Reflective Patents (Class 359/627)
  • Patent number: 8049889
    Abstract: A polarimeter and method of polarizing incoming light includes an optical assembly, a first adjustable circular retarder that rotates the polarization content of incoming light, a polarization beam splitter that receives light from the adjustable circular retarder and polarizing the light into a first portion of light having a first polarization and a second portion of light having a second polarization. The first portion of light is directed to a focal plane and the second portion of light is directed to the optical assembly. The optical assembly is switchable between a polarizing mode of operation in which the first portion of light is viewable at the focal plane in absence of the second portion of light and an imaging mode of operation in which the first portion of light and the second portion of light are viewable at the focal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Eric C. Fest
  • Publication number: 20110226972
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reflective focusing and transmissive projection device having a body, a set of reflective-focusing components and a light detector. The body has a surface layer with first and second surfaces, and a detecting layer outside the second surface. The set of reflective-focusing components is in the surface layer. Each reflective-focusing component has a contouring element and a curved reflective element conformed to the contouring element. The curved reflective element is configured to reflect light of a first type, transmit light of a second type and focus the light of the first type outside the first surface of the surface layer. The light detector is in the detecting layer, and is configured to receive light and generate light data associated with the received light. Also, the contouring element can be configured to focus the light of the second type on the light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Shuo Pang, Changhuei Yang
  • Publication number: 20110216420
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include reflector systems, methods, and apparatus for providing a light reflector. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a multi-layer light reflector. The method can include attaching a rear reflective layer to a lenticular lens optical film layer. The lenticular lens optical film layer includes a smooth surface and a structured surface. The rear reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or in contact with the smooth surface of the lenticular optical film. The method also includes attaching a diffusion layer to the lenticular lens optical film layer. The diffusion layer includes a smooth film surface and a structured diffusing surface. The smooth film surface of the diffusion film is disposed adjacent to or in contact with the structured surface of the lenticular lens optical film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: SOUTHPAC TRUST INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Leslie D. Howe
  • Patent number: 8009359
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lenticular display article, such as a container, and a method of making the article. The article includes a lenticular sidewall, which defines a cavity having a top end, and a bottom end, the sidewall having a seam; and an optional base attached to the bottom end of the sidewall. The method of making the article can includes forming a frustoconical sidewall having a seam joining the opposite ends and optionally affixing a base to the bottom end of a lenticular sidewall. Alternatively, the bottom end of the sidewall may be sealed to itself to form a baseless tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan A. McCannel, John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 8009360
    Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8004765
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate, optical means for coupling light into the substrate by total internal reflection, and a plurality of partially reflecting surfaces carried by the substrate, characterized in that the partially reflecting surfaces are parallel to each other and are not parallel to any of the edges of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Lumus Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaakov Amitai
  • Patent number: 7978412
    Abstract: The energy distribution of the beam spot on the irradiated surface changes due to the change in the oscillation condition of the laser or before and after the maintenance. The present invention provides an optical system for forming a rectangular beam spot on an irradiated surface including a beam homogenizer for homogenizing the energy distribution of the rectangular beam spot on the irradiated surface in a direction of its long or short side. The beam homogenizer includes an optical element having a pair of reflection planes provided oppositely for reflecting the laser beam in the direction where the energy distribution is homogenized and having a curved shape in its entrance surface. The entrance surface of the optical element means a surface of the optical element where the laser beam is incident first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Moriwaka
  • Publication number: 20110073183
    Abstract: Disclosed are a reflect-array lens (or a planar lens) and a solar cell module having the same. The reflect-array lens for a solar cell includes: a planar dielectric substrate having a first permittivity, wherein a plurality of recesses are formed on one surface of the planar dielectric substrate and filled with a dielectric having a second permittivity different from the first permittivity. The reflect-array lens can be easily fabricated and has an excellent concentration degree, and the solar cell module having the reflect-array lens has improved photoelectric conversion efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Woo Jin BYUN, Min Soo Kang, Kwang Seon Kim, Bong Su Kim
  • Publication number: 20110032365
    Abstract: A general purpose image and visual effects display apparatus, with associated methods, which is comprised of an array of independently angled reflective or refractive elements wherein the varying angle pattern of each element across said array is designed to reflect or refract specifically designed as well as fortuitously located existing colors, in precisely determined patterns, to make apparent to specific viewing or receiving locations a wide range of complex emergent visual and other effects. In some embodiments very high resolution and high color fidelity image display is possible. In other embodiments moving images akin to video can be displayed, using no electronics or moving parts. In other embodiments true binocular 3D images can be displayed directly to viewers, without the need for special 3D viewing glasses. Many of the embodiments and methods are applicable to non-visible light and other reflectable wave-based phenomena.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: James Yett
  • Publication number: 20110019283
    Abstract: A tamper indicating optical security device that operates to produce one or more synthetic images is provided. Any attempt to detach (e.g., forcibly remove) this device from an underlying base material will cause one or more layers of the security device to separate or delaminate, rending the device partially or totally inoperable. The inventive device is contemplated for use with, among other things, currency or banknotes, secure documents such as bonds, checks, travelers checks, identification cards, lottery tickets, passports, postage stamps, and stock certificates, as well as non-secure documents such as stationery items and labels. The inventive device is also contemplated for use with consumer goods as well as bags or packaging used with consumer goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Visual Physics, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan, Samuel M. Cape
  • Patent number: 7822304
    Abstract: A laser beam multiplexer capable of easily multiplexing a plurality of laser beams is provided. A laser beam multiplexer includes a multiplexing element having a hollow portion with a sectional elliptical shape, in which the multiplexing element includes: a plurality of light-incident apertures guiding laser beams from outside toward one of two focal points of the hollow portion, a reflective layer arranged on a wall surface of the hollow portion, and multiplexing a plurality of incident laser beams while reflecting the plurality of laser beams, and a light-emitting aperture guiding laser beams multiplexed by the reflective layer toward outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Hirata
  • Publication number: 20100259950
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical component, a manufacturing method of the same and a backlight module including the foregoing optical component. The optical component includes a plurality of microstructures and reflecting members. The microstructure is extended along a first direction and arranged along a second direction on a light exit surface, and a distance between the first curve and the second curve in the second direction is not equal and not parallel, and a distance between the second curve and another first curve in the second direction being not equal and not parallel. Each reflecting member is extended along the first direction and arranged along the second direction on a light entrance surface and the position of each reflecting member is among two microstructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Entire Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yan-Zuo Chen, Wen-Feng Cheng, Chih-Wei Huang, Chun-Wei Wang, Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20100231860
    Abstract: As optical elements for bending a light beam when it passes through an element face constituting one plane, a plurality of unit optical elements for reflecting light on one or more mirror surfaces arranged perpendicularly or at an angle nearly perpendicular to the element face are disposed to constitute an optical imaging element. Light emitted from projection object disposed on one side of the element face is reflected on the mirror surface when it passes through the element face so that a real image is formed in a space on the other side of the element face where a physical entity does not exist, thus constituting a display equipped with the optical imaging element. An aerial picture projection system not existing heretofore is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIO
    Inventor: Satoshi Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7787188
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that comprises: an optical path splitting element; an optical system including a variable-optical-power element which is substantially immobile in an optical axis direction and a reflective surface; and an image pickup surface, the variable-optical-power element, the optical system, and the image pickup surface being arranged so that a ray from an object side is divided into two rays by the optical path splitting element, at least one of the rays enters the optical system, and is reflected by the reflective surface to return to the optical path splitting element, and the ray strikes on the image pickup surface via the optical path splitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Hisashi Goto
  • Patent number: 7782536
    Abstract: The present invention provides half-mirrored parts and methods for creating half-mirrored parts. A half-mirrored part according to one particular embodiment of the present includes: a formable reflective layer and a formable transparent or translucent layer, wherein the formable reflective layer is on one side of the transparent or translucent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Lee Marx
  • Patent number: 7777959
    Abstract: The present invention provides a Micromirror Array Lens (MMAL) with fixed focal length to reproduce a designed surface having optical focusing power. The micro mechanical structures with surface profile shape memory are fabricated and released after fabrication. Each micromirror in the MMAL has its own motion by stiction force and/or electrostatic force while and/or after the releasing process. Once the designed surface is formed, the MMAL has an optical power as a lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display. Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Young Sohn, Cheong Soo Seo, Gyoung Il Cho
  • Patent number: 7768707
    Abstract: An electro-optic device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix pattern, including: a converging substrate formed of a transparent substrate having groove-shaped prism elements formed in an array pattern, wherein the prism elements are arranged along boundary areas of the pixels, wherein the prism elements each include a plurality of beveled portions arranged on side walls thereof in the direction of the thickness of the converging substrate, and wherein the inclination angle of the beveled portions arranged on an opening end side of each of the prism elements with respect to the normal line of the converging substrate on which the prism elements are formed is smaller than the inclination angle of the other beveled portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shunji Kamijima, Kazuhisa Mizusako, Makoto Inoguchi
  • Publication number: 20100182801
    Abstract: A printed ultra thin light guiding plate comprises a plastic cement plate (1) with high transmissivity. On at least a surface of the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic cement plate are provided with a plurality of printed ink layers (12) in an array for forming refractive and reflective units. On each printed ink layer (12) is covered correspondingly with a printed ink layer (13) which is optical curable and comprises nanometer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicants: DONGGUAN MEMTECH ELECTRONIC MEMTECH ELECTRONIC PRO, MEMTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD
    Inventor: Yi-Ren Ye
  • Publication number: 20100165472
    Abstract: A reflecting sheet of the invention includes at least a surface layer portion and an inner layer portion, where the surface layer portion contains at least 0.3 g/m2 to 20 g/m2 of an inorganic powder and a polyolefin resin (C), the inner layer portion contains a polyolefin resin (A) and at least one kind of resins (B) incompatible with the polyolefin resin (A) at temperatures enabling stretching of the polyolefin resin(A), the surface layer portion meets (n1?n2)/n2?0.20 (n1: refractive index of the inorganic powder, n2: refractive index of the polyolefin resin (C)), and the inner layer portion has voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ASAHI KASEI E-MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Hamasaki, Yuuichi Arito, Kenji Takasa, Tsumoru Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20100165471
    Abstract: A three-dimensional optical sheet is arranged between optical elements and a substrate for optically connecting the optical elements and the substrate and includes a sheet section, convex lens sections, and reflecting sections. The sheet section has first and second main surfaces. The convex lens sections are provided on the first main surface for collecting light. The reflecting sections are provided on the second main surface and change the direction of light traveling along the second main surface such that the light enters the convex lens sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jun Yorita
  • Publication number: 20100142200
    Abstract: An exemplary lens includes a first light incident surface, a second light incident surface, a reflecting surface, a first light emitting surface and a second light emitting surface. The second light incident surface is connected with the first light incident surface. The first and the second light incident surfaces cooperatively define a receiving space therebetween. The receiving space is configured for accommodating the point light source. The reflecting surface is connected with the second light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface is opposite to the first light incident surface. Light entering the lens through the first light incident surface exits from the first light emitting surface. The second light emitting surface is connected between the first light emitting surface and the reflecting surface. Light entering the lens through second light incident surface is reflected from the reflecting surface to the second light emitting surface to exit the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAN-FU HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100128354
    Abstract: A beam shaper including a reflection device and a plurality of reflectors. The reflection device is disposed on a transmission path of an incident light beam and has a plurality of reflection surfaces capable of reflecting the incident light beam. The reflection surfaces are capable of splitting the incident light beam into a plurality of reflected light beams. The reflectors are separately disposed on transmission paths of the reflected light beams. The reflectors are capable of reflecting the reflected light beams, so that a shaped light spot is formed by superimposing light spots of the reflected light beams. The reflection device is disposed between the shaped light spot and the reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: KUANG-PO CHANG, YA-FU CHUANG
  • Patent number: 7719768
    Abstract: An optical beam splitter arrangement comprising two beam splitter mounts one of which is turnable relative to the other by flexing a deformable connection. By controlling the turn angle of rotation it is possible to use the light reflected by one of the beam splitters to monitor the output power of a laser and to use the light reflected by the other beam splitter to monitor the wavelength transmitted by the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Declan Reilly, Simon Meadowcroft
  • Publication number: 20100110557
    Abstract: A tactical radiating device for directed energy includes at least two generators of high energy directed beams. At least one beam combining system combines high energy directed beams emitted by the generators into a combined high energy beam. A focusing device focuses the combined high energy beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: LFK-Lenkflugkoerpersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Franz GEIDEK, Norbert Nissl, Rudolf Protz, Juergen Zoz
  • Patent number: 7706073
    Abstract: A collimating sheet, for use with a backlit display and the like, that includes a substrate, a plurality of microlenses on the output side of the substrate, a specularly reflective layer on the side of the substrate opposite the microlenses, and a plurality of apertures in the reflective layer in direct correspondence to the microlenses of the lens array. The specularly reflective layer can be relatively thinner than a diffuse reflective layer, which allows light to pass through the more readily. One or more layers of dielectric can be placed on top of one or more reflective material layers to further improves overall reflectivity. Apertures are preferably made in the light-absorptive and reflective layers with a laser ablation process wherein laser light illuminates the output side of the film. The laser light is brought to a focus by the lenslets of the lens array onto the light-absorptive layer, which then ablates a hole or aperture into the light-absorptive and reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventor: James F. Munro
  • Publication number: 20100097809
    Abstract: A condensing element, array, and methods thereof include a bowl-shaped outer section and a lens-shaped inner section. The outer section provides substantially total internal reflection of light entering at an input surface of the outer section. The inner section is recessed within the outer section at a distance from the entering light that is within the focal position of the inner section. The outer and inner sections are configured in a preferred embodiment so that substantially all the light exiting the condensing element is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the entering light. In an alternate embodiment, the configuration of the condensing element can be modified to selectively adjust the desired degree of collimation of the exiting light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Munro, Penny J. Munro
  • Publication number: 20100079871
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to reflective surfaces. In one embodiment, a reflective surface comprises a substrate and multiple light-reflecting features disposed on the substrate. One or more images reflected from the multiple features can be produced by selectively covering at least portions of select features with a light absorbing material. Each image can be separately viewed by varying an observer's point of observation or each image can be viewed from a fixed observation point by varying the direction incident light impinges the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas G. Malzbender
  • Patent number: 7689116
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile camera optical lens system which assures a wide view angle by dividing a view angle into two or more view angles, and simultaneously achieves the thinness of the mobile camera optical lens system by providing separate off-axis lens systems respectively corresponding to the split view angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho Sik You, Seok Ho Song, Ho Seop Jeong, Sang Hyuck Lee, Hye Ran Oh
  • Patent number: 7679828
    Abstract: A collimating sheet, for use with a backlit display and the like, that includes a substrate, a plurality of microlenses on the output side of the substrate, a specularly reflective layer on the side of the substrate opposite the microlenses, and a plurality of apertures in the reflective layer in direct correspondence to the microlenses of the lens array. The specularly reflective layer can be relatively thinner than a diffuse reflective layer, which allows light to pass through the more readily. One or more layers of dielectric can be placed on top of one or more reflective material layers to further improves overall reflectivity. Apertures are preferably made in the light-absorptive and reflective layers with a laser ablation process wherein laser light illuminates the output side of the film. The laser light is brought to a focus by the lenslets of the lens array onto the light-absorptive layer, which then ablates a hole or aperture into the light-absorptive and reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Reflexite Corporation
    Inventor: James F. Munro
  • Publication number: 20100032557
    Abstract: A specular array for radiometric calibration (SPARC) includes a plurality of spherical mirrors disposed upon a uniform background as at least one array of reflective points, at least two points reflecting a different intensity of directly incident sunlight. Each mirror has a radius of curvature and a diameter, the radius of curvature and the diameter providing a field of regard, the collective mirrors providing a collective minimum calibratability field of regard. Based upon the radius of curvature, the transmittance value of the sun to each mirror and from each mirror to a sensor being calibrated, the intensity of calibration light provided to the input aperture of a sensor to be calibrated within the collective minimum calibratability field of regard may be determined and used as a baseline for sensor calibration. An associated method of combined spatial and radiometric calibration is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. SCHILLER
  • Publication number: 20100014312
    Abstract: A selectively light-reflecting sheet (30) includes a prismatic film (1) with parallel prisms (10) on its face, a low-index film (3) on the prisms and a layer (5) on the low-index film, this layer having a substantially flat surface. This results in a low effective index, which means that light incident at steeper angles on the prismatic film (1) will pass through it. This “leaky” effect can be used in conjunction with a reflector sheet (20) in a tapered-waveguide arrangement to construct a lightweight backlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Adrian Travis
  • Patent number: 7649690
    Abstract: A device, system and method integrating forward and panoramic fields is disclosed, comprising: a primary reflector, comprising a convex surface in relation to the forward field, reflective on at least part of the convex surface; a secondary reflector, forward of the primary reflector relative to the forward field, reflective on at least part a surface thereof facing rearward toward the primary reflector; a primary reflector hole in the primary reflector, substantially centered about an optical axis of the apparatus; and a secondary reflector hole in the secondary reflector, substantially centered about the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: InterScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle D. Simkulet, Jiayin Ma, Jason E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7630136
    Abstract: An optical integrator having a first surface and a second surface that is used in a lithographic apparatus to modify light. The first surface is reflective, defines a volume, and is configured to be disposed in an optical illumination system along an optical axis, to surround the optical axis, and to reflect a light along a path incident upon the first surface. The second surface is disposed in the volume and has a first section of the second surface that is semi-reflective and is configured to reflect a first portion of a light along a path incident upon the first section of the second surface and to transmit a second portion of the light along the path incident upon the first section of the second surface. The second surface increases the number of reflections of the light to increase the uniformity of the intensity distribution of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: ASML Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Lev Ryzhikov, Abel Joobeur, Yevgeniy Konstantinovich Shmarev
  • Patent number: 7616368
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for displays are disclosed that utilize light concentration array between mechanical light modulators and the viewing surface of the display. The light concentration array includes an array of optical elements that concentrate light on respective ones of the light modulators to maximize the contrast ratio and off axis viewing of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Pixtronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Nesbitt W. Hagood, IV
  • Publication number: 20090231855
    Abstract: A parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lighting fixture is provided with a faceted lens having many distinct lens elements. A plurality of first lens elements use light refraction to direct light from the collimated beam supplied from the fixture reflector to uniformly illuminate segments of a region of an adjacent wall surface. A plurality of second lens elements use internal reflection to direct light from the collimated beam to uniformly illuminate other, off-axis segments of the region. The resulting highly asymmetric beam distribution pattern provides wall wash or cyc capability with a widely available PAR fixture and eliminates the need for dedicated cyc or wall wash fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Gregg Esakoff, David Kinzer
  • Patent number: 7589917
    Abstract: A Fresnel lens having a curved surface and a large number of Fresnel lens steps with rectangular cross sections for enhancing the aesthetics while providing a diffuser appearance. The cylindrical Fresnel lens can be uniformly divided into rectangular sections across the lens axis. The rectangular sections are alternative and are offset from the curved surface by a distance, which produces a very parallel output beam. The front face of the cylindrical Fresnel lens provides a square like pattern, which results in an aesthetic appearance with the effective usage of light and reduced production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Anita Sure, Venkataraman Krishnasamy
  • Patent number: 7583433
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-mirror-system for an illumination system, especially for lithography with wavelengths ?193 nm. The system includes light rays traveling along a light oath from an object plane to an image plane, and an arc-shaped field in the image plane, whereby a radial direction in the middle of the arc-shaped field defines a scanning direction. The first mirror and the second mirror are arranged in the light path in such a position and having such a shape, that the edge sharpness of the arc-shaped field in the image plane is smaller than 5 mm in the scanning direction. Furthermore, the light rays are impinging on the first mirror and the second mirror with incidence angles ?30° or ?60° relative to a surface normal of the first and second mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Martin Antoni, Isabel Escudero-Sanz, Wolfgang Singer, Johannes Wangler, Jörg Schultz
  • Patent number: 7580189
    Abstract: An optical element includes a microlens array and a reflective surface. The microlens array has a focal curve and a focal length, and the reflective surface is spaced from the focal curve. When used as an exit-pupil expander, such an optical element can often generate output beamlets that have a more uniform brightness than the output beamlets generated by a diffractive optical element. Furthermore, such an optical element can define an output-beamlet envelope having an aperture that is less wavelength-dependent than the aperture of an output-beamlet envelope defined by an exit-pupil expander that incorporates a diffractive optical element. In addition, such an optical element can often produce an image having less speckle than an exit-pupil expander that incorporates a diffractive optical element when used with one or more coherent light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Hakan Urey, Karlton D. Powell
  • Publication number: 20090195880
    Abstract: A three-dimensional light reflection plate that can successfully prevent deformation of the light reflection plate, reduce initial cost and product cost, and facilitate increase in size and reflectance. The light reflection plate includes a bottom plate in which a plurality of mutually parallel slit holes are formed on a flat, light-reflective plate material and a mountain plate that is rectangular from a planar view of which a width direction cross-sectional shape is a mountain shape and in which insertion sections are formed in both width-direction end sections. The mountain plate is fixed to the bottom plate by the insertion sections of the mountain plate being inserted into the slit holes of the bottom plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: THE FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Nobuyuki Morita, Kaoru Sekiguchi
  • Publication number: 20090168186
    Abstract: An optical assembly for reducing the etendue of a diode laser light source having a plurality of laser light emitters. The optical assembly comprises a first optical device for collimating beams of light emitted from the emitters of the diode laser. A second optical device spatially shifts a portion of the collimated light beams emitted from the diode laser to thereby reduce gaps or dark space between the beams. A third optical device focuses all of the light beams onto a surface, such as a surface of a light modulation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Forrest Williams, Robert Christensen, Allen Tanner
  • Patent number: 7545584
    Abstract: A high intensity lighting apparatus (400) includes an outer housing (402); a curved support disk (414) having an array of diode or laser-based integrated light source (410) attached thereto disposed within the housing. Each of the light source (110) includes a tube (112) having a laser or diode chip (111) at one end of the tube. The tubes each have at least one concave shaped exit surface (113) on an end opposite the chip, wherein the concave exit surface converges light emitted from each of the light source to focal points within the housing (402). A shape of the curved support disk (414) converges the respective focal points into a light beam having a common focal plane (441). Adjustable secondary optics (431) are disposed in the housing after the focal plane (441) for creating various angles of transmission of the light beam. The laser can be a diode laser, while the diode can be a light-emitting diode (LED).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Gold, Stanley Kaye
  • Patent number: 7529026
    Abstract: An optical system having a radiation transparent member and an anti-reflective embossment embossed into at least one surface of the transparent member. The embossment has spaced structures configured to permit incident radiation to pass through the embossment and the radiation transparent member, and to, at least, attenuate reflection of the incident radiation off the embossment. The structures are maximally spaced from one another by a subwavelength of the incident radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Gardner, Arthur R. Piehl
  • Patent number: 7502170
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a through-hole for detection formed at a center portion, and irradiates diffused light and directional light to an object to be detected. The apparatus includes an annular diffusion plate which diffuses light, a light source disposed annularly, and an annular reflection plate which reflects light from the light source to the side of said object to be detected. The diffusion plate, light source, and reflection plate are disposed in the order from the side of said object to be detected. The diffused light is generated by irradiating light from said light source to the object to be detected through said diffusion plate. Light from said light source is reflected by said reflection plate and then irradiated to the object to be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Nakano, Youichi Tanaka, Hiroyoshi Saitoh, Junichi Hada
  • Patent number: 7492522
    Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Edward Sinofsky, Manish Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20090034084
    Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Textron Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Klimek, Alexander E. Mandl
  • Publication number: 20090034085
    Abstract: A packaged electro-optic integrated circuit and a multi-fiber connector including an integrated circuit substrate, at least one optical signal providing element, at least one optical signal sensor, sensing at least one optical signal from the at least one optical signal providing element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element, mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate, cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: XLoom Communications, Ltd.
    Inventors: Avner Badehi, Sylvie Rockman
  • Patent number: 7483215
    Abstract: A reflective imaging assembly for viewing an interlaced image to provide a three dimensional or animated visual display. The assembly includes an image element having segments or strips of an interlaced image and includes a reflective substrate including reflectors or mirror elements each having an elongate reflective surface and extending parallel to the segments of the interlaced image. The reflectors focus on the interlaced image to illuminate the segments with reflected light to produce a visual display or effect. Each of the reflectors may have a parabolic cross section to focus reflected light rays onto the segments. A mounting substrate of transparent material is positioned between the image element and the reflective substrate. The mounting substrate abuts the reflectors and provides a planar surface spaced apart from the grooves upon which the image element is provided. Illumination spaces are provided in the image element to facilitate light reaching the reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Genie Lens Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Raymond
  • Patent number: 7480099
    Abstract: A variable focus system that includes an electrovariable optic (EVO) and a controller operatively configured for changing the focal configuration of the EVO. The EVO includes a plurality of movable optical elements that may be moved substantially in unison with one another so as to change either the focal length of the EVO, the direction of the focal axis of the EVO, or both, depending upon the needs of a particular application. The variable focus system may be used in conjunction with an image source to construct a 3D floating image projector that projects a series of 2D image slices of a 3D image onto corresponding respective image planes in succession rapidly enough that a 3D floating image is perceived by a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: PC Mirage LLC
    Inventor: Peter E. Raber
  • Patent number: 7471456
    Abstract: An optical integrator of a wavefront dividing type permits an arbitrary distance to be set between an entrance surface and an exit surface, without production of aberration and without reduction in reflectance on reflecting films. The optical integrator has a plurality of first focusing elements (first concave reflector elements 18a) arranged in parallel, a plurality of second focusing elements (second concave reflector elements 20a) arranged in parallel so as to correspond to the first focusing elements, and a relay optical system (19) disposed in an optical path between the first focusing elements and the second focusing elements. The relay optical system refocuses a light beam focused via one of the first focusing elements, on or near a corresponding second focusing element so as to establish an imaging relation of one-to-one correspondence between one of the first focusing elements and one of the second focusing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Komatsuda
  • Publication number: 20080316761
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an illumination optical system. The optical system can include a first surface and a second surface. Each of the first and second surfaces can further comprises a multiplicity of corresponding Cartesian-oval lenticulations such that each lenticulation of the first surface focuses a source upon a corresponding lenticulation of the second surface and each lenticulation of the second surface focuses a target upon a corresponding lenticulation of the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLC
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Minano, Pablo Benitez, Maikel Hernandez, Jose Blen, Ruben Mohedano, Oliver Dross