Optical Imaging Tunnel Patents (Class 385/133)
-
Patent number: 7925134Abstract: This disclosure presents a version of a coherent laser radar system that is immune to environmental effects on Mach-Zehnder-configured interferometers and reference length standards comprising such systems. The present disclosure also describes methods and materials which alleviate interferometer drift due to vapor absorption using a polyimide coated polarization maintaining fiber to reduce the change in the length of a reference arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Nikon Metrology NVInventors: Anthony Slotwinski, Andrew L. Bennett
-
Patent number: 7918561Abstract: An optical system (light guiding optical system) for guiding G-light and R-light to liquid crystal panels is protruded in an opposite direction from projection optical system with regard to an optical axis of a light source. A space is created between an optical engine and a wall surface, and air stream for suction fan is thus secured. A distance (H1) between the optical engine and the wall surface can be reduced to, for example, a thickness of an external housing of the projector. Since a unit comprising the light source and a suction fan is retracted in a direction of the projection optical system than a protruded portion of the light guiding optical system, a distance (H2) from an end edge of the optical engine to a projection light emitting position can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Ikeda, Shinya Matsumoto
-
Patent number: 7899282Abstract: The present invention provides a beam homogenizer being equipped with an optical waveguide having a pair of reflection planes provided oppositely, having one end surface into which the laser beam is incident, and having the other end surface from which the laser beam is emitted in the optical system for forming the beam spot. The optical waveguide is a circuit being able to keep radiation light in a certain region and to transmit the radiation light in such a way that the energy flow thereof is guided in parallel with an axis of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koichiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 7883218Abstract: A projector capable of preventing a light tunnel from positional deviation is obtained. This projector comprises a rectangular light tunnel having a hollow light guide path capable of passing light therethrough for shaping the light with the light guide path, an optical component holding member provided with a holding portion holding the light tunnel and a light tunnel clip including a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion pressing first and second surfaces, adjacent to each other, of the light tunnel toward the holding portion of the optical component holding member for holding the light tunnel in a pressed state, while the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion press positions of the first and second surfaces of the light tunnel located substantially on the same line perpendicular to the traveling direction of the light respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Yoshikawa, Yusuke Ohta
-
Publication number: 20110026128Abstract: A projection display (60) includes a first waveguide (64) incorporating a grating structure (74) and second waveguide (66) incorporating an exit grating (84). The first and second waveguides (64, 66) are arrange to expand an image in orthogonal directions. The second waveguide (66) includes a first layer (86) with a first predetermined refractive index and/or first predetermined thickness, a second layer (88) with a second predetermined refractive index and/or second predetermined thickness. The exit grating (84) is arranged to direct at least some impinging light out of the second waveguide(66) and to provide at least some beam splitting of light passing through the exit grating (84). The first and second layers (86, 88) are arranged to abut one another such that the exit grating (84) is therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLCInventors: Ian Andrew Baker, Vincent Andrei Handerek
-
Patent number: 7854514Abstract: An illumination source includes a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operating at a first wavelength. Light from the LEDs illuminates a phosphor material that generates light at a second wavelength. A reflective polarizer transmits light at the second wavelength in a first polarization state and reflects light at the second wavelength in a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state. The light at the second wavelength reflected by the reflective polarizer is directed back towards the phosphor material without an increase in angular range. In some embodiments the LEDs, having a conformal layer of phosphor material, are attached directly to the first surface of a liquid cooled plate. A liquid coolant contacts a second surface of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Arlie R. Conner, Sean M. Donnelly, Peter R. Oehler
-
Patent number: 7835602Abstract: A photonic guiding device and methods of making and using are disclosed. The photonic guiding device comprises a large core hollow waveguide configured to interconnect electronic circuitry on a circuit board. A reflective coating covers an interior of the hollow waveguide to provide a high reflectivity to enable light to be reflected from a surface of the reflective coating. A collimator is configured to collimate multi-mode coherent light directed into the hollow waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael Renne Ty Tan, Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Shih-Yuan (SY) Wang
-
Patent number: 7832878Abstract: The present invention generally relates to video and/or television projection systems, and more particularly, to LED based light source systems utilizing generally non-rotationally symmetric, preferably oblong or rectangular, non-imaging collection optics for providing improved projection systems relative to arc lamp and other LED based light source systems. The non-rotationally symmetric non-imaging collection optics are configured to operate with LEDs to provide preferred, generally, uniform light distributions whose étendues match those of downstream applications such as those encountered in projection systems. Also provided are various arrangements for coupling LED output to the entrance aperture of collection optics and for coupling the outputs from a plurality of collection optic outputs to form single beams of illumination of preferred patterns, intensities, and color.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Innovations In Optics, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Brukilacchio, Charles A. Demilo
-
Patent number: 7815318Abstract: A projector capable of adjusting brightness and brightness uniformity includes a light module, a light pipe, a first lens module, a second lens module and an image module. The light module generates a light ray. The light pipe includes an entrance and an exit. The light ray is converged onto the entrance of the light pipe and outputted through the exit of the light pipe. The first lens module has a first focal surface, which overlaps the exit of the light pipe, and receives the light ray outputted through the exit of the light pipe. The second lens module has a second focal surface and receives the light ray outputted through the first lens module. The image module is disposed on the second focal surface of the second lens module and receives the light ray outputted through the second lens module.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Qlada CorporationInventor: Chien-Chiang Hsu
-
Patent number: 7800639Abstract: Micro-symbols or scenes formed on the optical surfaces of laser diode arrays, MEMS arrays, and optical fiber image tunnel arrays, and the like, allow these devices to function as laser pulse image switches, producing streams of laser pulses, each an image of the micro-symbols or scenes.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Joseph Dale Udy
-
Patent number: 7799588Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical device includes: a first step of forming an optical-device forming body that includes a plurality of columnar structures arranged in an arrangement direction on a substrate surface via a trench and an outline structure connected to and containing therein the plurality of columnar structures; a second step of oxidizing the optical-device forming body from a state where the optical-device forming body starts to be oxidized to a state where the columnar structure is oxidized; and a third step in which an unoxidized residual part of the outline structure in the second step is oxidized after the second step so as to form an oxidized body. Furthermore, the third step includes restraining the outline structure from being deformed with respect to at least the arrangement direction of the columnar structures in the third step.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Junji Oohara, Hisaya Katoh, Toshiyuki Morishita, Yukihiro Takeuchi
-
Patent number: 7794093Abstract: A projection display apparatus includes a light source, a light intensity equalizing element, a reflective light valve, a relay optical system, and a projecting optical system; the light intensity equalizing element being an optical device in which a cross-sectional shape in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of the light has four corners; the cross-sectional shape of the light intensity equalizing element being determined in accordance with a rectangular ideal illumination area determined so as to include the image forming area on the reflective light valve, an illumination area on the reflective light valve when a reference light intensity equalizing element is assumed to be used, the reference light intensity equalizing element being rectangular in a cross-sectional shape in a direction orthogonal to the central light ray, and the cross-sectional shape of the reference light intensity equalizing element.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Kuniko Kojima, Tomohiro Sasagawa
-
Patent number: 7751670Abstract: A laser display device, which eliminates speckles generated in the transmission of laser beams and uniformly mixes laser beams of various colors, and an optical coupler therefor. The laser display device includes light sources emitting laser beams; an image display unit displaying an image by the laser beams; and a speckle elimination unit located on a path of the laser beams, and including at least one panel having an uneven part and disposed on an optical axis of the light sources.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sung Chul Shin
-
Publication number: 20100158461Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Michael H. Bonitatibus
-
Publication number: 20100158462Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Michael H. Bonitatibus, Barry E. Barsky
-
Patent number: 7738755Abstract: An optical waveguide film and an electrical and optical hybrid circuit film having a high durability for folding while keeping the core size of the optical waveguide at a desired level are provided. The optical waveguide film is flexible, having a core made of a resin that composes an optical waveguide, a clad made of a resin, and a hollow groove extending in the same direction in which the core extends wherein at least at a portion of the optical waveguide film is folded so that the folding axis intersects with the core-extending direction at the portion. The films can contribute to the miniaturization of electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Shioda
-
Patent number: 7726819Abstract: A structure for protecting a rod integrator that is used for a projection display apparatus is provided. The structure has: a protecting tube for the rod integrator, the protecting tube accommodating the rod integrator therein, wherein the protecting tube has openings which are defined at positions that face a light incident surface and a light exiting surface of the rod integrator, respectively; and a light shield plate that is provided between the opening and a light source for emitting light to the rod integrator, the opening facing the light incident surface of the rod integrator, wherein the light shield plate has an opening for allowing light to pass therethrough so that the light is incident on the rod integrator.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: NEC ViewTechnology, Ltd.Inventor: Eisaku Shouji
-
Patent number: 7724443Abstract: There is provided an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate having two major surfaces and edges, an optical element (16) for coupling light waves into the substrate by total internal reflexion, and a plurality of partially reflecting surfaces (22a, 22b, 22c) carried by the substrate. The partially reflecting surfaces are parallel to each other and are not parallel to any of the edges of the substrate. At least one of the partially reflecting surfaces (22a, 22b, 22c) does not intersect with at least one of the two major surfaces, and the optical element (16) intersects with at least one of the two major surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Lumus Ltd.Inventor: Yaakov Amitai
-
Patent number: 7717572Abstract: An adjusting device for positioning an integration rod within an optical engine module is provided. The optical engine module includes a casing having four sidewalls defining an optical path. The integration rod is disposed in the optical path. Each sidewall has a screw hole. The adjusting device includes two adjusting screws extending through the screw holes in two adjacent sidewalls of the casing in order to abut against the integration rod, thereby adjusting the position of the integration rod in the optical path and two positioning screws extending through the screw holes in remaining two adjacent sidewalls of the casing to abut against the integration rod for immobilizing the integration rod within the casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Coretronic CorporationInventors: Wei-Po Hsu, Tai-Li Chang, Chin-Ku Liu, Chia-Lun Liu
-
Patent number: 7684668Abstract: An exemplary directional light homogenizer includes a one-piece, hollow hexagonal cross-section tube. The tube has an internal highly light reflective surface. The tube defines a first end configured to receive a non-homogenous light from a light source and a second end configured to output homogenized light. At least one curved section is disposed between the first end and the second end, and the curved section has a curvature greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. An output section of the tube is straight, has a finite length, and terminates at the second end.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Frank T. P. Cianciotto, George H. Butler, III
-
Publication number: 20100033986Abstract: A light dispersal unit or light pipe for a video imaging device includes a transparent body. The body includes a tubular ring having an outer diameter and a through bore defining an inner diameter. Four equidistantly spaced raised portions are homogenously joined to the tubular ring. The ring has a semi-circular shape corresponding to the outer and inner diameters of the tubular ring. The raised portions each include a slot created between opposed first and second extending portions, the slot having an end wall and opposed first and second slot walls. A rounded end face defines a free end of each of the first and second extending portions facing away from the tubular ring. The rounded end face includes at least two curved portions each having a different radius of curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: PERCEPTRON INC.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Schober, Al Boehnlein, Jeffrey Miller
-
Patent number: 7657147Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Solar Light Company, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Bonitatibus, Barry E. Barsky
-
Patent number: 7606456Abstract: A collector for propagating incident radiation is disclosed. The collector may comprise a light directing component coupled to a buffer component, a first propagation component coupled to the buffer component and configured to transmit the incident radiation into a collector region through one of a plurality of windows, and an optical transport assembly coupled to an end of the collector region and having a second propagation component. Each light directing component may be configured to redirect the incident radiation from a first direction to a second direction, and the collector region may include a plurality of regions exhibiting a refractive index value that gradually transitions from about 1.5 to about 2.0. The second propagation component may be further configured to retain the incident radiation.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Biosynergetics, Inc.Inventor: Eldon H. Nyhart, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7603017Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-color curved multi-light generating apparatus comprises a first input component adapted to receive a first input light beam, a second input component adapted to receive a second input light beam, a third input component adapted to receive a third input light beam, and an output component adapted to provide an output light beam. The input components and the output component are joined together to combine the input light beams and form the output light beam. In various implementations, each of the input components and the output component comprise a hollow tube with a polygonal cross-section, such as a hexagonal cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Frank T Cianciotto, George H Butler, III
-
Patent number: 7570859Abstract: An optical substrate guided relay (300) includes a light homogenizing device (321) coupled to an optical input device (301) in an offset orientation along a first interface (331). The light homogenizing device (321) receives light from an image-producing source (804), which can be a scanned beam source, and creates multiple copies of the received light by way of a light homogenizing device (321). The light and copies are delivered to the optical input device (301). An optical substrate (302) receives light from the optical input device (301) as the light spirals down the optical input device (301) due to the offset coupling with the light homogenizing device (321). An optical output device (303), coupled to the optical substrate (302) distally from the optical input device (301) delivers the light to a user (803) with one or more partially reflective surfaces (304).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Christian Dean DeJong
-
Patent number: 7568806Abstract: A light source unit includes a mirror tunnel which has a prism-like shape and whose external sides are formed to taper, and a light source which includes a light emitting device and which is disposed on a side of the mirror tunnel. A reflecting mirror is provided at a first end face of the mirror tunnel, and a second end face of the mirror tunnel, that lies on an opposite side from the first end face, is an end face from which light is emitted, and has an area wider than that of the first end face. The light emitting device of the light source includes red LED's, blue LED's and green LED's, and the LED's are disposed on the side of the mirror tunnel such that the LED's of the same color do not lie adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction of the mirror tunnel and a direction which is at right angles to the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yukio Suzuki
-
Patent number: 7565049Abstract: A laser light source (10) has semiconductor lasers (1) and a waveguide tube (3) for propagating emission light from each of the semiconductor lasers (1). The semiconductor lasers are arranged on the upper end on the incident surface (31) side of the waveguide tube such that the emission light (4) from each of the semiconductor lasers enters into the waveguide tube from one end surface (31) of the waveguide tube and exits from the other end surface (32) of the waveguide tube. The structure can realize a small-sized laser light source having high output and capable of outputting emission light having uniform emission light intensity distribution.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tomoya Sugita, Kiminori Mizuuchi, Ken'ichi Kasazumi, Akihiro Morikawa, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 7565050Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light pipe having an improved structure of prisms. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises an inner-surface including a linear array of prisms; and a substantially smooth outer-surface, wherein a pitch of prisms in a first region is wider than a pitch of prisms in a second region. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises a hollow base pipe; and an insertion inserted into the base pipe and having a structured surface including an array of prisms, wherein a pitch of prisms in a first region is wider than a pitch of prisms in a second region.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Sang Hoon Lee, Han Kyu Cho, Jong-Jin Kim
-
Patent number: 7558457Abstract: A combined illumination and ventilation duct is disclosed. The present invention includes at least two optical pipes having air flown inside wherein light proceeds within the at least two optical pipes by being totally reflected and a connector connecting the at least two optical pipes together, the connector having a connecting nipple to be connected to a pipe. An upper part of the duct is embedded in a fake ceiling under a real ceiling and a lower part is exposed under the fake ceiling. Alternatively, the whole combined illumination and ventilation duct is installed to be exposed under the fake ceiling. As air and light pass through the combined illumination and ventilation duct, the light is totally reflected within the optical pipes to illuminate an indoor space and the air is supplied or discharged to ventilate the indoor space.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Keun Hyoung Choi, In Ho Choi, Dong Whan Choi, Ho Seon Choi
-
Patent number: 7533996Abstract: A contrast adjustable projector apparatus including a body, a light source, an illumination unit, a lens assembly and a regulation device is disclosed. The light source is disposed in the body for generating light beams. The illumination unit connects the light source and the lens assembly to guide the light beams to project onto the lens assembly. The illumination unit includes a digital micromirror device (DMD) which is controlled by a controller to rotate at a specific angle according to the transmitted signals, thereby projecting the light beams transmitting from the light source as an on-state light, a flat state light or an off-state light. The regulation device is provided at an outer side of the lens assembly to adjustably shield at least a part of flat state light which is incident to a light inlet, in order to the contrast of the light emitted out of the lens assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Shengwei Lin, Kuotung Wu
-
Patent number: 7530698Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an integration rod module disposed in an optical path between a light source device and a projection lens within a projection apparatus includes a flexible element having a fixing plate section mounted securely on an inner surface of a casing interconnecting the light source device and the projection lens and enclosing the integration rod module, and a first distal plate section extending integrally from one end of the fixing plate section toward a rod cover mounted on the casing for resiliently urging a holder of the rod module to press against the inner surface of the casing at a position opposite to the flexible element. A stop member is disposed securely on the holder adjacent to the rod cover to facilitate abutment of the first distal plate section of the flexible element against the holder to enhance retention of the rod module within the casing.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Coretronic CorporationInventors: Tai-Li Chang, Wen-Chi Fu, Chun-How Shao
-
Patent number: 7497579Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment discussed herein, an active color wheel is provided. The active color wheel according to one exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of light sources configured to be moved through a period of motion. Further, the plurality of light sources are configured to be activated over a range of the period of motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Scott Lerner, John R. Sterner
-
Patent number: 7486866Abstract: A fabrication method for hollow integration rod suitable for high temperature operation, comprising the steps: (a) pre-fixing a set of mirrors to be a hollow integration rod by a light curable adhesive (such as UV curable adhesive); and (b) fixing those mirrors permanently by an inorganic adhesive. Wherein the mirrors can be a High Reflective Mirror with dielectric thin films, or it could be a High Reflective Mirror made of metallic thin film and coating a dielectric thin films by deposition for enhancing the reflection and protection purpose; for a all dielectric film, since there are multi-layer of thin dielectric films been deposited thereon, to prevent the warpage or distortion due to film stress in deposition process, several layers of thin film of silicon oxide SiOx can be pre-deposited on the backside of the mirror to balance.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chien-Chih Lai, Chin-Ming Chung, Juin-Hong Lin, Pi-Tsung Hsu, Chiih-Wei Tso
-
Patent number: 7477809Abstract: A photonic guiding device and methods of making and using are disclosed. The photonic guiding device comprises a large core hollow waveguide configured to interconnect electronic circuitry on a circuit board. A reflective coating covers an interior of the hollow waveguide to provide a high reflectivity to enable light to be reflected from a surface of the reflective coating. A collimator is configured to collimate multi-mode coherent light directed into the hollow waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael Renne Ty Tan, Alexandre M. Bratkovski, Shih-Yuan (SY) Wang
-
Publication number: 20090003765Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Brett E. Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin
-
Publication number: 20080292259Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-color curved multi-light generating apparatus comprises a first input component adapted to receive a first input light beam, a second input component adapted to receive a second input light beam, a third input component adapted to receive a third input light beam, and an output component adapted to provide an output light beam. The input components and the output component are joined together to combine the input light beams and form the output light beam. In various implementations, each of the input components and the output component comprise a hollow tube with a polygonal cross-section, such as a hexagonal cross-section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Frank T. Cianciotto, George H. Butler, III
-
Patent number: 7455410Abstract: An illuminating apparatus includes: a light source that emits a source light; and a light guiding module that has an overlap rod portion which can pass luminous fluxes traveling in different directions therethrough and has a returning member which returns the luminous fluxes having passed through the overlap rod portion at least once so that the luminous fluxes enter the overlap rod portion in directions different from the previous time, whereby the source light is made uniform.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Makoto Furusawa, Akira Hashimoto
-
Patent number: 7452087Abstract: An illumination apparatus illuminating an objective illumination region comprises a plurality of illuminants having light-emitting surfaces radiating diffused light, an illuminant substrate in which the illuminants are disposed so as to be set in array on the circumference, at least one optical member configured to guide the diffused light to the objective illumination region, a movable section configured to drive the optical member so as to be rotatable around the center of the circumference serving as a rotation center, and a lighting control section configured to control a light-emitting timing of the plurality of illuminants. The movable section and the lighting control section operate together such that the quantity of light per unit time of the diffused light guided to the objective illumination region is within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Shinichi Imade
-
Publication number: 20080279520Abstract: The light tunnel structure includes a plurality of reflectors joined together to form a light tunnel for allowing a light beam to pass and reflect therethrough. The plurality of reflectors respectively have end surfaces edge at two opposite open ends ea,ead of the light tunnel structure, wherein not all of the end surfaces at one open end of the light tunnel structure edges at the end are positioned at the same plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Jen-Chih Wang, Ching-Hsiang Yu
-
Patent number: 7443591Abstract: An optical homogenizing and combining apparatus, comprises a one piece, hollow, tubular body having a first input leg, a second input leg and an output leg, each leg having a polygonal cross-section and highly reflective interior surfaces in accordance with an embodiment. The body has a shape corresponding to first and second bent tubes, the tubes being truncated along a plane and joined at a junction lying in the plane. The a first end of the first tube defines the first input leg, a first end of the second tube defines the second input leg, and a second end of the first tube and a second end of the second tube define the output leg.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Frank T. Cianciotto, George H. Butler, III
-
Publication number: 20080260342Abstract: An elongated probe to be inserted into a tube which is open at a distal end portion of an insertion section of an endoscope includes a sheath constituting the outer circumferential surface of the optical probe, an optical fiber laid in the internal space of the sheath along the longitudinal direction of the sheath, and a deflection scanning means disposed in the internal space of the sheath to deflect light outputted from the optical fiber and is rotated around an axis line extending in the longitudinal direction to scan the deflected light in a circumferential direction of the axis line. A plurality of light transmission sections for transmitting the scanning light is provided, each formed flat on the outer surface, on a side wall of the sheath along the circumferential direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicants: FUJIFILM Corporation, Fujinon CorporationInventor: Karin Kuroiwa
-
Patent number: 7438427Abstract: An integration rod used in a projector. The integration rod includes a plurality of lenses that form the integration rod; a layer of high temperature hot-setting UV adhesive applied on the lenses to bond the lenses into a hollow rod structure; and a layer of ceramic adhesive applied on the hollow rod structure for stabilizing the hollow rod structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Premier Image Technology CorporationInventors: Hsin-Li Lin, Pi-Tsung Hsu, I-Pen Chien
-
Patent number: 7434946Abstract: Disclosed herein is an illumination system for use in display systems employing spatial light modulators. The illumination system comprises a fastening mechanism for securing the bonding of the walls of the light integrator of the illumination system. A heat dissipation mechanism can be alternatively provided for reducing the temperature of the illumination system by dissipating the heat thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Andrew Huibers
-
Patent number: 7433568Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical element which forms a beam spot with homogeneous energy distribution on an irradiated surface, and a light irradiation apparatus. It is another object of the invention to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device using a beam spot with homogeneous energy distribution. One feature of the invention is to homogenize energy distribution of a beam spot on an irradiated surface by forming the optical element provided with a polygonal entrance and exit using a plurality of reflectors as side walls and introducing a beam to the optical element. Further, a beam spot with a desired size or shape can be obtained by making the reflectors movable. Furthermore, by using a light irradiation apparatus using the optical element, failure in manufacturing a semiconductor device can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koichiro Tanaka
-
Patent number: 7421180Abstract: A display apparatus comprising a plurality of light guides and method for producing such an apparatus is disclosed. The display apparatus comprises a plurality of substantially totally internally reflecting (TIR) light guides fashioned to expand a small original optical representation from an input of each light guide to a larger optical representation output at an output of each light guide. Each of the plurality of substantially totally internally reflecting light guides is separated from other substantially totally internally reflecting light guides by a material having a lower refraction index than the core material.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Huei Pei Kuo, Laurence M. Hubby, Jr., Steven L. Naberhuis
-
Patent number: 7403689Abstract: A plurality of active gain material (93) is disposed in an active interface portion (44) of a dielectric band-gap cladding confinement region (22) adjacent to a dielectric core (12) of a photonic band-gap crystal fiber (20), wherein during operation, the plurality of active gain material (93) absorbs the pump energy and stores the pump energy as a potential energy storage for stimulation by EM energy in a second guided mode at a second frequency in a second range of frequencies for overlapping with the first guided mode of the core (12) such that the surface defined by an interface between the photonic band-gap cladding (22) and the dielectric core (12) that supports at least one surface mode propagating at that interface (44) overlaps the active interface portion of the dielectric cladding confinement region and a state associated with the dielectric core (12).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Karl W. Koch, III, James A. West
-
Patent number: 7387389Abstract: An image display device includes an image processing unit, a light source assembly, an optical modulator assembly, and a projection lens assembly. The image processing unit is configured to receive a video signal and generate image data and control signals. The light source assembly and optical modulator assembly are each controlled by the control signals such that the light source assembly generates illumination in a spatial distribution pattern that is coupled to optical modular assembly via a homogenizing device. The projection lens assembly is configured to project an image from the optical modulator assembly onto a viewing surface. The optical modular assembly is configured to maximize the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly, and includes at least one optical modulator surface configured to have a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Anurag Gupta, David L. Erickson, Scott A Lerner
-
Patent number: 7387388Abstract: An apparatus and method is discloses for providing a substantially uniform, homogenous, polarized light. A beam of substantially un-polarized light is provided by a conventional light source. The un-polarized light is converted to at least four real images by using a light pipe and appropriate lensing. Each of the real images have a light region and one more dark regions at a first image plane. A portion of light from a light region in each real image is directed to one or more dark regions in each of the real images in a polarization dependent manner and the altered image is into a single image of substantially polarized light.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventors: Michael Newell, UnSig Min
-
Patent number: 7386214Abstract: An optical homogenizing and combining apparatus includes a one piece hollow tubular body having a first and second input legs and an output leg, each leg having a polygonal cross-section and a highly reflective interior surface, the first input leg being configured to receive a first light beam having a first intensity and spectral content that is reflected within the first leg to provide a first leg output beam, the second input leg being configured to receive a second light beam having a second intensity and spectral content that is reflected within the second leg to provide a second leg output beam, the first and second leg output beams being combined and reflected in the third leg to provide an output beam that is a combination of the first intensity and spectral content and the second intensity and spectral content and having a top hat profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Frank T. Cianciotto
-
Patent number: RE41637Abstract: A handheld computer system includes a housing, a processor coupled to the housing, a stylus coupled to the housing, and a light source coupled to the housing. The light source lights up the stylus.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Palm, Inc.Inventors: Sean O'Hara, Brian Torrey, Patricia E. Torrey