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Image projection system

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An image projection system comprises an image projector, such as a film or television projector and a projection screen. The projection screen is fabricated of a substantially transparent material, such as glass or plastic. The screen of transparent material has one or more areas or portions formed therein which areas or portions may be made to be translucent upon the application of a stimulus. Once in a translucent condition, the projected image can be received and viewed on the translucent portion. A mirror can be positioned behind the projection screen so that a person can view the reflection of themself in the mirror when the screen is transparent, and an image can be projected when the projection screen is made to be substantially translucent.

Compact systems for generating polarization-entangled photons

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to compact systems for generating polarization-entangled photons. In one embodiment of the present invention, a non-degenerate, polarization-entangled photon source comprises a half-wave plate that outputs both a first pump beam and a second pump beam, and a first beam displacer that directs the first pump beam into a first transmission channel and the second pump beam into a second transmission channel. A down-conversion device converts the first pump beam into first signal and idler photons and converts the second pump beam into second signal and idler photons. A second beam displacer directs both the first signal and idler photons and the second signal and idler photons into a single transmission channel. A dichroic mirror directs the first and second signal photons to a first fiber optic coupler and the first and second idler photons to a second fiber optic coupler.

Communications system

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A communications system incorporates a transmitter a receiver. The transmitter includes an infrared light emitting diode (LED). The LED output is positive or negative luminescence, i.e. above or below an equilibrium background intensity level respectively, according to the polarity of its bias signal. The receiver contains a lens to focus light from the LED onto a diode detector, from which signals pass to an amplifier, decoder and printer. Output signals from the LED have an average intensity equal to the equilibrium background intensity level and a frequency greater than 100 Hz or byte rate greater than 100 bytes/sec. They are not discernible by conventional thermal infrared imagers with frame rates of 50 Hz or less because integration in such an imager renders them indistinguishable from background.

Two-step focus lens of auto-focusing camera

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An auto-focusing lens of a camera includes a lens unit ( 11 ), a permanent magnet ( 12 ) being fixedly mounted around the lens unit to move with the lens unit, a first coil seat ( 15 a ) arranged on a first side of the magnet with a first winding ( 14 a ) wound thereon, and a second coil seat ( 15 b ) arranged on a second side opposite to the first side of the magnet with a second winding ( 14 b ) wound thereon. The first and second windings and the first and second coil seats are provided for establishing magnetic fields when electric currents are applied to the first and second windings. The magnetic fields interact with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to drive the lens unit into movement between its front focus point (A) and its rear focus point (B).

Camera module with a position detecting mechanism

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A camera module includes a lens holder ( 10 ), a lens module ( 20 ), a position detecting mechanism ( 30 ), and an image pick-up module ( 50 ). The lens holder has a recessed portion axially defined in an inner periphery thereof adjacent one end thereof. The lens module is axially movably received in the lens holder. The position detecting mechanism includes a light source ( 32 ) disposed in the periphery of the lens holder opposite to the recessed portion to emit a light, and a photo-detector ( 34 ) securely received in the recessed portion, and a processor ( 36 ). The photo-detector has a plurality of photo-detector components ( 342 ) arranged in the recessed portion parallel to each other so that each can separately receive the lights from the light source and transform the light into an electrical signal. The processor is electrically connected with each photo-detector component for transforming the electrical signal into an output signal.

Stage apparatus and image movement correction apparatus for camera using stage apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A stage apparatus includes a stationary support plate; a stage member provided on the stationary support plate so as to move on a reference plane parallel with the stationary support plate; Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices secured to one of the stationary support plate and the stage member; and Y-direction moving coils secured to the other of the stationary support plate and the stage member, the Y-direction moving coils receiving magnetic flux from the Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices so as to generate a driving force in a specific Y-direction between the Y-direction magnetic flux generating devices and the Y-direction moving coils. The Y-direction moving coils are secured to the stage member so that the Y-direction moving coils at least partly overlap each other in an X-direction, which is parallel with the reference plane and perpendicular to the Y-direction, and do not overlap in the Y-direction.

Imaging apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical apparatus detects the moving velocity of a main object on an imaging plane and computes the moving velocity of the main object on the basis of the difference between the detected moving velocity on the imaging plane and the velocity of a panning shot captured by a user. During exposure, the optical apparatus detects the difference between the computed moving velocity of the main object and the panning-shot velocity, that is, an error of the panning-shot velocity, and decenters the optical axis of an imaging lens so as to correct the error, thereby enabling the user to capture a satisfactory panning shot.

Optical module and method of packaging the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.

Apparatus and method for calibration of DLP/DMD projection image systems

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Display systems that utilize digital micro-mirror device (DMD) technology are finding wide application in the areas of projection systems for color display. The common name for such systems is digital light processing projection systems or DLP projection systems. The systems and methods described herein utilize the non-imaging light to monitor and calibrate the projected image since the high levels of illumination and extreme temperatures of the imaging light require careful attention to the manner of light collection. Light collection is accomplished in a waste gate area by a light collector, e.g., an optical fiber mat, and the collected light is communicated to an associated sensor. The technique is non-invasive and may be applied to existing designs with minimal modification.

Photonic band gap router

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An arrangement includes a photonic band-gap assembly comprising at least one input wave guide and at least one output wave guides, and at least one routing element responsive to signals to selectively route a signal from the input wave guide to one or more of the output wave guides.

Multifaceted prism to cause the overlap of beams from a stack of diode laser bars

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical element for homogenizing and, possibly, concentrating the output from high-power two-dimensional semiconductor laser arrays, which has the basic shape of a convex-flat cylindrical lens with a facet cut into the convex surface for each individual semiconductor laser bar.

Lens module with driving mechanism for lenses

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An exemplary lens module includes one or more lenses, a hollow stationary assembly, a hollow elastic member, and a hollow movable assembly. The one or more lenses are received in the hollow movable assembly. The stationary assembly includes a first magnetic field generator, and two spaced guiding rods defined on the first magnetic field generator. The hollow elastic member is attached onto the first magnetic field generator. The hollow elastic member has two engaging holes and two flexible portions. The movable assembly includes a second magnetic field generator and two guiding holes. The flexible portions are attached to the second magnetic field generator, and the guiding rods extend through the engaging holes and the guiding holes.

Camera module

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A camera module includes upper and lower leaf springs having a stable load characteristic and a holder displaceably held by the leaf springs so that the holder can be stably displaced within a magnetic circuit. The upper spring has an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion provided inside the outer annular portion so as to be displaceable with respect to the outer annular portion and attached to the holder, and a plurality of bridge portions coupled between the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion. The camera module further includes a bridge portion supporting member for supporting a part of at least one of the plurality of bridge portions so that a load characteristic of the leaf spring can be changed.

Lens alignment apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A lens alignment apparatus includes a main lens holding frame having a main lens secured thereto; an adjusting lens holding frame to which an adjusting lens to be aligned with the main lens is secured; at least one radial groove formed in one of adjacent end surfaces of the main lens holding frame and the adjusting lens holding frame; a centering hole, corresponding to the radial groove, formed in the other of the adjacent end surfaces of the main lens holding frame and the adjusting lens holding frame; and an alignment member including a centering pillar portion inserted in the centering hole and an aligning portion engaged in the radial groove, the aligning portion being provided with a plurality of pairs of parallel alignment surfaces having an identical width and different distances from the axis of the centering pillar portion.

Lens module and method for fabricating same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A lens module includes a lens barrel, a first lens and a second lens. The first lens is received in the lens barrel. The first lens has a first central active portion and a first peripheral inactive portion. The first peripheral inactive portion includes a first base portion surrounding the first central active portion and a cylindrical portion extending upward from the first base portion. The second lens has a second central active portion and a second peripheral inactive portion. The second peripheral inactive portion includes a second base portion surrounding the second central active portion and a flange extending radially outward from the second base portion. The second base portion is engaged in the cylindrical portion and the flange is maintained above the cylindrical portion. A gap is maintained between the second peripheral inactive portion of the second lens and the first peripheral inactive portion of the first lens.

Lens driving system

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A lens driving system configured to be mounted on a lens device has: a variable power lens driving section moves a variable power lens group in an optical axis direction; a focus lens driving section moves a focal lens group in the optical axis direction; a receiving section that receives an operation signal for remotely operating the variable power lens driving section and the focus lens driving section; a control section that generates a control signal for controlling the variable power lens driving section and the focus lens driving section based on the operation signal, and a power section that is charged with at least a part of the operation power supplied to a drive section from a camera device and supplies the charged power to the variable power lens driving section, the focus lens driving section, the receiving section, and the control section as operation power.

Optical module having the light incident surface of a lens inclined on a substrate and a method of manufacturing the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical module having a substrate which includes a light-emitting device mounting area provided on its first principal surface, a lens mounting groove with a cross section of V shape, and a support groove formed orthogonal to the lens mounting groove, and an inclined surface to allow a lens element to slide therealong. The support groove includes a bottom surface, a first side surface toward the light-emitting device mounting area, a second side surface opposed to the first side surface, and a first and a second portion defined by the lens mounting groove. The inclined surface is provided on at least one of the side surfaces. Thus, light would not be reflected by the optical module to be returned to a light source.

Optical module with adhesively mounted filter

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical module includes a lens barrel ( 10 ). At least one lens ( 20 ) and a spacer ( 30 ) are mounted in the lens barrel. A filter ( 40 ) is glued to the lens barrel and the spacer with an adhesive so as to prevent the at least one lens and the spacer from falling out of the lens barrel.

Imaging lens

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An imaging lens has a compact shape and sufficiently compensates for various aberrations. The imaging lens includes a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens disposed sequentially, with the first lens toward an object. The conditions “0.5H

Fixed-focus lens

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A fixed-focus lens including a first lens, a second lens, a cemented lens, an aperture stop, and a fifth lens is provided. The first lens disposed between an object side and an image side has a negative refractive power. The second lens disposed between the first lens and the image side has a positive refractive power. The cemented lens is disposed between the second lens and the image side. The cemented lens consists of a third lens and a fourth lens arranged in sequence from the object side to the image side. One of the third lens and the fourth lens has a positive refractive power, and the other has a negative refractive power. The aperture stop is disposed between the fourth lens and the image side. The fifth lens disposed between the aperture stop and the image side has a positive refractive power.

Imaging lens and camera system including the same lens

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An imaging lens comprises, in order from an object side: a first lens having a negative refractive power with a concave surface directed to an image side thereof; a second lens having a positive refractive power with a convex surface directed to an image side thereof and having an absolute value of a radius of curvature on the image side is equal to or smaller than that on an object side thereof; an aperture stop; a third lens which is a planoconvex lens having a plane on an object side thereof or a double-convex lens having on an object side thereof a surface of which an absolute value of a radius of curvature is larger than that on an image side thereof; and a compound lens of a fourth lens and a fifth lens, the compound lens having a positive composite power.

Zoom lens

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The invention relates to a zoom lens which, albeit being of simplified construction, makes sure brightness and holds back fluctuations of astigmatism, and facilitates making sure being fast and the angle of view and the zoom ratio at the wide-angle end. The zoom lens comprises a first group G 1 of positive power, a second group G 2 of negative power and a third group G 3 of positive power, with a stop S between the second group G 2 and the third group G 3 . Upon zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first group G 1 , the second group G 2 , and the third group G 3 moves; the second group G 2 moves toward the object side after moving toward the image side; the first group G 1 and the third group G 3 are positioned on the object side at the telephoto end with respect to the wide-angle end. The first group G 1 comprises one negative lens and one or two positive lenses, and the second group G 2 comprises a first negative meniscus lens convex on its object side, a second negative lens wherein the image side surface is larger in the absolute value of a curvature than the object side surface, and a third positive lens wherein the object side surface is larger in the absolute value of a curvature than the image side surface. Upon focusing from a far distance to a near distance, the second group G 2 moves.

Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus having the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A zoom lens includes, from the object side, first and second lens units of negative and positive refractive power. The lens units move during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. The first lens unit includes, from the object side, three negative lenses and a positive lens, at least one of the surfaces of these lenses being aspherical. A spherical surface whose center of curvature is on the optical axis and that includes a point of the intersection of a lens surface and the optical axis and a point on the lens surface determined by the effective aperture is referred to as reference spherical surface of the lens surface. In the first lens unit, the radiuses of curvature of the image-side reference spherical surface of the most object-side negative lens and the object-side reference spherical surface of the second most object-side negative lens are appropriately set.

Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A zoom lens system comprising a first lens unit having negative power, a second lens unit having positive power and a third lens unit having positive power, wherein in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit, the lens units move respectively along an optical axis in such a manner that an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit decreases while an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit changes so that variable magnification is achieved, the first lens unit comprises one object side negative lens element and one image side positive lens element with a convex surface facing the object side, which have an aspheric surface, and the conditions: n12>1.88 and ν12<26 (n12 and ν12 are refractive index and Abbe number, respectively, of the image side positive lens element of the first lens unit) are satisfied.

Optical element and image taking apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical element including: a container which is light-transmissive at least in a light passage region; a light-transmissive dispersion medium enclosed in the container; a light-transmissive dispersion dispersed in the dispersion medium and having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the dispersion medium; and an electromagnetic field generator which controls the refraction of light passing through the light passage region by moving the dispersion dispersed in the dispersion medium by an electromagnetic force.

Light collecting device for use in a projection apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A light collecting device adapted for a projection apparatus is provided. The light collecting device at least comprises a light collecting rod that has a body, a longitudinal direction, an incident end, and an emergent end. The incident end comprises an incident surface and a reflecting surface, in which the incident surface is adjacent to the reflecting surface to form an included angle therebetween. The emergent end is opposite to the incident end. Thus, a first light beam passes through the incident surface of the incident end and travels along the body of the light collecting rod towards the emergent end along the longitudinal direction when a second light beam enters into the body of the light collecting rod. The second light beam is reflected by the reflecting surface of the incident end towards the emergent end along the longitudinal direction.

Micro-lens enhanced element

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Micro-lens enhanced elements methods and apparatii for forming the same are provided. The micro-lens enhanced elements include a substrate having a first surface and a plurality of image elements printed on the first surface such that image elements having image information from one image are interlaced with image elements having image information from at least one other image. A transparent layer has a proximate surface confronting the printed image elements and a distal surface separated from the proximate surface by a thickness d, and; a second plurality of lenticular lenses formed onto the distal surface, over sequences of at least two image elements, said lenticular lenses being adapted to direct light that has been modulated by the printed image elements and that has passed through transparent layer into different portions of a viewing area.

Microlens sheets having multiple interspersed anamorphic microlens arrays

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Microlens sheets include a first array of anamorphic micolenses on a face of a substrate. The microlenses in the first array are defined by a first parametric model along a direction of the first array. A second array of anamorphic micolenses is also provided on the face of the substrate, and interspersed with the first array. The microlenses in the second array are defined by a second parametric model that is different from the first parametric model, along the direction of the first array.

Display system for vehicle

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A display system for a vehicle which is able to maintain display quality and to be mounted on a vehicle of various types. A display system for a vehicle has an indicator, a backlight arranged on a back side of the indicator, a light ray controller and a direction adjusting member. The backlight emits a light passing through the indicator. The light ray controller is arranged between the indicator and the backlight, and controls a direction of light going from the backlight to the indicator. The direction adjusting member holds the light ray controller, and adjusts a direction of a light ray passed through the indicator.

Direct beam solar lighting system

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A direct beam solar lighting system for collecting and distributing sunlight into a room. The system includes a rotatable solar collector head to receive sunlight and to reflect the sunlight downward into a transition tube having a reflective interior surface. The light-concentrating transition tube reflects sunlight into a reflective light tube which directs the reflected sunlight through a plenum space into the room. The system includes a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable solar collector, and a light fixture at end of the light tube to disburse said reflected sunlight onto a ceiling and a wall in the room. In an embodiment the system includes one or more homogenizing reflectors within the solar collector for collecting the sunlight and directing the sunlight more uniformly over the aperture of the transition tube. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector includes a rotatable tiltable mirror for providing two-axis tracking.

Device for generating an array of light spots

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The invention relates to a device for generating a periodical array of light spots from an input light beam, said device comprising—a periodical array of apertures ( 202 ) forming a plurality of interlaced sub-arrays of apertures,—phase shifter elements (PS;) placed in front of said apertures for imposing a phase shift to said input light beam so that each light spot is constructed as the superposition of a plurality of light spots generated by said plurality of interlaced sub-arrays of apertures. Use: Light spot generation.

Operating microscope having an arm frame

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An operating microscope includes a base set on a floor surface, a post held for rotation around a vertical rotation axis with respect to the base, a horizontal motion arm held for rotation around a first horizontal rotation axis with respect to the post, a vertical motion arm held for rotation around a second horizontal rotation axis with respect to the horizontal motion arm, a lens barrel portion supported by the vertical motion arm, an elastic member which is provided between the post and the horizontal motion arm and cancels an angular moment around the horizontal motion arm, a fulcrum which is provided on the horizontal motion arm and receives a force from the elastic member, and a fulcrum moving mechanism configured to shift the position of the fulcrum in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the horizontal motion arm.

Fluorescence microscope

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An inverted fluorescence microscope is described which irradiates an excitation light onto a sample for observation of a fluorescent image of the sample. The fluorescence microscope includes (a) a transmissive illumination light source, which is arranged above a stage for placing the sample and the transmissive illumination light source is arranged facing a horizontal direction; (b) a tilt mirror, which reflects light from the transmissive illumination source and illuminates the sample on the stage from above; (c) a transmissive illumination optical unit including at least the tilt mirror is disposed so as to move in a direction in which the transmissive illumination optical unit is brought away from the stage from a normal position; and (d) a sample cover for shielding a light from the stage, wherein the sample cover is displaceable so as to expose the stage.

Inspection system using small catadioptric objective

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A system for use with a reduced size catadioptric objective is disclosed. The system including the reduced size objective includes various subsystems to allow enhanced imaging, the subsystems including illumination, imaging, autofocus, positioning, sensor, data acquisition, and data analysis. The objective may be employed with light energy having a wavelength in the range of approximately 190 nanometers through the infrared light range, and elements of the objective are less than 100 mm in diameter. The objective comprises a focusing lens group and at least one field lens oriented to receive focused light energy from the focusing lens group and provide intermediate light energy. The objective also includes a Mangin mirror arrangement. The design imparts controlled light energy with a numerical aperture in excess of 0.65 and up to approximately 0.90 to a specimen for imaging purposes, and the design may be employed in various environments.

Multi-layer spectral purity filter, lithographic apparatus including such a spectral purity filter, device manufacturing method, and device manufactured thereby

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A multi-layered spectral purity filter improves the spectral purity of extreme ultra-violet (EUV) radiation and also collects debris emitted from a radiation source.

White color particles for display media and information display device utilizing them

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

White color particles for display media used for an information display device, in which particles including at least the white color particles or liquid powders including at least the white color particles ( 3 W) are sealed between two substrates 1, 2 , at least one substrate being transparent, and, in which the particles or the liquid powders, to which an electrostatic field is applied, are made to move so as to display an image, is characterized in that the improvement is composed of resins made of methylpentene or cycloolefin and titanium oxide. Moreover, as a preferred embodiment, a white color reflectance is not less than 40%, and, the improvement has a heat resistance such that no fusion bond is detected after the white color particles are sprayed on a glass substrate heated at 120 ° C. and the heating state of the heated glass substrate is kept for 30 minutes. In this manner, it is possible to provide the white color particles for display media having an excellent white color reflectance, a high contrast on the display image and a sufficient heat resistance.

Apparatus for SLM-based optical lithography with gray level capability

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical lithography system comprises a light source, a spatial light modulator, imaging optics and means for continuously moving a photosensitive substrate relative to the spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator comprises at least one array of individually switchable elements. The spatial light modulator is continuously illuminated and an image of the spatial light modulator is continuously projected on the substrate; consequently, the image is constantly moving across the surface of the substrate. While the image is moving across the surface, elements of the spatial light modulator are switched such that a pixel on the surface of the substrate receives, in serial, doses of energy from multiple elements of the spatial light modulator, thus forming a latent image on the substrate surface. The imaging optics is configured to project a blurred image of the spatial light modulator on the substrate, enabling sub-pixel resolution feature edge placement.

Electrochromic device with improved display properties and fabrication method thereof

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Disclosed are an electrochromic device and a method for fabricating the same. The electrochromic device comprises a transparent electrode, on which an electrochromic layer is formed, a counter electrode on which a reflective layer is formed, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the transparent electrode and the counter electrode. Since the electrolyte layer is formed in only an active region of unit pixels, neither crosstalk nor image diffusion occurs and only the selected region of unit pixels is operated. Thus, the electrochromic device can realize passive matrix displays capable of representing a desired color. Furthermore, the electrochromic device can be utilized in a variety of applications including flexible displays and electrical papers.

Polarizer and flat panel display apparatus including the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A polarizer includes a base; a grid formed on the base; and low-reflective members formed on surfaces of the grid. The low-reflective members face an incident direction of an external light, so that a bright room contrast and a visibility can be improved.

Resonant optical scanner using vibrating body with optimized resonant frequency characteristics and image forming apparatus having the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An apparatus for use in optical scanning is disclosed which vibrates at least a part of a vibrating body having a light-reflective surface, to thereby allow light, upon entry, to be reflected from the light-reflective surface in varying directions. The vibrating body includes: (a) a reflective mirror having the light-reflective surface; and (b) an integral spring extending from the reflective mirror and being excited to generate at least a torsional vibration. The vibrating body has vibrational characteristics in which whether or not a resonant frequency of the torsional vibration and a resonant frequency of a disturbing vibration are equal to each other depends upon a shape-defining parameter for defining a shape of the integral spring extending lengthwise. The shape-defining parameter is pre-set to fall within a range allowing the resonant frequency of the torsional vibration and the resonant frequency of the disturbing vibration to be different from each other.

Optical scanning apparatus and image-forming apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical scanning apparatus includes a light-source unit, an incident optical system for directing light beams emitted from the light-source unit to a deflecting unit, and an imaging optical system for guiding the light beams deflected from the deflecting unit to a surface to be scanned. The imaging optical system includes a toric lens whose power in the main scanning direction is different from that in the sub-scanning direction; the toric lens having the curvature centers of the meridians of a first toric surface connected to form a curved line located in a common plane Ha, and the curvature centers of the meridians of a second toric surface connected to form a curved line not located in a common plane.

Laser scanning unit and image forming apparatus having the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A light source provided with a laser element that emits a laser beam emits a laser beam for synchronization control. A synchronization mirror reflects the laser beam so as to allow a light receiving element in the light source to detect the laser beam. The synchronization mirror is provided on f-θ lenses opposite to a light deflector, such that the f-θ lenses are provided neither on a light beam path that connects the light source and the light deflector nor on a light beam path for synchronization control that connects the light deflector and the synchronization mirror.

Laser scanning microscope

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

To provide a laser scanning microscope capable of enhancing the degree of freedom of observation while keeping its structure simple. Accordingly, a laser scanning microscope includes a light source, a spectroscopic unit guiding light from the light source to a specimen and guiding the light from the specimen to a detector, light path switching units switching a light path between the spectroscopic unit and the specimen to one among a plurality of light paths with different routes, and a plurality of light deflecting units each disposed in each of the plurality of light paths.

Compact optical see-through head-mounted display with occlusion support

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical system, apparatus and method are capable of mutual occlusions. The core of the system is a spatial light modulator (SLM) which allows users to block or pass certain parts of a scene which is viewed through the head worn display. An objective lens images the scene onto the SLM and the modulated image is mapped back to the original scene via an eyepiece. The invention combines computer-generated imagery with the modulated version of the scene to form the final image a user would see. The invention is a breakthrough in display hardware from a mobility (i.e. compactness), resolution, and speed, and is specifically, related to virtual objects being able to occlude real objects and real objects being able to occlude virtual objects.

System for automatically locating and manipulating positions on an object

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A system for automatically locating positions on an object and uniquely identifying the object employing an electronic tag positioned in or on the object. The system utilizes a plurality of sensors to locate the electronic tag and identify the object, and triangulation techniques to locate positions on the object where the object may be manipulated according to instructions coded with respect to the positions. Advantageously, the present invention may be used for automatically locating specimens on a microscope slide without regards to their positions on the slide, and for uniquely labeling a microscope slide.

Method for optically detecting and identifying a threat

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An optical detection apparatus includes a housing having a circumferential opening therein. A primary mirror reflects light rays to form a first set of light rays to a secondary mirror that has a generally concave shape coupled to the housing. A tertiary mirror having a generally concave shape coupled to the housing spaced apart from the secondary mirror directs light to detection optics that form an image using the third set of light rays. The detection optics include a micro-mirror array that redirect the image to a detector. A controller controls the micro-mirror array and determines an event characteristic based upon the image thereon.

Sensing absolute position of an encoded object

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

In one aspect of the present invention, a device for sensing an absolute position of an encoded object, comprising: a position tracking module comprising: a track illumination module configured to illuminate the encoded object with one more light beams, and to detect one or more light beams resulting from said illumination of said encoded object; and an absolute position determinator configured to determine the absolute position of the encoded object based on said one or more light beams resulting from said illumination of said encoded object.

Laminated solar concentrating photovoltaic device

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A solar concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) device in which concentrator elements (optics, PV cells and wiring) are laminated to form a composite, substantially planar structure. The concentrator optics are implemented by a solid (e.g. glass) optical element that defines a focal point at which solar light received by the optical element is concentrated. Using vacuum lamination techniques, a printed circuit structure attached by way of an adhesive layer onto a surface of the optical element. The printed circuit structure includes one or more non-conductive layers and conductors that are disposed on the non-conductive layers. The PV cell is connected to printed circuit structure, and is positioned at the focal point of the optical element. Optional front and/or back protective layers are also attached prior to the lamination process. A CPV array includes multiple devices formed on an optical tile using a string-like flexible printed circuit structure.

Laminated glass for vehicle window

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

To provide a laminated glass for a vehicle window which can prevent the temperature increase in a vehicle. A laminated glass for a vehicle window which comprises a glass plate 12 to be disposed on the car exterior side when the laminated glass 1 is assembled in a vehicle, and an infrared reflection film 21 provided on the side of an infrared shielding interlayer 30 having infrared shielding fine particles dispersed therein, of the glass plate 12 , wherein the reflectance to light at all wavelengths of from 900 to 1,100 nm is from 30 to 50%, the absorptivity to light at all wavelengths of from 1,100 to 1,300 nm is from 35 to 60%, and the transmittance to light at all wavelengths of from 900 to 1,500 nm is at most 30%.

Sliding structure

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A sliding structure and a joint member, which are provided with a sliding means which substantially eliminates the so-called Stick-Slip effect. This is achieved through the provision of free ends of a plurality of projections, sliding upon the surface of a complementary opposed and facing surface. By appropriately dimensioning the individual free end contact surfaces of the projections and by selectively varying in the number of the projections per area unit, the difference between the initial still-stand holding effect and the sliding friction in the case of selected material pairings is considerably reduced. The force, which is necessary to set the two sliding components into motion, relative to one another, is then only insignificantly greater than the force necessary to overcome dynamic or sliding friction. The Stick-Slip effect is known and unavoidable in a case with a sliding pair of unfavorable materials and, in this manner, can be effectively reduced. The final result is that materials can now be employed in accord with the invention, which are selected for advantageous properties, such as, for example, structural strength. In this way, the expensive installation of an auxiliary sliding plate or special sliding layer is eliminated.

Prism sheet and backlight module using the same

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An exemplary prism sheet ( 20 ) includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface ( 201 ), a second surface ( 202 ) opposite to the first surface, a plurality of first micro-depressions ( 203 ) defined in the first surface, and a plurality of second micro-depressions ( 204 ) defined in the second surface. Each of the first micro-depressions is conical frustum-shaped. Each of the first micro-depressions has four inner side surfaces connected to each other. A transverse width of each inner side surface of the first micro-depressions progressively decreases with increasing distance from its bottom surface that are coplanar with one of the first surface of the transparent main body. A backlight module ( 200 ) using the present prism sheet is also provided.

Two-layered optical plate

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An exemplary optical plate includes a transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The transparent layer includes a light input interface and a light output surface opposite to the light input interface. A plurality of micro-protrusions formed on the light output surface. The micro-protrusions are arranged along a plurality of separate, circular arcs. Each micro-protrusion has four side surfaces connected to each other, and a transverse width of each side surface decreases along a direction away from the light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is integrally formed in immediate contact with the light input interface of the transparent layer, and free of air or gas pockets trapped in an interface therebetween. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin.

Control of an automatic darkening filter

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A protective automatic darkening filter (ADF) and an associated tool, such as a welding torch, are controlled by a corresponding communication unit. The invention helps to ensure that the tool is not activated before the ADF has reached its dark state. A communication channel between the communication unit and the ADF may be established using a wired or wireless medium.

Projection optical system, magnification projection optical system, magnification projection apparatus, and image projection apparatus

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source. The projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.

Lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A lid structure, apparatus and method for displaying graphical information uses beams of coherent light that are emitted in a scanning manner to project the beams of coherent light onto a display surface to form the graphical information on the display surface.

Method and device for generating retinal images using the stigmatism of the two foci of a substantially elliptical sight

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A method for generating retinal images using the stigmatism of the two foci (F, F′) of a substantially elliptical sight (E) with a semi-reflective surface, wherein a so-called object focus consisting of the diaphragm of a pinhole disc forming the convergence point of an image generated by a light-emitting display or a collimated light source is positioned adjacent to the first focus (F) of the substantially elliptical sight (E), a so-called image focus consisting of the pupil or the centre of the user's eye (OE) is positioned adjacent to the second focus (F′) of said substantially elliptical sight (E), and the image generated by said light-emitting display or said collimated light source and reflected by the semi-reflective surface of the substantially elliptical sight (E) is projected adjacent to the retina of the user's eye.

Threaded stud position measurement adapter

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

The present invention discloses a position measurement adapter for attachment to a threaded stud, the adapter having an elongate rigid member with a first end and a second end. The elongate rigid member has a threaded aperture that extends along an axial direction from the first end to a distance that is spaced apart from the second end. In addition, the elongate rigid member has a hollow shaft that extends in the axial direction from the threaded aperture towards the second end. The hollow shaft is radially larger than the threaded aperture. A contrast target can be located on the second end. In some instances, the hollow shaft extends to the second end and the elongate member has a cylindrical shape.