Abstract: A light guiding film has a film body and a micro-structured portion. The film body has a first side, a second side and a reference horizontal level vertical to the second side. The micro-structured portion is set on the second side and has a plurality of V-shaped grooves, and each one of the V-shaped grooves has a first sub-face and a second sub-face. The first sub-face has a first included angle between 16° and 22° with respect to said reference horizontal level, and the second sub-face has a second included angle between 8° and 17° with respect to said reference horizontal level. When an incident light beam injects downwardly on said micro-structured portion in a predetermined incident angle range, a predetermined percentage of said incident light beam emit an emissive light beam projected out in an included angle range between 0° and 90° with respect to said reference horizontal level.

Abstract: Longitudinally adjacent plane mirrors (106-114) are pivotally interconnected in a columnar array (56) by non-stretching linkages (120) which constrain movement of the mirrors such that their normal vectors (115) remain parallel. Pivotable couplings (122, 124) in two mirrors permit movement of the mirrors with respect to mutually perpendicular axes (x, y) and prevent movement of the mirrors with respect to a third axis (z). Two actuators (117A, 117B) coupled to one of the pivotable couplings controllably move a selected mirror with respect to the mutually perpendicular axes (x, y). A first frame (116) couples the mirror columns together so that movement of the selected mirror moves all the mirrors in unison. The actuators controllably move the mirrors to orient the normal vectors such that the mirrors specularly reflect incident light in a preselected direction.

Abstract: A direct beam solar lighting system for collecting and distributing sunlight into a room. The system includes a rotatable solar collector head to receive sunlight and to reflect the sunlight downward into a transition tube having a reflective interior surface. The light-concentrating transition tube reflects sunlight into a reflective light tube which directs the reflected sunlight through a plenum space into the room. The system includes a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable solar collector, and a light fixture at end of the light tube to disburse said reflected sunlight onto a ceiling and a wall in the room. In an embodiment the system includes one or more homogenizing reflectors within the solar collector for collecting the sunlight and directing the sunlight more uniformly over the aperture of the transition tube. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector includes a rotatable tiltable mirror for providing two-axis tracking.

Abstract: A non-specular skylight collimator has at least two axially successive collimator segments from top to bottom, with the segments becoming successively less flared from top to bottom. A skylight diffuser assembly typically covers the open end of the bottom segment.

Abstract: A light guiding film has a film body and a micro-structured portion. The film body has a first side, a second side and a reference horizontal level vertical to the second side. The micro-structured portion is set on the second side and has a plurality of V-shaped grooves, and each one of the V-shaped grooves has a first sub-face and a second sub-face. The first sub-face has a first included angle between 16° and 22° with respect to said reference horizontal level, and the second sub-face has a second included angle between 8° and 17° with respect to said reference horizontal level. When an incident light beam injects downwardly on said micro-structured portion in a predetermined incident angle range, a predetermined percentage of said incident light beam emit an emissive light beam projected out in an included angle range between 0° and 90° with respect to said reference horizontal level.

Abstract: Optical devices according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: A skylight system comprising a tapered light tube with the taper wider at the top than at the bottom and a permanently sealed skylight system. A diffused top dome and a diffuser bottom are attached to the light tube on site. No typical roof flashing is required during installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising, on its surface, a light-diffusing array comprising at least 10 juxtaposed sub-gratings of parallel lines of features, said features being separated by domains with a refractive index differing from that of the features, each sub-grating comprising at least 20 repeated successive identical features equally spaced apart with a period p, said period varying monotonically from one edge of the sub-grating array to the other. This substrate redirects the light without iridescence in a daylighting application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent substrate comprising at its surface a grating of lines of at least 200 light-diffusing elements, said elements being separated by domains with a different refractive index from that of the elements, the distance d between centers of gravity of neighboring elements varying in a non-monotonic manner from one edge of the grating to the other, so that for any group of 50 successive elements, the distance d between the centers of gravity of neighboring elements of said group is at least once greater than and at least once less than the mean distance dm of distances d between centers of gravity of neighboring elements of said group, dm lying between 75 nm and 200 ?m. This substrate is transparent in direct vision and redirects the light while diffusing it without iridescence in a daylighting application.

Abstract: A direct beam solar lighting system for collecting and distributing sunlight into a room. The system includes a rotatable solar collector head to receive sunlight and to reflect the sunlight downward into a transition tube having a reflective interior surface. The light-concentrating transition tube reflects sunlight into a reflective light tube which directs the reflected sunlight through a plenum space into the room. The system includes a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable solar collector, and a light fixture at end of the light tube to disburse said reflected sunlight onto a ceiling and a wall in the room. In an embodiment the system includes one or more homogenizing reflectors within the solar collector for collecting the sunlight and directing the sunlight more uniformly over the aperture of the transition tube. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector includes a rotatable tiltable mirror for providing two-axis tracking.

Abstract: A direct beam solar lighting system for collecting and distributing sunlight into a room. The system includes a rotatable solar collector head to receive sunlight and to reflect the sunlight downward into a transition tube having a reflective interior surface. The light-concentrating transition tube reflects sunlight into a reflective light tube which directs the reflected sunlight through a plenum space into the room. The system includes a drive mechanism for rotating the rotatable solar collector, and a light fixture at end of the light tube to disburse said reflected sunlight onto a ceiling and a wall in the room. In an embodiment the system includes one or more homogenizing reflectors within the solar collector for collecting the sunlight and directing the sunlight more uniformly over the aperture of the transition tube. In an alternative embodiment, the solar collector includes a rotatable tiltable mirror for providing two-axis tracking.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a daylighting film that can provide incident sunlight from a window to indoor spots such as the ceiling and visibility from the indoors to the outdoors, and can easily be placed on the window, and also to provide the window that is equipped with the daylighting film. The daylighting film of the present invention contains a translucent support 2, and on at least one surface of the translucent support, unit prisms 3 and plain areas 4 are formed.

Abstract: An optical system for a solar lighting device to provide highly concentrated sunlight to interior spaces with minimal disruption of building envelope. The optical system includes an aplanatic optical imaging system mounted on a dual-axis sun tracker, a non-imaging solar concentrator coupled to the aplanatic system, a liquid light pipe to convey the very intense solar flux to the interior of a building, a diffusing light fixture to spread the daylight into the interior space, and a control system to regulate the light output to a constant and desired level.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a daylighting film that can provide incident sunlight from a window to desired indoor spots such as ceilings, increase indoor illumination, allows for easy installation, easy cleaning, and ensuring efficiency of taking sunlight into the indoors, a method for producing the daylighting film and a window equipped with the daylighting film. That is, the method includes forming unit prisms 3 each having two or more surfaces, on at least one surface of a translucent support 2, forming one or more reflecting layers 4 on one or more surfaces of each of the unit prisms 3, and forming a protection layer 5 having a flat surface 5a to cover the unit prisms 3.

Abstract: A skylight cover includes a transparent lens and an opaque reflector attached to the inside of the cover opposite the lens. Light entering the lens can be refracted by the lens so that it reflects off of the reflector and into a tubular skylight assembly. Thus, the amount of light entering the tubular skylight assembly is maximized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting and transmitting sunlight into a space comprising a solar ray collecting device, a solar light transmitting device and a solar light emitting device, wherein said solar ray collecting device is arranged to collect sunlight and direct said sunlight to said solar light transmitting device, said solar ray transmitting device is arranged to transmit said sunlight from said solar ray collecting device into said space and to said solar light emitting device, and said solar light emitting device is arranged to emit solar light in said space. Said solar ray collecting device comprises at least one convex lens and at least one concave lens, and at least said convex lens or said concave lens is arranged to be movable in dependence of the angle of incident solar light so as to focus the solar light onto said solar light transmitting means through said convex and concave lens.

Abstract: Optical devices such as backlight assemblies, according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: An optical element (1) for reflecting and/or redirecting light rays (L1) entering therein and again emerging therefrom consists of a transparent base body (2) which is so structured and/or formed that, with the formation of reflection surfaces (8) bounding the base body (2), at least a part of the light rays (L1) impinging upon the reflection surfaces (8) upon emergence from the transparent base body (2) are totally reflected, and at least one cover body (9) arranged behind the reflection surfaces (8). The reflection surfaces (8), and the surfaces of the cover body or bodies (9) towards the reflection surfaces, are adapted to one another such that between them there remains a thin gap (10) or only point contacts exist.

Abstract: Optical devices according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: An installation for increasing the daylight yield in a stadium provided with a playing surface, stands, and optionally a covering, includes an essentially vertical light-reflecting body to guide the light incident on the body towards the playing surface in the stadium. Preferably the reflecting body is arranged along the free peripheral edge of the covering of the stadium. In one embodiment the reflecting body includes a multi-layer construction of two corrugated sheets with a light-reflecting foil between them. The installation can increase the light yield in a covered stadium by between 30% and 50%.

Abstract: An optical structure and method for forming same includes a plurality of first cured portions and a plurality of second cured portions that are formed from a same light-curable material. The first plurality of cured portions is cured to a first amount. The plurality of second cured portions is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result with discontinuities on the surface of the structure. The lenticular layer can include a prism layer having random discontinuities on the peaks. The discontinuities can also be formed on a window side of the prisms.

Abstract: An optical element (10, 10′, 10″) for deflecting light beams (18, 19), which enter and re-emerge from the latter, in such a way that their angle of emergence (&ggr;) is limited, in particular for use as a luminaire-cover, having a plate-like core (11, 11′, 11″) of transparent material which on one side is occupied by microprisms (12, 13) that taper—starting from their root (15)—forming furrows (22), wherein all of the top surfaces (14) of the microprisms form the light-entry face and the other side (21) of the core forms the light-emergence face, and wherein the top surfaces (14) of the microprisms are formed convexly or concavely in a continuous or non-continuous manner, and also a method for producing the optical element (10, 10′, 10″).

Abstract: A sun blind assembly including an incident surface and a lens element, the incident surface having a reflective region which reflects incident light and a non-reflective region which transmits incident light, the lens element and incident surface being arranged such that the transmitted light incident on the lens element is substantially refracted so as to appear of substantially uniform intensity

Abstract: Optical devices such as light pipes which incorporate multilayer optical films in which the refractive indices of two adjacent layers in the thickness direction are substantially matched or are small relative to the difference in refractive indices of said two adjacent layers in an given in-plane direction which is at least 0.05. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: An optical element that realizes light path conversion of transmitting light at low loss, allows easy incorporation of functions such as light convergence or the like, and can be easily made into a compact size includes upper and lower main surfaces of a light path converting element of a plane shape are facing each other, and a light incoming surface and a light outgoing surface are adjacent surfaces at about 90 degrees. A curved light path converting surface is formed so as to face the light incoming surface and the light outgoing surface. Light coming in from the light incoming surface repeats full reflection between the upper main surface and the lower main surface and goes on, and is reflected by the light path converting surface, thereby the light path thereof is converted, and light is ejected from the light outgoing surface.

Abstract: An improved optical system is provided for diffusing light uniformly over a wide angle, including, a diffractive element for diffracting light received by the system in multiple diffraction orders, and a diffusing element which diffuses the diffracted light. The diffractive element provides diffracted light having an angular distribution of intensities over the diffraction orders which is correlated to the power spectrum of the diffusing element such that the system produces a predetermined intensity distribution of diffused light. The diffraction period of the diffractive element is selected such that the angular separation between the zeroeth and first diffraction orders is approximately one-half the angular extent of the full-width-at-half-maximum of the power spectrum of the diffusing element. The strengths of the diffraction orders are selected such that the combination of diffused light from each diffractive order provides uniformity in the intensity of the diffused light from the system.

Abstract: Iridescent film with multidirectional variable optical stripes, including multiple very thin laminated films. The films are respectively made of different transparent plastic materials with different refractive indices. At least one surface of the laminated films has numerous different stripes with different directions or pitches. When seen in different directions, the stripes of the iridescent film can reflect different colors and shapes of bright stripes. In addition, very fine bright colorful points are evenly distributed in the stripes to create a unique and tender vision.

Abstract: The pane for solar protection, daylighting and energy conservation is a pane system consisting of two prismatic panes. The prismatic ribs of the panes are inclined by a certain angle to the horizontal within the window plane, exhibit identical cross-sections in the shape of a rectangular triangle with a certain basic prism angle &thgr;, are facing each other and are engaged such that just a small gap remains between both of the panes. The faces sA of the prismatic ribs are coated with a specularly reflecting layer and the faces sB of the prismatic ribs are coated with a diffusely reflecting layer. The prismatic pane system can be applied for common window inclination angles &ngr; and for window directions with essential solar irradiation at sites of temperate climate.

Abstract: Optical devices such as light pipes which incorporate multilayer optical films in which the refractive indices of two adjacent layers in the thickness direction are substantially matched or are small relative to the difference in refractive indices of said two adjacent layers in an given in-plane direction which is at least 0.05. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: Flexible, fire resistant, layered reflecting and photoluminous material is provided which combines the advantages of a light reflective component and a luminescent component in a fire resistant structure which meets National Fire Protection Association standards for inclusion in firefighter's protective clothing. The material includes a first layer of microspherical glass bead or prismatic light reflective plastic material having an underlying surface formed with a plurality of minute prism-like formations projecting therefrom at regular spaced intervals and an overlying substantially smooth light transmissive surface; a second layer containing a homogeneous blend of a resin containing effective amounts of fire retardant, photoluminescent and, optionally luminescent additives; and a third layer which is a fire retardant fabric. The layers are joined at a first region such that the prism-like formations are substantially disabled or destroyed.

Abstract: A light diffuser includes a light scattering element particularly useful for ornamental and decorative purposes. The light scattering element has macroscopic chaotically or quasi-chaotically formed refracting planes and/or reflection planes. The light scattering element further includes a casing filled with a liquid medium. The light scattering element further includes a flexible material with macroscopic chaotically or quasi-chaotically formed exterior surfaces. The light diffuser includes viscous prisms that cause diffractions and refractions with light, interferences such as superposition of light waves, highly varied polarizations, dispersions and beam concentrations.

Abstract: A lens, suitable for directing radiation, comprises an array of planar reflecting elements or slats. Each reflecting element is of non-uniform extent or surface area t and/or is of non-uniformly spacing d from adjacent elements. The elements may be parallel or non-parallel. Each element is positioned such that the ratio of spacing d.sub.n to extent t.sub.n is determined by the angle of incidence on the nth element .gamma..sub.n as is given by the relationship (a) where d.sub.n is the spacing between the nth and (n+1)th adjacent elements of the lens, t.sub.n is the length of the nth element and M is the magnification of the lens.

Abstract: An optical component comprises at least one substantially planar element having a plurality of elementary surfaces capable of acting to reflect by total internal reflection light incident thereon through the corresponding said element within a first range of incident angles associated with each surface, and to refract light incident thereon through the corresponding said element within a second range of incident angles associated with each surface. Refracted light at low angles of incidence passes straight through to provide a view through the component.

Abstract: A panel unit for use in a window, a partition, a free standing frame, or in a wall, and having a plurality of vertically stacked, elongated transparent elements arranged in a frame, whereby natural light or artificial light on one side of the panel reflects onto the environment on the one side of the panel unit. The reflected light is transmitted through each transparent element and is refracted and dispersed to create a block of color when viewed on the other side of the panel, which results in a color pattern when viewed on the other side of the panel unit. The transparent elements may be made of lead crystal glass or optical glass, and may be triangularly shaped to produce a maximum light dispersion zone or trapezoidally shaped to produce a minimum light dispersion zone. To resist or reduce glare, a shutter apparatus may be mounted adjacent to the panel unit on the side of the panel unit where the direct sunlight exists, or filters or tinted glass may be used.

Abstract: A solar lighting apparatus according to the present inveniton is configured so that one lighting prism plate is rotatably arranged in a lighting portion or a plurality of lighting prism plates are rotatably arranged in the lighting portion at intervals of a predetermined distance, and a prism angle of each the lighting prism plate is controlled correspondingly to the height and azimuth of the sun so that the sunlight refracted by the lighting prism plates goes out in a predetermined direction. Therefor, the lighting prism plates and parts relevant thereto are formed under predetermined conditions.A solar lighting controller in a solar lighting apparatus operated under predetermined conditions for improvement of lighting efficiency, reduction of consumed electric power, etc., the controller comprising a solar position detector, a central processing unit including an arithmetic operation storage means such as a micro computer and a necessary means such as an optical axis sensor.

Abstract: A light collection and distribution apparatus for use with an exterior window well comprising a window well liner having at least one primary surface which is reflective and faces the window to reflect light rays in the direction of the window, a reflective panel mounted on the building wall above the window, and other mechanisms for increasing light passage through the building wall including a transom disposed in the building wall above the window, reflective surfaces disposed on the bottom sill of the window and on the side jamb.

Abstract: Energy control system for a window comprises fenestration blinds, horizontal or vertical, disposed at the window and adjustable in angle to control solar radiation entering the window. First and second photovoltaic sensors are disposed proximate respective exterior and interior sides of the fenestration blinds for providing a signal representative of incident solar radiation at the respective exterior and interior sides. An electrical motor is can be disposed proximate the window and is operably connected to the fenestration blinds in a manner to controll the angle thereof. A microprocessor control device is provided for providing control signals to the motor to adjust the angle of the fenestration blinds.

Abstract: This invention concerns an electrochromic pane comprising a principal functional film constituted of a material which, under the effect of an electric current, is capable of reversibly inserting cations and which has characteristics of coloration and/or transmission in certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that differ for its inserted and deinserted states. Said principal functional film has a quasi-columnar structure, with axes of growth of the columns parallel to straight lines contained within a dihedron, the opening of which is less than 20.degree., and the bisector plane of which makes an acute angle with the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light transmitting panels mainly applied to lighting windows in openings of general buildings and lighting quantity or range adjusting methods for interiors of general buildings using any of the light transmitting panel's. One of the light transmitting panels consists of two transmitting plates and plural refractive columns located in parallel to each other between the two plates, and another of the light transmitting panels consists of base faces with reflecting zones parallel to each other formed on them. Furthermore, optional sunlight patterns S1, S2 and S3 incident from the sun located differently in altitude or azimuth with respective incident angles of .alpha.,.beta. and .gamma. in reference to altitude or azimuth satisfying the relation of .alpha.<.beta.<.gamma.

Abstract: An improved system for synchronizing the positioning of a reflector assembly used in solar lighting apparatus for illuminating the interior of a roofed building. The reflector assembly is rotatable about a vertical access for tracking daily movements of the sun. The assembly includes return, track and seek sensors, the return sensor, in the turn-on mode, generating a signal corresponding to sensed sunlight, which energizes the systems motor. The system comprises the master tracking assembly and a plurality of follower units. Each motor shaft extends into a gear box and is coupled to a worm gear. A radial worm gear is mounted to a shaft member and is driven by the worm gear. The shaft member in turn drives the mirror reflector assembly. A stepper wheel having a plurality of indentations formed thereon is also mounted to the shaft member.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to capture and direct daylight to a target area in a building or other structure. A housing provides an aperture and passive directing structure which directs daylight entering the apertures towards the target area. The passive directing structure can also direct daylight towards reflecting surfaces in the housing which, in turn, direct the daylight towards the target area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light transmitting panels mainly applied to lighting windows in openings of general buildings and lighting quantity or range adjusting methods for interiors of general buildings using any of the light transmitting panels. One of the light transmitting panels consists of two transmitting plates and plural refractive columns located in parallel to each other between the two plates, and another of the light transmitting panels consists of base faces with reflecting zones parallel to each other formed on them. Furthermore, optional sunlight patterns S1, S2 and S3 incident from the sun located differently in altitude or azimuth with respective incident angles of .alpha., .beta. and .gamma. in reference to altitude or azimuth satisfying the relation of .alpha.<.beta.<.gamma.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to capture and direct daylight to a target area in a building or other structure. A housing provides a plurality of apertures and passive directing means which directs daylight entering the apertures towards the target area. The passive directing means can also direct daylight towards reflecting surfaces in the housing which, in turn, direct the daylight towards the target area.

Abstract: A light confining cavity collects much of the radiation reflected by a receiver, absorbing it imperfectly, and casts it again on the same receiver or on other receivers by means of an optical system. Only light in a bundle of rays of limited angular spread can escape from this cavity, which allows an entry aperture relatively large. Thus, the irradiance at the entry aperture may be low, and in some cases even lower than the irradiance at the absorber. In this way the requirements for the cavity materials and for the concentrating system feeding light to the cavity can be relaxed. The invention is of special interest in photovoltaic conversion devices because it improves the absorption of the solar cells and achieves higher conversion efficiency for photons of different energies by using solar cells of different materials.

Abstract: A comprehensive method, and apparatus implementing the method, for providing beam daylighting to a room by one or more reflectors positioned in a window wall of the room. The method involves a mathematical analysis of solar and reflected beam vectors and in determining the optimum orientation of a vector normal to the reflecting surface to provide the best combination of depth of penetration of light into the room while keeping glare to an acceptable level. Arrays of both stationary and moveable reflectors implementing the method are disclosed. In the case of stationary arrays, preferably two are provided in each installation which respectively optimize performance of reflections during periods when the solar beam vector is on the easterly ana westerly sides of a line perpendicular to the window wall.

Abstract: A sheet of decorative glass for forming an artistic light pattern on a surface proximate to the glass. One surface of the glass sheet comprises a plurality of facets, each of which is associated with several other facets so as to form a projecting section. Each of said facets is designed to refract incident light so as to form a light pattern having a discrete, readily observable geometric pattern. Under certain lighting conditions, the light pattern will include a color distribution comprising some or all of the visible color spectrum.

Abstract: A passive solar ray lighting fixture supported above a roof of a building and extending coaxially within a building light well, a solar ray illuminator in combination with a coaxially arranged air conditioning duct for use in combination with an air conditioning system.

Abstract: A method is provided for decreasing radiative heat transfer and adjustably limiting visible light and near infrared radiation transfer and glare through a window.

Abstract: The external wall element has an outer pane with lens-like holographic elements. On the inner pane, radiation receiving elements for generating energy are arranged in the focal plane of the holographic elements. The incident light may either by focused on the radiation receiving elements or on translucent portions of the inner pane. The external wall element optionally permits the generation of energy or reflection, transmission of diffuse light being effected in both cases.