Image transmitter formed of a plurality of graded index fibers in bundled configuration

Claim 1

An image transmitter comprising: a plurality of optical fibers having bundled configuration wherein at least both ends of the bundled fibers have their fibers arranged in the same relative positions, each of said fibers having a pair of substantially flat end surfaces and wherein the flat end surfaces of the bundled fibers at each end thereof collectively comprise substantially a single planar surface, each of said fibers having a refractive index distribution in a cross section thereof in substantial accordance with the equation n N(1 - ar2), where N is the refractive index at the fiber center, n is the refractive index at a distance r from said center, and a is a positive constant, and each of said fibers having a substantially equal length t selected in accordance with the expression (2m - 1) pi C 1<t < OR = 2m pi C 1 where m is a positive integer and C (2a)1/2; image forming means positioned in opposed relationship with respect to one of said planar surfaces for forming an image of an object thereon whereby each of said optical fibers receives a part of said image and transmits same by refraction from said one planar surface to the other of said planar surfaces; and light-sensitive means positioned in adjacent opposed relationship with respect to said other planar surface to receive therefrom the transmitted part of said image from each optical fiber for collectively focusing same as an erect image having the same size as the image initially formed by said image forming means.