Abstract: A system utilizing direct-view illumination of selected regions together with principles of constructive occlusion (diffuse reflectivity in a mask and cavity structure) provides a tailored radiation intensity distribution adapted to meet the requirements of certain special applications. The direct illumination provides high intensity illumination for certain desired regions. However, some radiant energy from the system source(s) reflects and diffuses within the volume between the mask and the cavity. The mask constructively occludes the aperture of the cavity. The reflected energy emerging from between the mask and cavity provides a desired illumination, for example at a much lower intensity, for regions not covered by the direct illumination.

Abstract: The optical system of the present invention efficiently projects electromagnetic radiation such as visible light over a predetermined field of illumination with a tailored intensity distribution. The system includes a base having an optical area that faces the area to be illuminated. The apparatus further includes a mask spaced over the optical area of the base. The system also includes a cavity with an aperture, formed in either the optical area of the base or in a surface of the mask facing toward the base. The base and mask are arranged so that the mask constructively occludes the optical area of the base and/or the aperture of the cavity, with respect to the field of illumination. The system further includes a baffle. The baffle may be between the mask and the base. The baffle may extend into or be within the cavity. The base, the mask, and the baffle have outer surfaces that are reflective, and preferably exhibit a significant diffuse, reflective characteristic.

Abstract: Many applications of radiant energy transducer systems call for specific performance characteristics over desired fields of view or footprints on identified surfaces. Constructive occlusion utilizes a mask sized and positioned to occlude an active optical area, such as an aperture of a diffusely reflective cavity, so as to provide a tailored performance characteristic. Use of principles of constructive occlusion alone or in combination with several other techniques enable tailoring of the illumination distribution or the sensitivity profile of a radiant energy transducer system to meet the demands of specific applications. One mechanism used to further tailor performance involves a non-diffuse reflective shoulder along a peripheral section of the mask and cavity type system. Another technique involves using a retro-reflective surface, for example along a portion of the periphery of the system, to limit the angular field of view and to redirect light back into the system for emission within the desired field.

Abstract: A conical deflector receives light from a source through an opening at the narrow end of the cone. In one embodiment, an optical fiber bundle supplies light directly into the cone. In another embodiment, the conical deflector receives light via an optical integrating cavity. A substantial portion of the inner surface of the cones has a specular reflectivity. The entire surface may be uniformly specular (e.g., highly specular). Alternatively, one or more sections of the inner walls of the cone may have a diffuse reflectivity or a different degree of specular reflectivity (e.g., quasi-specular). The deflector is dimensioned relative to a narrow, desired field of view and the light source to deflect light that would otherwise pass out of the desired field of view, so as to efficiently illuminate the desired field of view. The conical deflector provides a substantially uniform light intensity distribution over the desired field of view.