A method for converting textual messages to musical messages comprising receiving a text input and receiving a musical input selection. The method includes analyzing the text input to determine text characteristics and analyzing a musical input corresponding to the musical input selection to determine musical characteristics. Based on the text characteristic and the musical characteristic, the method includes correlating the text input with the musical input to generate a synthesizer input, and sending the synthesizer input to a voice synthesizer. The method includes receiving a vocal rendering of the text input from the voice synthesizer and generating a musical message from the vocal rendering and the musical input. The method includes generating a video element based on a video input, incorporating the video element into the musical message, and outputting the musical message including the video element.

A method and system for teaching oneself to learn to play a string instrument and master it by analyzing one's real-time hand/finger movement/technique/form, enabling oneself to progress and correct one's own mistakes simultaneously. In one aspect, a system for learning to play a string instrument is provided that includes a simulation instrument that includes a plurality of strings, wherein at least one of the strings includes at least one-touch sensing sensor thereon in communication with at least one processor to receive a signal from the at least one touch-sensing sensor and determine therefrom when and where on the at least one string a user applies pressure to the at least one string.

A system 100, for determining the velocity of a hammer 120 of a keyboard instrument, with a light transceiver 140 and processing circuitry 160. The light transceiver 140 being configured to transmit a light signal to a hammer 120 to measure a hammer velocity, receive a reflected light signal from the hammer 120 indicative of the velocity of the hammer 120 and send an electrical signal to the processing circuitry 160, where the electrical signal is based on the reflected light signal from the hammer 120. The processing circuitry 160 being configured to receive and process the electrical signal so that a time interval between the electrical signal passing through a first trigger point and a second trigger point and the velocity of the hammer 120 can be determined.

A voice generation device (10b) is configured to generate a voice corresponding to one or a plurality of characters designated in a pre-defined character string. A controller (10a) for the voice generation device is provided with a character selector (60a) configured to be operable by a user to designate the one or a plurality of characters in the character string, and a voice control operator (60b) configured to be operable by the user to control the state of the voice to be generated by the voice generation device. The controller (10a) is provided with a grip (G) suitable for being held with a hand of the user, and the character selector and the voice control operator are provided on the grip. The character selector and the voice control operator are provided on the grip at such positions as to be operable with different fingers of the user holding the grip.

A system for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument includes a linear exciter which may be configured as a brace for a sound board of the musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, a linear exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a calibration system for altering the signal sent to the exciter.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method that allow non-musicians to compose and perform a musical composition. Although some existing electronic devices can provide a virtual environment to compose and play musical sound digitally, manipulating such a virtual environment can be difficult and may require specific software expertise, as well as knowledge of music theory. The present disclosure provides a platform that facilitates the creation of a musical composition without such software expertise or knowledge of music theory. The platform models a musical composition as a simultaneous playback of one or more musical contents. The platform allows players to control or modify one or more of the plurality of musical contents to generate or synthesize a musical composition.

A structural element for constructing an auxiliary means for the manufacture of a reinforcement includes at least one coupling point for coupling the structural element to another structural element. The structural element is formed from a basic element. The structural element may further include a holding means for holding a reinforcement rod. A method for constructing an auxiliary means and a method for manufacturing a reinforcement are also provided.

A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.

An insulation element for thermal and/or acoustic insulation of a flat roof or a flat inclined roof comprises a first layer made of mineral fibers, and a second layer made of at least one fabric, whereby the second layer is fixed to a major surface of the first layer by an adhesive. To reduce the adhesive costs and the risk of blistering the roof membrane at the application stage, the second layer is impregnated with a filler. The second layer in combination with the filler has a permeability allowing hot air gases to pass through the second layer and closing the second layer for the penetration of a glue or adhesive in the direction to the first layer.

A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

A gutter downspout is provided and includes an integrated rainwater holding chamber for collecting and holding rainwater and also includes a bypass chamber. Rainwater collected by the gutter system is directed into the gutter downspout where at least a portion of the rainwater is directed into the rainwater holding chamber where it accumulates over time. When the rainwater holding chamber is filled, the additional rainwater directed into the gutter downspout is directed into a bypass chamber disposed adjacent the rainwater holding chamber. Rainwater flows through the bypass chamber and out the bottom of the gutter downspout.

An elevated building surface assembly including a plurality of surface tiles, a plurality of support pedestals disposed in spaced-apart relation on a fixed surface and having a support plate with a top surface operatively supporting the surface tiles in horizontally spaced-apart relation, and a plurality of elongate restraining members configured to restrict movement of the surface tile(s) in directions away from first and second adjacent support pedestals and/or relative to one or more adjacent surface tiles to advantageously limit movement or displacement of the surface tile(s) that may otherwise occur due to uplift forces (e.g., generated by winds and/or the like).

A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a support grid including intersecting grid support members and grid openings formed between the grid support members. A vertical baffle is positioned in a grid opening and is attached to the support grid. The baffle includes opposing front and rear faces extending between opposing lateral sides of the baffle. First and second mounting grooves formed in the baffle engage and support the baffle from the grid. In one embodiment, one of the mounting grooves is disposed in each lateral side to support the baffle from opposite sides. The baffle may further include a third mounting groove formed in the rear face which engages the support grid to help align and squarely register the baffle with respect to the grid for clean linear visuals. In one embodiment, the grid support members may have a standard T-shaped cross section.

An adjustable photovoltaic panel mounting system that allows for variations in roofs and roof elements, while still maintaining a rigid and secure assembly. The specific location for supporting feet and structural elements of the mounting system may be varied to allow for variations in roof features and different panel configurations. The mounting mechanisms are adjustable in both a North/South and a East/West direction to provide for maximum layout flexibility.

A system and method providing a facade for portable toilets and other structures includes a plurality of panels that mimic or emulate a more aesthetically pleasings structure. The facade may provide the appearance of a house or other structure to disguise the less appealing form of a portable toilet. One, two, three or more panels connect about a portable toilet structure and may partially or completely connect to the portable toilet structure itself. The facade is optionally comprised of lightweight and easily transportable material.

A flooring system for installation over a surface that provides flooring using artificial wood panels over a plastic base formed from recycled plastics for even durable support over cement or dirt surfaces. The flooring system comprises a plurality of interlocking bases and a plurality of removable clips, wherein each clip has a pair of grippers for engaging at least one board of a plurality of boards, the base and clips supporting the boards apart from the surface and the plurality of boards connected between the grippers are capable of supporting a load of at least 300 pounds.

A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Thermally-isolating wall anchors and reinforcement devices and anchoring systems employing the same are disclosed for use in masonry cavity walls. A thermally-isolating coating is applied to the wall anchor, which is interconnected with a wire formative veneer tie. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated wall anchors provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

A pole splint, generally for use with a broken wooden utility pole, which can provide for a strong repair at a pole breakpoint and which uses relatively little manpower and equipment to install, even under difficult conditions. The splint generally comprises two panels which are designed to be interconnected with elongated connectors. The connectors will generally interact with one of the panels through the use of a nut and washer, and may connect with the other panel through a nut and washer or via a chain formed of chain links.

A method comprises receiving an input coupling adjacent to a drive input, the drive input being driven by an actuating element, the input coupling being coupled to a joint output, the joint output being connected to a movable object. The method further comprises rotating the actuating element until a resistance torque is experienced by the actuating element and determining, based upon the resistance torque, whether the drive input has engaged the input coupling.

A surgical robotics system with robotic arms is configurable to perform a variety of surgical procedures. The surgical robotics system includes a table, column, base, and robotic arms that are either column-mounted, rail-mounted, or mounted on a separate unit. In a column-mounted configuration, the column includes column rings that translate vertically and rotate about the column. The robotic arms are attached to the column rings. In a rail-mounted configuration, the base includes base rails that translate along the base. The robotic arms are attached to the base rails. In both configurations, the robotic arms move independently from each other and include a multiple arm segments. Each arm segment provides an additional degree of freedom to the robotic arm. Thus, the surgical robotics system may position the robotic arms into numerous configurations to access different parts of a patient's body.

A method of forming oral orthotic systems includes providing an upper dental member adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures. Each of the posterior mounting structure is configured to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different types mechanisms via attachment of a component of a selected type mechanism to at least one of the posterior mounting structures.

A system and method for creating a medicated atmosphere in an organ, or body cavity is disclosed. The system includes a flexible nebulization catheter that can be manipulated during use, a device for the introduction of the nebulization catheter, a medication delivery apparatus configured to control delivery of a medication to the catheter, a gas delivery apparatus in communication with the catheter, a gas pressure relief apparatus configured to relieve pressure in the organ or body cavity, and a central controller. The system may include a liquid source having a mixture of hyaluronic acid and heparin that, in conjunction with the nebulizing catheter, are designed to generate an aerosol with a particle size of 10-25 microns in a body cavity. The method includes providing an aerosol of anti-adhesive medication to an organ or body cavity while controlling overall pressure in the organ or cavity.

An intelligent bionic expectoration system and a three-way device thereof. The intelligent bionic expectoration system includes a negative pressure suction module, a central processing module, a patient interface unit and a respiratory muscle synchronous motion module. The central processing module controls two valves to open or close, closing one valve while opening another valve, and controls the respiratory muscle synchronous motion module. The patient interface unit is connected to the positive pressure ventilation module and the negative pressure suction module, allowing positive or negative pressure airflow to flow by, depending on which valve is open, so as to allow airflow to flow in or out of the lung. The respiratory muscle synchronous motion module can employ nerve stimulation and mechanical pushing, and acts synchronously as the airflow moves, thereby simulating human coughing and achieves bionic expectoration.

In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning. Advantageously, the chances of a patient being disturbed by transitioning from mode-to-mode are reduced.

A system provides warm, humidified gas to a patient via a patient interface. Horizontal connections can be used between the humidification chamber and conduit. To reduce the likelihood of condensate flowing back to the humidification chamber, or dead space or gases recirculation regions occurring within the gases flow path, a raised portion is positioned inside of the flow path to improve flow characteristics and to provide a barrier for condensate back flow. The raised portion also reduces the amount of condensate that is formed in the system and provides better flow characteristics for sensing purposes.

An umbilical system for sourcing and delivering within a flexible protective covering, a plurality of different breathing gasses, safety tether, a plurality of ancillary lines for remotely distributable, documentable, multidirectional, multi-format data/communications acquisition and delivery, personal/situational awareness and ancillary power sources for tool, accessory or device enervation, to a plurality of Users in an adverse environment.

An oral-nasal cannula receives exhaled gases from the nose and mouth of a patient. The exhaled gases are transported to variable flow valves that can variably restrict the flow of the gases through the valves upon software generated signals. The exhaled gases pass through the variable flow valves and mix so that they can be measured by a single sensor such as a sensor of a capnometer. Based upon information gathered by the capnometer, the variable valves can be adjusted in real-time according to a software method in order to identify a variable valve flow configuration that maximizes the amount of CO2 received and measured by the capnometer. In this manner, the software can adapt a single capnometer to measure exhaled gases regardless of whether a patient breathes primarily through their nose or mouth or some proportion of the two.

An example method for detecting respiratory disturbances experienced by a subject can include receiving an airflow signal and at least one of an acoustic or vibration signal, where the airflow, acoustic, and/or vibration signals are associated with the subjects breathing. At least one feature can be extracted from the airflow signal and at least one feature can be extracted from at least one of the acoustic or vibration signal. Based on the extracted features, at least one respiratory disturbance can be detected. The respiratory disturbance can be flow limited breath or inspiratory flow limitation (“IFL”).

Systems and methods for effecting posture of a subject who is to be positioned on a support surface having an inclinable portion such that the subject's thorax is inclinable relative to the subject's legs, are provided. An example system includes a detachedly coupleable thoracic harness having at least an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface being contoured to fit over shoulders of the subject. The outer surface having a fastening surface that releasable attaches to a corresponding fastening surface disposed on the inclinable portion of the support surface.

The invention pertains to positioning a patient in prone position, comprising: positioning a patient in a supine position,attaching a chest body contact sheet to the chest of the patient with an attached inflatable chest cushion in the deflated state,attaching a pelvic body contact sheet to the pelvic region of the patient with an attached inflatable pelvis cushion in the deflated state,transferring the patient from the supine position to a prone position,with the chest body contact sheet attached to the chest of the patient and the pelvic body contact sheet attached to the pelvic region of the patient and the patient in the prone position, inflating the chest cushion and the pelvis cushion, thereby making that the chest cushion and the pelvis cushion together bear the weight of the torso of the patient with the abdominal region of the patient being decompressed. The invention is based on a combination of anatomy and physiology that is used for a reliable positioning the patient, which is safe for the patient and safe, hygienic and user friendly for the medical team.

This disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling pressure and/or flow during exhalation. The disclosure describes novel exhalation modes for ventilating a patient.

A respiratory mask or other sealing interface can be used in combination with a nasal cannula or other unsealing interface in providing respiratory therapies for the treatment of COPD or OSA. The mask can act as a pressure vessel over the top of a nasal cannula, with the intention of increasing expiratory pressure whilst allowing the nasal cannula to provide a user with breathing gases of a high humidity and temperature. The ability to selectively apply increased expiratory pressure may be effective in reducing a user's breathing rate and thus beneficial in the treatment of respiratory distress.

A patient monitoring system is configured to monitor oxygen saturation and/or oxygenation of a patient's blood. The system is configured to re-oxygenate the patient in response to a determination that the patient's oxygen saturation and/or oxygenation has fallen below a threshold (e.g., if the patient is experiencing hypoxemia). A re-oxygenation routine may include an initial step of rapidly oxygenating the patient, followed by a reduction of oxygenation to make the oxygenation process more gradual. For instance, after the initial step of rapid oxygenation, the patient may be oxygenated with oxygen at an atmospheric level. The system may dynamically adjust the ratio of delivered oxygen versus delivered air, the duration of oxygenation, and the incidence of oxygenation. The system may also adjust the automated delivery of one or more drugs to the patient based on the patient's condition and/or the state of re-oxygenation.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described that indicate an amount at which various gas flow rates should be manually adjusted in order to achieve targeted total flow rates and concentration levels.

A supplemental oxygen delivery system is described in which Aerosol is delivered into a housing 10, 20, which sits in the circuit from the supplemental oxygen supply and optional humidifier. The supplemental oxygen passes through this chamber 10, 20 in which the aerosol is located, and collects the aerosol transporting it to a patient via a nasal cannula 3 or a face mask 4. An aerosol generator 9 is mounted to the housing 10, 20 and delivers aerosol into an oxygen stream 13 flowing between an inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the housing 10. The housing 10 also has a removable plug 16 in the base 17 thereof for draining any liquid that accumulates in the housing 10. There is no disruption of oxygen delivery to patients using nasal cannulas who currently have to use a separate face-mask when receiving nebulized medication.

A device comprising: a receive antenna configured to receive a first radio-frequency (RF) signal having a first center frequency; a first transmit antenna configured to transmit a second RF signal having a second center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency; a second transmit antenna configured to transmit a third RF signal having a third center frequency that is a harmonic of the first center frequency and is different from the second center frequency; first circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the first transmit antenna, configured to generate the second RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the first transmit antenna for transmission; and second circuitry, coupled to the receive antenna and to the second transmit antenna, configured to generate the third RF signal using the first RF signal and provide it to the second transmit antenna for transmission.

A multi-use antenna system that can be used in, for example, integrated communications and navigation capability is provided. In an embodiment, an antenna system is provided. The antenna system includes a first antenna having a plurality of radiating elements substantially wrapped around an axis and a second antenna located within the first antenna. The first and second antennas are coupled to the same ground plane and are configured to operate in different frequency bands.

Antenna system for a georadar, comprising two plate like antenna devices, where said two antenna devices comprise at least one sender antenna (1) and at least one receiver antenna (2), respectively, as the antennas (1,2) in each antenna device comprise monopoles formed by applying to metal surfaces an electrically insulating plate base (3) located on the underside of a layer of radar absorbing material (4), where the top side of the material layer is covered by a metallic ground plane (5). The antenna device is also arranged to lay against the ground (10). A layer of radar absorbent material (4) is arranged on the top side of the ground planes (5), and the ground planes (5) are not connected electrically to each other.

Various integrated high quality electronic components and systems, and methods of their manufacture, are presented. In one example, a device includes a glass substrate or interposer including one or more metalized through-glass vias (TGVs). The one or more metalized TGVs can be used to form a substrate integrated waveguide, a complementary split ring resonator, a disc loaded monopole antenna or other device. An array of metalized TGVs can define side walls of the integrated waveguide. A disc coupled to a tip of a metalized TGV can provide capacitive disc loading of the monopole antenna.

Various systems and methods for radiating RF transmissions outside of a portable electronic device with a conductive case. In an embodiment, this solution includes a conductive enclosure, a circuit board within the conductive enclosure, at least one non-conductive gap between the circuit board and the conductive enclosure, and a radio frequency (RF) connection between the circuit board and the conductive enclosure. The combination of enclosure and gaps can excite certain radiation modes at high frequency bands, such as a cavity-backed lambda-long slot radiation mode.

A transmission apparatus includes a first metal plate including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first through hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface, the first metal plate; a first board being disposed on the first surface side of the first metal plate, the first board including a first patch antenna positioned inside the first through hole; and a second board being disposed on the second surface side of the first metal plate, the second board including a second patch antenna positioned inside the first through hole and opposed to the first patch antenna, wherein an interval between the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna is set in accordance with a distance for wireless communicating between the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna in a near field.

Techniques and mechanisms to provide satellite communication functionality with an antenna assembly. In an embodiment, a communication device includes an antenna panel (comprising one or more holographic antenna elements), a housing and hardware interfaces which facilitate operation of the communication device has a module of the antenna display. A cross-sectional profile of the housing may conform to a polygon other than any rectangle. A configuration of the housing and hardware interfaces may facilitate the formation of an antenna assembly arrangement other than that of any rectilinear array. In another embodiment, communication devices of the antenna assembly each conform to a triangle or a hexagon.

Techniques and mechanisms to provide a motor vehicle with connectivity for satellite communications. In an embodiment, a communication device is disposed between an exterior surface of the motor vehicle and an interior surface of the motor vehicle. An antenna panel, disposed in a housing of the communication device, may be configured to participate in satellite communication via a first side of the communication device. A configuration of the antenna panel, the housing or one or more hardware interfaces of the communication device may facilitate low profile solution for such communication with the satellite. In another embodiment, the one or more hardware interfaces are each disposed on a respective side of the housing other than the first side, the one or more hardware interfaces to couple the communication device to a power supply of a motor vehicle.

A waveguide device includes a first electrically conductive member having a first electrically conductive surface; a second electrically conductive member having a second electrically conductive surface which opposes the first electrically conductive surface; and a ridge-shaped waveguide member on the second electrically conductive member. The second electrically conductive member has a throughhole which splits the waveguide member into first and second ridges. The first and second ridges each have an electrically conductive end face, the end faces opposing each other via the throughhole. The opposing end faces and the throughhole together define a hollow waveguide. The hollow waveguide is connected to a first waveguide extending between the waveguide face of the first ridge and the first electrically conductive surface, and to a second waveguide extending between the waveguide face of the second ridge and the second electrically conductive surface.

A tracking antenna system for discrete radio frequency spectrums includes a reflector, a pedestal supporting the reflector, a radome assembly enclosing both, a first feed for gathering radio waves within a first of discrete RF spectrums that is removably disposed in front of the reflector at the focal point, a first RF module operably connected to the first feed for converting the first gathered radio waves to first electronic signals, a feed mount for removably supporting the first feed and configured to removably support a second feed for gathering radio waves within a second of discrete RF spectrums, and a module mount for removably supporting the first RF module and configured to removably support a second RF module for converting the second radio waves to second electronic signals. A method of using the tracking antenna system adaptable for discrete radio frequency spectrums is also disclosed.

A slot array antenna includes: a first conductive member having a first conductive surface and a plurality of slots therein, the slots being arrayed in a first direction and in a second direction which intersects the first direction; a second conductive member having a second conductive surface which opposes the first conductive surface; a plurality of waveguide members arrayed between the first and second conductive members along a direction which intersects the first direction, each waveguide member having an conductive waveguide face which extends along the first direction so as to oppose at least one of the slots; and an artificial magnetic conductor in a subregion which is within a region between the first and second conductive members but outside of a subregion containing the waveguide members. Neither an electric wall nor an artificial magnetic conductor exists in a space between two adjacent waveguide faces among the waveguide members.

An antenna device includes: an antenna array configured to radiate or receive an electromagnetic wave signal; a feed network configured to connect the antenna array and a signal multiplexer; at least one signal multiplexer configured to divide one path of a signal from the feed network into at least two paths of a signal, or combine at least two paths of a signal to one path of a signal and transmit the one path of a signal to the feed network; and at least two interface modules connected to an active module and configured to receive a signal sent from the passive module or the active module, or send a signal to the active module. The antenna device can be used for sharing the antenna array and other parts in the active antenna systems.

A device comprising a plurality of metallic conical radiators, said conical radiators substantially hollow having a vertex end and a base end, a first cylindrical portion disposed annularly about the base end of the conical portion, a metallic second cylindrical portion coupled to the vertex of the conical portion, said cylindrical portion having a threaded aperture, and an antenna feed coupled to the threaded aperture. The device may have patches disposed on a substrate as a one or multi-dimensional array. An RF feed may be coupled to the radiators.

An optical system (110) includes a lens unit (112) with a plurality of lenses. An out-of-focus point spread function of the lens unit (112) includes an annular intensity distribution with at least one ring-shaped side peak at a radial distance to a center point. A birefringent device (115) in an optical path of the optical system (110) is adapted to selectively attenuate the ring-shaped side peak in the out-of-focus point spread function of the lens unit (112).