Compact erect optical imaging copier system and method

A compact erect optical imaging system for copying apparatus forming optical paths for transmitting images from an object to an image surface comprising:

• means for supporting an original object to be copied;
• a first plurality of object lenses having a thickness along their optical axes greater than the radius of curvature of their object surface, and
• a second plurality of relay lenses juxtaposed relative to the first plurality of object lenses to form array lens sets for transmitting a combined image from an object positioned to extend beyond the field angle of any one set of lenses, the refractive power of the object lenses procuding a real image in the space between the object lens and the relay lens;
• means for minimizing spherical aberration and field curvature including an aperture opening for each lens array having a maximum effective area approximately no greater than 4 mm.sup.2, and
• means for providing an image surface.

A compact erect optical imaging system for providing a demagnification in a copying apparatus between an object and an image surface comprising;

• means for supporting an original object to be copied;
• a first optical path compensation, adjacent the means for supporting, having edge thicknesses greater than its central thickness along the optical axes,
• a first set of lenses aligned about a central axis and having respective optical axes that are inclined at a greater angle as their distance increases from a central optical axis;
• a second set of lenses aligned about the central optical axis and respectively matched with the same inclinations as the first set of lenses;
• a second optical path compensator also having edge thicknesses greater than its central thicknesses, and
• means for providing an image surface adjacent the second optical path whereby the image of an object is demagnified as it is transmitted through the imaging system.