The present invention relates to an optical circuit having a plurality of optical elements formed therein, and in particular, an optical circuit provided with optical waveguides that guide subsidiary light from an optical element. The method and means for producing hermetically sealed discrete flexible pixel elements include encapsulation means, exterior casement means, and cable connector means. The database updater updates a second set of information in the database based at least in part on one or more conditions. The corresponding fabrication process is also described. The strength of association for a given point in the story may be determined, for example, based at least in part on the determined score for the point. The optical element that takes part in the determination of a focal length in said image pickup system includes an optical element making use of a refraction phenomenon alone.