Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed that efficiently projects electromagnetic radiation over a predetermined spherical sector with a tailored intensity distribution. The apparatus includes a base having a cavity and aperture that faces the spherical sector to be illuminated, with a flat, ring-shaped shoulder surrounding the aperture. The apparatus further includes a mask spaced over the aperture and a baffle projecting from the mask toward the aperture. The base, the mask, and the baffle are formed of a material having an outer surface with a significant diffuse, reflective characteristic. A source emits electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light) into the base cavity, and the base, mask and baffle are configured to redirect this radiation outwardly with the tailored intensity distribution (e.g., a uniform distribution) over the predetermined spherical sector (e.g., a hemisphere, or 2 .pi.steradians).

Abstract: A radiant energy transducer system includes a base. The base has a diffusely reflective surface and an optical area defining a horizon district with respect to the transducer system. A mask occludes a portion of the optical area so as to present a substantially constant portion of the optical area over a range of angles above the horizon district. An electromagnetic transducer converts between radiation associated with the optical area and corresponding signals. Examples of the transducing systems provide emission of radiant energy with a tailored intensity distribution over an area illuminated by the system. Other examples of the transducing systems detect radiant energy, and the position of the mask relative to the optical area of the detector system serves to tailor the sensitivity of the detector over a field of view. The emitters and detectors can be used together, for example in a system for tracking the position of an object.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed that efficiently projects electromagnetic radiation over a predetermined spherical sector with a tailored intensity distribution. The apparatus includes a base having a cavity and aperture that faces the spherical sector to be illuminated, with a flat, ring-shaped shoulder surrounding the aperture. The apparatus further includes a mask spaced over the aperture and a baffle projecting from the mask toward the aperture. The base, the mask, and the baffle are formed of a material having an outer surface with a significant diffuse, reflective characteristic. A source emits electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light) into the base cavity, and the base, mask and baffle are configured to redirect this radiation outwardly with the tailored intensity distribution (e.g., a uniform distribution) over the predetermined spherical sector (e.g., a hemisphere, or 2.PI. steradians).