Abstract: A vehicular electrochromic rearview mirror system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and at least one exterior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly. Each mirror assembly includes an electrochromic reflective element that assumes a partial reflectance level in response to a signal applied thereto. A drive circuit applies a drive signal to each of the electrochromic reflective elements. The drive circuit may include a digital controller, a master drive circuit responsive to the digital controller to apply a first drive signal to one of the electrochromic reflective elements and a slave drive circuit responsive to the digital controller to apply a second drive signal to a second of the electrochromic reflective elements. The second drive signal may be derived from the first drive signal. The drive circuit may include a digital controller and a switching power supply controlled by the digital controller to produce a drive signal.

Abstract: In order to develop a rear-view mirror for a vehicle, with a reflective surface, in such a way that the rear-view mirror can firstly provide the driver of the vehicle with depth information based on a physical measurement, and is also capable of displaying further information which is important to the driver, without causing the driver to change viewing direction, it is proposed to equip the reflective surface (1) in a rear-view mirror, at least in a subarea, with a display (3) with a reflective background, the display (3) being capable of displaying text symbols and/or pictograms. In this case, the reflective surface (1), in spite of the inserted information, is intended to remain usable over virtually the entire area for depicting objects located behind the vehicle, and also to require no built-on fittings on the rear-view mirror.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A segmented mirror with alternating reflective and transmissive surfaces and a refractive tilt place which laterally displaces two parallel beams are used as a beam spacer. A first beam is reflected by the segmented mirror and a second beam is transmitted by the segmented mirror. A third beam is refracted and laterally displaced by the tilt plate then reflected by the segmented mirror while a fourth beam is beam is refracted and laterally displaced by the tilt plate then transmitted by the segmented mirror. The segmented mirror and the refractive tilt plate closely space four parallel laser beams.

Abstract: An alignment device for a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle provides a visible signal or indication to a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in aligning the rearview mirror assembly for proper rearward and/or sideward viewing. The alignment device is adaptable for interior and exterior rearview mirror assemblies. Preferably, the alignment device includes an illumination source positioned at or near the reflective element of the rearview mirror assembly. The illumination source is actuatable to provide the visible signal during an adjustment period of the rearview mirror assembly and may be deactivated following such time period.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decorative mirror unit and to a method of fabricating the decorative mirror unit. A decorative mirror unit comprises a mirror and at least one sheet of glass spaced in front of the mirror by spacer means, and a plurality of decorative elements applied to the glass by an adhesive means, characterized in that at least one decorative element has been applied to each surface on opposite sides of the glass by said adhesive means, said decorative elements on opposite sides of the glass aligning to conceal at least partially the adhesive means between at least one of the decorative elements and the glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a half mirror which transmits light from the back of a mirror body. The half mirror comprises a substrate that at least transmits light having predetermined wavelengths; a reflecting film, comprising substantially silicon of a thickness of 20 to 45 nm and being integrally formed on a surface of the substrate, for reflecting light that is made incident upon the reflecting film from the substrate side thereof and transmitting, toward the substrate side of the reflecting film at a fixed ratio, light made incident upon the reflecting film from the side opposite to the substrate side; and a protective film, which is made of a translucent material that at least transmits light having particular wavelengths, formed on the surface of the reflecting film opposite to the surface on which the substrate is formed.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for use in a vehicle includes a mirror stay assembly and an interior mirror. The mirror stay assembly includes a rigid mirror stay for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle, a support member for the interior mirror, and at least one electronic accessory. The interior mirror has a reflective mirror element housed in a mirror housing and also includes at least one electronic accessory. The electronic accessory of the mirror stay preferably shares components with the electronic accessory of the interior mirror, and/or provides circuitry for the electronic accessory of the interior mirror. The electronic accessories can be an information display, light, antenna, video device, microphone, photosensor, detector, computer, printer, circuitry of various types, or other items.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a proximity switch comprises a radiation emitter for emitting radiation, at least one photosensor for detecting light levels near the radiation emitter, and an electronic circuit for energizing the radiation emitter and for receiving and processing signals from the photosensor so as to perform a specified function upon detecting an object that causes the radiation emitted from the radiation emitter to be reflected back to the photosensor. According to another embodiment, a rearview assembly for a vehicle comprises a transparent housing.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly provides a display system for displaying light or information to a driver of a vehicle. The display includes a refractive light directing element, which may include a prismatic display lens which refracts and directs the light of the display message downwardly and/or sidewardly toward a driver of the vehicle for improved viewing of the display message by the driver of the vehicle. The display system is mountable to a printed circuit board positioned within the case of the mirror assembly. The printed circuit board may also be connected to a pair of illumination sources positioned at a lower portion of a casing of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle-based wireless communication system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior mirror reflective element, a housing for the reflective element and a mirror-mounted communication system. The mirror-mounted communication system preferably includes a communication data port for short-range communication with a mobile device that is a personal accessory of an occupant of the vehicle. The communication system further includes a telecommunication link from the vehicle to an external provider of information or service. In this manner, the communication system provides connectivity between a low-power mobile device and a provider of information or service that is separate from the vehicle.

Abstract: A dichroic mirror comprises a transparent substrate, a dielectric multilayer structure formed thereon. The dielectric multilayer structure includes a main multilayer structure comprised of high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers formed alternately, each layer having an optical thickness of &lgr;/4 where &lgr; is the designed central wavelength, a first transmittance regulating film provided between the main multilayer structure and the transparent substrate, and a second transmittance regulating film provided on the other side of the main multilayer structure. The first and second transmittance regulating films typically have a three- or four-layer structure of intermediate refractive index layers and low refractive index layers formed alternately. The intermediate refractive index layers have a refractive index lower than but close to that of the high refractive index layers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a film structure of a hydrophilic film in an anti-fog mirror of a type in which an inorganic oxide film is formed as a hydrophilic film on a surface of a mirror and to a method for manufacturing such film structure. A photocatalyzing TiO2 film having a thickness within a range from 100 nm to 1000 nm is formed on a surface of a mirror and a porous SiO2 film having a thickness within a range from 10 nm to 50 nm is formed on the TiO2 film. The porous SiO2 film is adapted to have surface roughness of 2 nm or over. A reflecting film is formed on a rear surface of a transparent glass substrate and then photocatalyzing TiO2 film and the porous SiO2 film are formed on a front surface of the substrate by vacuum deposition while the temperature of the substrate is maintained within a range from 200° C. to 450° C.

Abstract: A virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) operating as a wavelength splitter to separate individual carriers from a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) light. The VIPA has first and second surfaces. The second surface has a reflectivity which causes a portion of light incident thereon to be transmitted therethrough. The VIPA receives an input light at a respective wavelength within a continuous range of wavelengths. The first and second surfaces are positioned so that the input light is reflected a plurality of times between the first and second surfaces to cause a plurality of lights to be transmitted through the second surface. The plurality of transmitted lights interfere with each other to produce an output light which is spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light having any other wavelength within the continuous range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A heat-treatable dichroic mirror, comprising a transparent substrate having a glass transition temperature in the range of 650-800° C., and a plurality of sputtered films carried on said substrate and forming at least two pairs of contiguous films in which the films of each pair have disparate refractive indices differing by at least about 0.2 so as to provide between them a reflective interface. The films include an oxide of a metal such as titanium, a second film comprising an oxidizable metal or semi-metal such as silicon, and a protective overcoat of a thickness and composition sufficient to substantially prevent permeation of oxygen therethrough when heat treated at said glass transition temperature. The mirror, after said heat treatment, exhibits a transmittance of at least 24% in the wavelength range of 550-650 nm, a reflectance of at least 45%, and a haze of not greater than about 1%.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes a reverse image display and a rearview mirror. The reverse image display is positioned rearwardly of a driver of the vehicle such that an image of the message being displayed is reflected from the rearview mirror and received in reverse order and thus readable by the driver. A control may be included which activates the reverse image display in response to an input and may vary the intensity, color and/or frequency of repeat of the display in response to other inputs. The control may convey multiple messages through a single reverse image display or through multiple displays.

Abstract: Side-view mirrors are provided in which, without adversely affecting operations of retracting side-view mirrors and adjusting mirror surfaces, mechanisms are greatly simplified and a waterproofing/dustproofing mechanism can be omitted, thereby resulting in much lower manufacturing costs. In a switching driving section of the control device which adjusts the mirror surfaces of a pair of left-side and right-side side-view mirrors, a motor is selectively meshed with gears or gears by a switching operation by a plunger. The mirror surfaces of the side-view mirrors can thereby be adjusted to an arbitrary mounting angle. Namely, driving mechanisms provided for each of a left-side and a right-side as in conventional structures are combined into the single switching driving section, and thus the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced.

Abstract: An inside non-planar electrochromic mirror includes front and rear non-planar elements, a layer of transparent conductive material, a reflector and a perimeter sealing member which bonds the front and rear non-planar elements in a spaced apart relationship. The front and rear non-planar elements each include front and rear surfaces. A layer of transparent conductive material is disposed on the rear surface of the front non-planar element. The reflector can be disposed on either side of the rear non-planar element. When the reflector is on the rear surface of the rear non-planar element then the front surface of the rear non-planar element contains a layer of transparent conductive material. When the reflector is on the front surface of the rear element it must be constructed of conductive material. The perimeter sealing member bonds the front and rear non-planar elements and defines a chamber therebetween. The chamber contains at least one electrochromic material.

Abstract: A linear array of equal intensity optical beams is transformed into a rectangular array of equal intensity optical beams, while the intensity of each beam is kept nearly constant. The transformation is performed using an optical element which has two coatings on the front surface and a reflective coating on the opposing back surface. The front surface is partially coated with a reflective coating and partially coated with an anti-reflective coating. The beams are incident upon the front surface, with some of the beams incident on each of the two different coatings on the front surface. The beams incident on the front surface are specularly reflected. The remaining beams are transmitted through the optical element to the back surface, reflected from the back surface, and transmitted back up through the optical element and exit from the front surface. The exiting beams are thus shifted laterally and transversely to define the desired rectangular array.

Abstract: The reflective backing of a mirror or other product is marked, engraved, scribed, or decorated with a laser beam to produce a decorative display assembly with a laser-enhanced image thereon. This can be accomplished by vaporizing part of the reflective backing with the laser beam. Multi-colored laser-enhanced images can also be formed. The decorative display assembly can also be backlit or back colored to further enhance the attractiveness of the laser-enhanced image.

Abstract: According to the proposed invention, this technical result is achieved so that many-facet concentrator of a solar setup for exposure of objects, placed in a target plane, to the action of solar radiation containing a supporting frame and facets differing by that the facets of the concentrator are chosen with spherical focusing reflective surfaces of equal focal lengths and with selective coatings reflecting a desired spectral fraction of solar radiation, and are arranged on the supporting frame symmetrically with respect to the common axis of the concentrator, their optical axes being directed to the single point on the optical axis of the concentrator located before the nominal focus point of the concentrator and determining the position of arranging the target plane.

Abstract: A mirror includes an electrochromic mirror subassembly including front and rear transparent elements, a layer of electrochromic material associated with the front and rear transparent elements, and a reflective layer, a portion of the reflective layer defining an opening. An indicia panel is located proximate the mirror subassembly and covers the opening, and one or more light sources are positioned to pass light through the indicia panel and the opening of the electrochromic mirror subassembly to illuminate detailed symbols and information on the indicia panel. The indicia panel is adhered to the mirror subassembly, and a housing and a mating bezel are configured to receive the mirror subassembly. The indicia panel includes a pair of apertured locator tabs, and the bezel includes protrusions that engage the apertured locator tabs to accurately locate the indicia panel and the mirror subassembly and also a printed circuit board in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved modelocked laser comprising an optical gain medium and an optical cavity including a self-tuning saturable reflector incorporating one or more quantum wells. In the improved laser, the self-tuning saturable reflector comprises a first Bragg grating having a reflection spectrum broader than the spectrum of desired lasing and an additional Bragg reflector for light in the spectral region of lasing to provide self-starting and stable operation without mechanical tuning. The Bragg reflectors are preferably semiconductor quarter wave reflector stacks, and the saturable absorber is one or more quantum wells within the outer stack. The invention also encompasses the new saturable reflector used in such lasers.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates one or more integrated subassembly modules or carrier members to which are connected separate electrical components such as lamps, reflectors, switches, plug receptacles and the like to simplify mirror assembly and provide integral support, electrical connections, and an electrical distribution network for the mirror assembly having added, electrically operated features. The carrier member includes a circuit member secured to and/or at least partially encased or encapsulated within a support body such that electrical connections extend therefrom. Preferably, the carrier member may include recesses at opposite ends for receiving and supporting reflectors thereon to prevent vibration while allowing interchangeability for different vehicle types. The carrier member may form a stop for a toggle actuator to limit the movement of the mirror housing between day and night positions in the event a prismatic mirror element is included.

Abstract: An illumination device for a vehicle has a light source, a reflector which reflects a light emitted by the light source so that the reflected light exits the illumination device in a first light outlet direction, the reflector being interrupted at least in one region, and at least partial light-permeable element arranged in the region and formed so that the light emitted by the light source passes through the light-permeable element and exits the illumination device in a second light outlet direction which deviates from the first light outlet direction.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles is disclosed that includes a signal light mounted behind the electrochromic mirror. The electrochromic mirror has a signal light area formed in its reflective coating by removing a portion of the reflective coating and aligning the signal light with this signal light area. The portion removed is laser ablated to leave lines devoid of reflective material separated by lines of the reflective material. The signal light area may be formed in the reflective coating of the electrochromic mirror regardless of whether the reflective coating is applied to the rear or front surface of the rear element of the electrochromic mirror. If the reflective coating is applied to the front surface of the rear element (i.e., the third surface), the reflective material used is also electrically conductive so as to function as one of the electrodes for the electrochromic mirror.

Abstract: A rear view mirror includes a transparent front glass that covers a matrix display, for example an LCD display. The matrix display is translucent when activated and transparent when inactive, and behind the matrix display is a mirror-backed rear glass. Thus, light can pass through the matrix display and reflect back off the mirror-backed rear glass. Consequently, the rear view mirror can assume its conventional function of presenting images of objects that are behind the vehicle, while the pixels of the matrix display can be activated to superimpose alpha-numeric characters on the images. The characters can represent vehicle speed, time, radio station data, or other vehicle control data.

Abstract: A display rerouting apparatus reroutes a displayed image from an image source in a display module for providing a redirected angular visibility for the displayed image. In an illustrative embodiment, the display rerouting apparatus includes a base panel having a rectangular opening or widow for positioning atop of a display module in communication equipment, a rear panel having a one-way reflective mirror positioned in a rectangular opening in this rear panel, and a front panel having a two-way reflective mirror positioned in a rectangular opening in this front panel. Both the rear and front panels are respectively hingeably attached at their lower edges to the rear and front edges of the base panel for facilitating the use of the rerouting apparatus on different types of communication. In operation, the image from the display module is projected through the base of the apparatus onto the two-way reflective mirror.

Abstract: An optical device includes (a) a dichromatic mirror composed of a vitreous substrate having a front surface and a rear surface; and a coating provided on the vitreous substrate composed of a three-layer stack including a semiconductor layer composed of a semiconductor material having a refractive index of more than 3.0, a layer composed of a material having an intermediate refractive index in the range 1.9 to 2.8, and a layer composed of a material having a low refractive index in the range 1.2 to 2.0, wherein the refractive indices of the materials of intermediate and low refractive index differ by at least 0.2, and wherein the dichromatic mirror has a luminous transmittance of at least 20% and a luminous reflectivity of at least 40%; and (b) radiation detecting means positioned on the side of the rear surface of the vitreous substrate.

Abstract: A retroreflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retroreflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retroreflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced therethrough. Translucent light-permeable sheet material is provided on the back side of the panel and overlaid on one or the other side with translucent inks to form a second image. An observer on the front side of the panel will observe one or the other of the images, depending upon the relative intensity of the light incident on the front and back sides of the panel.

Abstract: A virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) operating as a wavelength splitter to separate individual carriers from a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) light. The VIPA has first and second surfaces. The second surface has a reflectivity which causes a portion of light incident thereon to be transmitted therethrough. The VIPA receives an input light at a respective wavelength within a continuous range of wavelengths. The first and second surfaces are positioned so that the input light is reflected a plurality of times between the first and second surfaces to cause a plurality of lights to be transmitted through the second surface. The plurality of transmitted lights interfere with each other to produce an output light which is spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light having any other wavelength within the continuous range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A virtually imaged phased array, or "wavelength splitter", which receives a wavelength division multiplexed light including at least two carriers and produces a spatially distinguishable output light for each carrier. The virtually imaged phased array includes a transparent material having first and second surfaces thereon. The second surface has a reflectivity which allows a portion of light incident thereon to be transmitted therethrough. The wavelength division multiplexed light is reflected a plurality of times in the transparent material between the first and second surfaces to cause a plurality of lights to be transmitted through the second surface. The plurality of transmitted lights interfere with each other to produce a respective output light for each carrier of the wavelength division multiplexed light.

Abstract: An integrally formed optical element includes an incident surface into which light flux from an object enters, a plurality of reflecting curved surfaces decentered one to the other from which the light flux entered from the incident surface is reflected and an emergent surface from which the light flux from the reflecting curved surfaces is emitted, wherein an antireflection film is applied onto the incident surface and the emergent surface, and wherein the light flux emitted from the emergent surface forms an image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in locating a vehicle driver, passenger or object in the vehicle for controlling vehicle systems including the positioning of vehicle sideview mirrors in relation to the driver's eyes to maximize the view of traffic on either side of the vehicle or the characteristics of vehicle airbag deployment. The location of a driver's or passenger's eyes or the location of an infant's seat is derived from the adjustment by the driver (or passenger, if capable of doing so) of adjustable light beam(s) emanating from light source(s) or illuminated indicia, until it (or they) intersect the driver's or passenger's eyes or illuminate a target, e.g. a child or an infant's seat, in the front passenger's seat. From the angles of adjustment of the light beam(s) and other known coordinates of the vehicle, the location of the driver's or passenger's eyes or the target may be computationally derived as a set of Cartesian coordinates.

Abstract: An apparatus which combines a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) with a demultiplexer, to provide a large bandwidth, high resolution wavelength demultiplexer. Generally, a VIPA is a device which receives an input light having a respective wavelength within a continuous range of wavelengths, and causes multiple reflection of the input light to produce self-interference and thereby form an output light. The output light is spatially distinguishable from an output light formed for an input light having any other wavelength within the continuous range of wavelengths. The apparatus combines the VIPA with a demultiplexer, such as a diffraction grating. More specifically, the VIPA receives an input light and produces a corresponding output light propagating away from the VIPA. The output light includes a plurality of different wavelength components.

Abstract: An apparatus which can be referred to as a Virtually Imaged Phased Array (VIPA). The apparatus receives an input light and produces a spatially distinguishable output light in accordance with the wavelength of the input light. The apparatus includes first and second surfaces separated from each other with air in between. The second surface has a reflectivity which allows a portion of light incident thereon to be transmitted therethrough. The first and second surfaces are positioned so that the input light is reflected a plurality of times between the first and second surfaces through the air to cause a plurality of lights to be transmitted through the second surface. The plurality of transmitted lights interfere with each other to produce the output light.

Abstract: An apparatus which adds "opposite dispersion" to light, to compensate for chromatic dispersion of the light caused by travelling through an optical fiber. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA), and a light returning device. The VIPA provides angular dispersion to the light, and the light returning device returns the light back to the VIPA to undergo multiple reflection inside the VIPA. The light returning device is typically a mirror. In this case, the mirror can be shaped so that the apparatus adds a constant dispersion to the light.

Abstract: A concentrating coverglass allows efficient power generation for providing higher specific powers by space power arrays with weight penalties being countered by combining the functions of a solar concentrator and protective coverglass into a single element. A preferred frustoconical lens achieves a concentration ratio of about 4.5 at a thickness of about 1.0 mm. Efficient space power arrays with relatively wide tracking angle tolerance of up to about .+-.5.degree. using these coverglasses permit heavier payloads in the satellite's operating systems over traditional satellite designs.

Abstract: A device and method for generating images of a computer user and the surrounding area behind the user. A mirror (24) has a reflecting surface (32) and a support (22) supports the mirror adjacent to or on a computer monitor (6). The mirror is positioned relative to the computer monitor so that the reflecting surface reflects an image of an area in front of the screen display towards the eyes of the user. In this manner, the computer user can monitor the surrounding area to ensure that confidential or personal information on the computer monitor is not seen by others. In addition, the user can inspect his or her own appearance prior to or during video communication with remote users.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for depositing, especially continuously, on a glass ribbon (10) of a float line, a reflective layer (3) based on a metal whose melting point is less than or equal to the temperature at which the glass ribbon acquires dimensional stability. The deposition is carried out in a controlled atmosphere, this being inert or reducing, when the glass ribbon (10) has already acquired its dimensional stability, by bringing the surface of the said ribbon into contact with the metal (22) in pulverulent form or in molten form, the temperature of the ribbon during contacting being chosen so that the powder melts and coalesces, or so that the molten metal forms a sheet, at the surface of the ribbon, leaving a solid continuous layer when the temperature of the ribbon is at a temperature of less than or equal to the melting point of the metal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of a primary beam of electromagnetic radiation, the apparatus including a leaky mirror for reflecting the primary beam and for extracting from the primary beam a secondary beam and a position sensitive detector for detecting the spatial position of the secondary beam, wherein the leaky mirror comprises a material which has a transmissivity of less than 0.2 for the radiation of the primary beam and the position sensitive detector is arranged in the path of the secondary beam after transmission by the leaky mirror, the position of the secondary beam providing a measure of the position of the primary beam.

Abstract: A retroreflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retroreflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retroreflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced therethrough. Translucent light-permeable sheet material is provided on the back side of the panel and overlaid on one or the other side with translucent inks to form a second image. An observer on the front side of the panel will observe one or the other of the images, depending upon the relative intensity of the light incident on the front and back sides of the panel.

Abstract: An apparatus which adds "opposite dispersion" to light, to compensate for chromatic dispersion of the light caused by travelling through an optical fiber. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA), and a light returning device. The light returning device is typically a mirror. The VIPA provides angular dispersion to the light, and the light returning device returns the light back to the VIPA to undergo multiple reflection inside the VIPA.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror for indicating to an operator of a vehicle the distance between his vehicle and another vehicle trailing therebehind. The device includes a substrate having a reflective surface and indicia thereon, wherein the indicia is dimensioned such that an image of the trailing vehicle substantially "fills" a spacing between opposing portions or segments of the indicia as the trailing vehicle is spaced a predetermined distance therebehind. The indicia may be non-illuminated for daytime use or may be illuminated for nighttime use. The indicia may have a variety of different configurations and may be configured to provide information to the operator of the vehicle as to a plurality of predetermined trailing distances for a plurality of types of trailing vehicles.

Abstract: An augmented retinal scanning display device includes a multi-functional eyepiece. One function is to direct an image beam onto a viewer's eye. Another function is to correct the vision of the viewer's eye. The display is worn by a viewing person. The eyepiece includes a reflective surface and a transmissive surface. An image beam reflects off the reflective surface onto the viewer's retina enabling the viewer to perceive a virtual image. Background light, such as from the ambient environment or another display device, enters the eyepiece at the transmissive surface and passes through the eyepiece toward the viewer's eye. While passing through the eyepiece, the background light is refracted to correct the viewer's vision.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for magnifying a display surface of an indicator and forming an image of the display surface at a forward place distant from a driver and other passengers in a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises an indicator (11), a concave mirror (15), and a half mirror (13). The concave mirror (15) and the half mirror (13) serve to enlarge an image (20) of a display surface (12) of the indicator (11) and form the enlarged image at a forward place distant from a driver and passengers in a vehicle. The apparatus is provided with a cylindrical lens portion (14) by which the magnifying power of the image (20) in right and left directions is set at 1.2 to 2.5 while the magnifying power in up and down directions is set at 1.2 to 1.6.

Abstract: An added light display for alerting traffic passing left and right of a moving or parked van consisting of a light-reflecting strip advantageously positioned in a gap about the window which serves as a weather barrier compartment protecting the strip against deterioration due to weather elements and ultraviolet light impingement and permits it to provide a rectangular light display.

Abstract: In order to suppress generation of the line bow phenomenon created when light from a light source is collected into a linear form on the surface of an original document by a toric mirror, for example, and in order to obtain uniform lighting, the optical axis of the light source is made to be in a common plane with a line normal to the surface of the toric mirror. Accordingly, the light travelling to the toric mirror, between the light source and the toric mirror, and the light reflected by the toric mirror, travelling between the toric mirror and the second mirror, is not inclined relative to the toric mirror normal line. The second mirror, the optical path conversion mirror, can be a half-mirror positioned between the light source and the toric mirror. Alternatively, a separate light source can be provided on opposite sides of the second mirror. As another alternative, the second mirror can be divided into two portions, with the light source being provided between the two portions.

Abstract: The light radiation beam emitted by a source of finite dimension, integrated in a transparent plate or in contact therewith, is initially reflected inside the plate by a first surface located on the side of the plate (3) which is more remote from the source. The reflected light rays pass through plate and are again reflected by a second surface having micro projections and then directed outwardly, according to a micro-telescope arrangement.