comprising, from the object side to the image side, a front lens group (72), a controllable lens group, and a rear lens group (74), the controllable lens group comprising a voltage-controlled electrowetting device, which device contains a first fluid (A) and a second fluid (B) having different refractive indices, with at least two first fluid-second fluid interfaces (40,42). The curvatures, and thus the lens power, of these interfaces can be changed independently by supplying a voltage (V1, V2) to electrodes (22,32) of the device, so that no mechanical movement of lens elements is needed.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for spectacles which include two variable focus lens units. The mechanism mounts on the spectacle bridge; and includes two elongated drive levers mounted near opposite ends of the bridge, each extending toward the other end of the bridge. The free end of each driving lever is connected to its corresponding lens unit through a linkage. The driving levers are caused to rotate simultaneously, but in opposite directions, by a cam that is driven by a sliding member that slides along the bridge. By positioning the sliding member as desired, the spectacles wearer causes the cam to rotate, thereby causing the driving levers to rotate, and both lens units to change focal length.

Abstract: Pixels of a display device include a reservoir containing two immiscible fluids. Switching of a pixel state is based on redistribution of the fluids within the reservoir due to electrostatic forced applied onto electrodes, and a potential applied to one of the fluids which is electrically conducting.

Abstract: An anisotropically etched prism assembly including a device portion, a light coupling portion, and an alignment portion. The anisotropically etched prism assembly having a plurality of optical devices arranged in a first fixed pattern. Each pair of said plurality of optical devices spaced a first prescribed distance apart. The light coupling portion including a plurality of anisotropically etched prisms. Each one of the plurality of anisotropically etched prisms is arranged in second fixed pattern so as to correspond with a respective one of the plurality of optical devices. Each one of the pairs of said plurality of anisotropically etched prisms are spaced a second prescribed distance apart, the second prescribed distance substantially equals the first prescribed distance. The alignment portion aligns the light coupling portion and the device portion. Each one of said plurality of anisotropically etched prisms are aligned with a respective one of said plurality of optical devices.

Abstract: An apparatus that reduces convergence and focus drift in imager prism assemblies includes at least one assembly having a first side and a second side. The first side communicates with a first isolator inner surface and a second side communicates with a second isolator inner surface. An outer surface of the first isolator communicates with a first member of a frame. An outer surface of the second isolator communicates with a top side of a damping member. A bottom side of the damping member communicates with a second member of the frame. There is at least one guide pin located through the first isolator and the first member. A first adhesive secures the first side to the first isolator inner surface and the first adhesive secures the second side to the second isolator inner surface. A second adhesive secures the first isolator outer surface to the first member and the second adhesive secures the second isolator outer surface with the top side.

Abstract: An optical element is disposed between cover glasses, and an optical coupling liquid is injected between the optical element and the cover glasses to form an optical package. An adhesive provides a liquid tight seal between the cover glasses. The optical element is a retarder, filter, polarizing film, or other optical element. Spacers are placed between the optical element and cover glasses to maintain space between the optical element and the cover glasses and assist in distribution of the optical coupling liquid. Applications include prism assemblies and other optical products. The invention may also be applied to joining optical components with liquid joints. For example, an optical switch includes a controllable retarder in a liquid filled joint.

Abstract: A mounting bracket (40) for suspending a clear aperture of the base face of a prism (30) has a frame providing a horizontal support surface for allowing light to pass through the clear aperture of the suspended prism (30). First, second, and third support elements (44, 46) are spaced apart on the frame for supporting the base face of the prism (30), suspending the clear aperture. The second and third support elements (44) are peripheral to the clear aperture. The center of gravity of the prism (30), vertically projected, lies on or within the triangle formed by the first, second, and third support elements (44, 46).

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting optical path length of an optical path are provided. The systems and methods can be used to controllably adjust optical path length in an external cavity laser. A representative optical path having a first end and a second end comprises a first transparent refractive element located in the optical path between the first end and the second end. The transparent refractive element is adjustable to adjust the optical path length of the optical path without changing the physical distance between the first end and the second end. A representative method includes introducing a transparent refractive element into the optical path and adjusting the transparent refractive element to change the optical path length without changing the physical distance between the first end and the second end of the optical path.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lighting apparatus including a light source, an optical member that is placed in front of the light source and provided with a reflecting surface for reflecting light from the light source or prism sections each made up of a refracting surface which receives the light incident from the light source and a reflecting surface for reflecting the light incident from this refracting surface. Here, in the optical member, there is a plurality of pairs of the reflecting surfaces or prism sections arranged in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis within a plane including the radial direction of the light source centered on the optical axis. The present invention can provide a low-profile lighting apparatus using light from the light source with high efficiency.

Abstract: A beam steerer/scanner (50) includes a dynamically balanced bi-index rotating element (52). The element is comprised of a pair (52A, 52B) of transparent hemispheres which are of the same size and shape, are made from two materials of equal density, but which materials have different refractive indices (n). When the element is oscillated or rotated, an incident beam (L) impinging upon the element through a coupling lens (56) is deviated from its initial path and a deviated beam (T) is emitted from the element through another coupling lens (58). Because the two materials forming the hemispheres are of equal density, the resulting assembly may be oscillated or rotated at very high speeds without causing excessive vibration or stress. The steerer/scanner provides a high (>0.95) throughput and scanning rates as high as 1 kHz are possible. A two-dimensional scanning unit can also be constructed using the same components as used to produce a one-dimensional scanner.

Abstract: A highly adaptable system for creating colorful spectral displays or for achieving a prismatic effect using visible light. The invention includes a fixed-angle or monolithic prismatic element fabricated from plate glass mirror material. A compound version of this monolithic element wherein multiple single elements have been affixed to one another for the purpose of creating a more complex spectral display is also provided. The invention also includes a prism-like device that utilizes a standard mirror, mirrors, or other materials with highly reflective surfaces and water or a similar fluid that disperses light in a predictable manner at or on a specific target. Both the fixed prismatic elements and the adjustable light dispersing elements may be arranged into one or more arrays that may be used to create complex spectral displays on a variety of surfaces while utilizing one or more available light sources or a moving light source such as the sun.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an achromatic phase shift device (1) for introducing a wavelength independent optical phase shift in a first optical beam (40) during operation, comprising at least one dispersive element (55k) formed by first refractive means (2k) and second refractive means (4k), the first refractive means (2k) having a first refractive means input plane (6) for receiving the first optical beam (40) and a first refractive means output plane (8) being at a predetermined angle (&bgr;) to each other, the second refractive means (4k) having a second refractive means input plane (10) and a second refractive means output plane (12) being positioned parallel to the first refractive means input plane (6). The device may comprise further pairs (55k) of respective first and second refractive means (2k, 4k). The present invention also relates to an interferometer comprising at least one achromatic phase shift device.

Abstract: Display cells (10) contain two immiscible fluids (3, 4) having different refractive index orabsorption coefficient, the cells being placed below a transparent substrate (10) having a prismatic structure enabling total internal reflection (TIR). Switching is based on frustrated TIR by (re)distribution of the fluids within the cell due to elecrostatic forces on (external) electrodes (5, 6) and a potential applied to one of the fluids (4) which is electrically conducting.

Abstract: An epifluorescent microscope (11) is constructed with a quick changing set of filters (13,20,21). A wheel (13) containing a plurality of dichroic beamsplitter mirrors (6165) mounted equidistance from a center axis (66) of the wheel is mounted at a 45° angle within the lightpath and provides a beamsplitter function. Light from an excitation source (12) is provided as monochromatic light, so that light from the excitation source (12) is reflected by a selected one of the dichroic mirrors (6165) to the specimen (15), and Stokes shifted light from the specimen (15) is transmitted through the dichroic mirror (6165). By separately mounting the dichroic mirrors (6165), the dichroic mirrors can be quickly moved and a quicker change of sensed fluorophores is achieved. An additional advantage is that excitation (20) and emission (21) filters can be quickly changed independently of the dichroic mirror element (13).

Abstract: A pair of prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a curved refractive element, the later of which generates an aberration that at least partially compensates an aberration generated by the pair of prisms. Examples of the curved refractive element include, but are not limited to, a cylindrical lens, a curved substrate of optical material, a pair of counter-rotatable cylindrical lenses, a fluid-filled cylindrical lens with variable power incorporating a substrate that is deformed by a clamp mechanism over a fulcrum or curved surface, and at least one curved surface of fixed or variable curvature of the prisms, the later of which may be fluid-filled. In one embodiment, a color image is generated as a composite of images from different image modulators, each modulating a different color, and chromatic aberration is compensated by electronically scaling or shifting images from different image modulators differently.

Abstract: A polarization luminaire is disclosed having a light source, a system of the optical integrator, a polarized light splitting device for splitting a light emitted from the light source into two kinds of polarized lights whose polarization directions are perpendicular to each other and whose traveling directions are apart from each other by an angle of less than 90 degrees, and a polarization conversion device for causing the two kinds of polarized lights to have the same polarization direction. The polarized light splitting device is placed on one of the entrance side and the outputting side of the first lens plate of the system of the optical integrator or is placed within the second lens plate. A prism beam splitter having a polarized light splitting film constituted by a thermally stable dielectric multi-layer film is suitable for the polarized light splitting device. Most of the polarized lights can be utilized by causing the polarized lights to have the same polarization direction.

Abstract: An optical device has a base body with a surface, a first optically effective, multilayer system in the base body, terminating at an intersection, and a second optically effective, multilayer system. The second system has a layer along the base body surface, spanning the intersection. The surface of the base body, including the intersection, are jointly treated by at least one of: milling, grinding, polishing, and lapping. A further base body with a further surface and a third optically effective system terminating at a further intersection area at the further surface also has a further layer between the second optically effective multilayer system and the further surface.

Abstract: In order to provide a grism wherein even if the vertex angle of a prism increases, it does not exceed its critical angle, besides, which can elevate its efficiency, and mass-production of which is possible, whereby reduction in cost of which can be realized. The grism comprises a first prism having a high refractive index, a second prism having a high refractive index, and a volume phase grating used for a diffraction grating; and the vertex angle of the first prism being opposed to the vertex angle of the second prism so as to sandwich the volume phase grating between the first prism and the second prism.

Abstract: A low profile rearview mirror for a motor vehicle having a first refractor with a first refractive index and a first chromatic dispersive poser. The first refractor is disposed in a housing on the exterior of the vehicle A reflector mounted partially within the motor vehicle extends into the housing for the first refractor and the retractor is positioned to receive and reflect light from objects behind the vehicle passing through the first refractor. A second refractor having a second refractive index and a second chromatic dispersive power is mounted between the first refractor and the reflector and the first and second refractors have complementary properties of chromatic dispersion.

Abstract: A pair of prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a curved refractive element, the later of which generates an aberration that at least partially compensates an aberration generated by the pair of prisms. Examples of the curved refractive element include, but are not limited to, a cylindrical lens, a curved substrate of optical material, a pair of counter-rotatable cylindrical lenses, a fluid-filled cylindrical lens with variable power incorporating a substrate that is deformed by a clamp mechanism over a fulcrum or curved surface, and at least one curved surface of fixed or variable curvature of the prisms, the later of which may be fluid-filled. In one embodiment, a color image is generated as a composite of images from different image modulators, each modulating a different color, and chromatic aberration is compensated by electronically scaling or shifting images from different image modulators differently.

Abstract: An image display apparatus having a three-dimensionally decentered optical path to attain a reduction in overall size of the apparatus and to place constituent members effectively in a dead space, thereby permitting the apparatus to be designed in a variety of ways. The apparatus includes an image display device and a viewing optical system for leading an image formed by the image display device to a pupil. The viewing optical system has at least a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface positioned closer to the pupil than the first reflecting surface along the optical path. A first plane defined by the optical axis incident on the first reflecting surface and the optical axis reflected therefrom and a second plane defined by the optical axis incident on the second reflecting surface and the optical axis reflected therefrom intersect each other at an arbitrary angle, thereby forming a three-dimensionally decentered optical path.

Abstract: An aberration correcting apparatus and an optical pickup apparatus using this apparatus, in which a spherical aberration based on a thickness error of an optical disc substrate can be preferably eliminated and a thickness error permission range of the optical disc substrate can be widened even if an objective lens of a high numerical aperture is used.

Abstract: A dynamic optical path length modulator for optical interferometry, holography and tomography is disclosed. The optical path length in a beam path is changed in that the light beam in question is guided through a double mirror arrangement which is formed of two plane mirrors which are parallel to one another and are rotatable about a common axis. A path length-dependent dispersion of any desired magnitude can be introduced into the beam path by the arrangement of plane plates and prisms.

Abstract: The variable view window enables a user to change the views possible through a window from a given perspective point. One embodiment includes two variable prisms, temperature regulating element, insulating layer, mounting structures, actuator, and software. Objectives of this new art are to maximize refraction, control dipersion, and minimize physical motion.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for spectacles which include two variable focal length lens units. Each lens unit is fitted with a coupling member which extends from the lens unit into the bridge of the spectacles. A linearly-movable finger-operated slider, having a finger pad extending above the bridge, causes a cam within the bridge to rotate as it is moved, the cam being coupled to the coupling members causing them to move and the focal length of the lens units thereby to change.

Abstract: A compact optical imaging system that transmits light received from an object located at an image plane to an exit pupil to form an image comprises a first prism, a second prism, a converging reflective element, and a converging transmissive element. The first prism includes a first face, a second face, and a third face that faces the image plane. The included angle between the first face and the second face of the first prism is .alpha.. The second prism includes a first face facing the exit pupil and substantially parallel to the first face of the first prism, and a second face adjacent the second face of the first prism. The converging reflective element is adjacent the first face of the first prism. The converging transmissive element is on or adjacent the first face of the second prism. The included angle .alpha.

Abstract: A liquid-filled variable focus lens unit, particularly useful in eyeglasses, comprised of a generic variable focus capsule to which a fixed-focus rigid lens is attached. The capsule has a preestablished optical power at its distance setting, which may be the same for all capsules of a given style, and a variable optical addition. The rigid lens, which is attached to a completed capsule, includes a surface having a shape related to the visual acuity of an intended user so that the combination of a generic capsule and the rigid lens results in a lens unit having a net optical power which matches the refractive prescription of the intended user at all distances.