Abstract: A multi-stage prism window includes: a first prism configured to condense light whose angle is equal to or larger than a first predetermined angle on a reflective member and retroreflect the light; a second prism configured to condense light whose angle is equal to or larger than a second predetermined angle on an endothermic member or a reflective member and use the light for indoor heating; and a liquid control mechanism configured to fill at least one of a first space and a second space with a liquid, the first space being in contact with the first prism from an indoor side, the second space being in contact with the second prism from the indoor side.

Abstract: Provided is a lamp for a vehicle to prevent light efficiency from being deteriorated while being embodied in a slim form factor. The lamp for a vehicle includes a light emission portion to generate light; a first optical portion disposed in front of the light emission portion to allow the light generated from the light emission portion to be incident thereto; and a second optical portion disposed between the light emission portion and the first optical portion. The second optical portion refracts the light in a direction different from a light refracting direction of the first optical portion.

Abstract: A multistage prism window includes first and second transparent plate materials, a first prism, a reflection member, a second prism, and a heat absorption member. The first prism collects, onto the reflection member, light whose angle with respect to a normal line of the first and second transparent plate materials is equal to or greater than a first predetermined angle and transmits light whose angle with respect thereto is smaller than the first predetermined angle. The second prism collects, onto the heat absorption member, light whose angle with respect to the normal line is smaller than the first predetermined angle and equal to or greater than a second predetermined angle and transmits light whose angle with respect thereto is smaller than the second predetermined angle.

Abstract: A ceiling illumination window is provided with a transparent prism, and a reflecting member provided on a second edge of the transparent prism. Further, the transparent prism is installed in such a way as to enable light incident thereon at an angle, relative to a normal line to first and second transparent plates, that is at least equal to a prescribed angle to be reflected at a third edge using a critical angle. In addition, when light is incident at an angle at least equal to the prescribed angle relative to the normal line, the transparent prism emits the light toward an indoor ceiling side using at least two types of optical path having different numbers of reflections, using reflection at least one of the transparent prism surface and the reflecting member, and when light is incident at an angle less than the prescribed angle, the transparent prism allows the light to be transmitted through the third edge.

Abstract: Light directing film structure employing at least two layers having different refractive indices and forming a continuous corrugated boundary between major surfaces of the film. The corrugated boundary forms a plurality of alternating facets forming different dihedral angles with a prevalent plane of the film structure. The facets may longitudinally extend along a straight, arcuate, circular, or curvilinear path. Light received by a major surface of the film structure is internally redirected by interacting with the facets of the corrugated inter-layer boundary and may be emitted from the opposing major surface towards a new propagation direction which is different from the original propagation direction.

Abstract: A shade (10) includes slats (20) that are arranged in an up and down direction. One or more slat(s) (21) forming a part of the slats, which is located above in the up and down direction, includes a transparent portion that enables visible light to transmit through the slat. A traveling direction of light transmitting through the transparent portion is bent.

Abstract: A daylighting device (10) according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first substrate (1) which has optical transparency and to which external light is incident; a second substrate (2) which has optical transparency and is disposed facing the first substrate (1); a light diffusion layer (3) which is disposed between the first substrate (1) and the second substrate (2); and a daylighting layer (4) which is disposed between the first substrate (1) and the second substrate (2) and is formed by including a plurality of daylighting portions (42) having optical transparency and a void portion (43) which is provided between the plurality of daylighting portions (42) in one surface facing the light diffusion layer (3).

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods in which reflective slats are configured to redirect light received from various sun positions are provided. The slats or mirrored array could be coupled to a base of the redirector, such that an adjustment of an angle of the base relative to the horizontal adjusts an angle of each slat relative to the horizontal. In some aspects, an algorithm can be used to determine the angle of tilt that maximizes the transmission efficiency for the mirror array.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed on some embodiments to light redirecting constructions comprising a first glazing substrate, a light redirecting film comprising at least one microstructure surface, a second glazing substrate, and a first interlayer bonding the first glazing substrate to both the light redirecting film and the second glazing substrate; wherein the light redirecting film has an area smaller than the area of the first interlayer.

Abstract: In a lighting arrangement, in particular for escape route lighting, comprising a light source and an optical element assigned to the light source, said optical element being designed to emit asymmetrically the light emitted by the associated light source, the optical element can be positioned in different ways.

Abstract: Solar light redirecting glazing units include light redirecting and light diffusing constructions. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer oriented such that incoming solar light contacts the visible light diffusing layer before contacting the light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include a glazing substrate, a patterned visible light diffusing layer, and a light redirecting layer. The solar light redirecting glazing units may include two glazing substrates separated by an intervening space with a solar light redirecting layer disposed on one glazing substrate, and a visible light diffusing layer disposed on the other glazing substrate.

Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments provide internally-reflective tube assemblies for use in a tubular daylighting device configured to direct daylight into an interior of a building when installed on a roof of the building. A tube assembly may include multiple tube segments including connection projections, such as hook-type structures, for weaving or otherwise connecting and/or securing tube segments together. In some embodiments, sidewalls of tube segments connected together are substantially parallel to one another at or near the connection region.

Abstract: Sunlight redirector (30) incorporates closely proximate mirror arrays (32, 34) having parallel, uniformly spaced, longitudinal mirror segments (38, 44). Prismatic sheet (36) is positioned behind and closely proximate second array (34). Segments (38) extend in first direction (x). Segments (44) extend in second direction (y) perpendicular to direction (x) segments (38, 44)have normal vectors (42, 48). Segments (38) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (40), such that their normal vectors (42) remain parallel. Segments (44) are interconnected for simultaneous pivotal movement (46), such that their normal vectors (48) remain parallel. Arrays (32, 34) redirect incident light toward sheet (36), which redirects the light into a desired fixed direction, e.g. parallel to the sunlight redirect's normal vectors (50). Segments (38, 44) may have inward and outward segments (60A, 60B) which can be adjustably positioned to maximize redirection of incident sunlight rays in a desired direction.

Abstract: A light collecting and disseminating apparatus is provided for use in harvesting sunlight from the exterior of a man-made structure, and providing light to the inside of the structure, via an opto-mechanical joint where sunlight would not normally be available. The internal arrangement of the collector allows for improved optical accuracy and performance over prior efforts. The apparatus is also characterized as possessing a low profile so as not to alter the appearance of buildings furnished with the invention. Further, light can be collected from any orientation and redirected through the opto-mechanical joint to a stationary light receiving port independent of the orientation of the collectors.

Abstract: A sheet-form light-redirecting optical article for illuminating building interiors with sunlight. At least one embodiment comprises a sheet of optically transmissive rigid material, preferably Poly(methyl methacrylate), in which a plurality of deep and narrow parallel channels are formed and arranged in two perpendicular arrays. Each channel has opposing walls configured for reflecting light by means of a Total Internal Reflection (TIR). At least a portion of off-axis rays incident onto the surface of the sheet is redirected by the TIR walls of the light-guiding channels. At least one embodiment comprises a grid formed by intersecting specular reflectors and further comprises a light diffusing element optically coupled to the grid. Disclosed also are a method for making the intersecting arrays of light-redirecting channels.

Abstract: A dual pulsed light generation apparatus including a polarization beam splitter (PBS), a first polarization reflector, and a second polarization reflector is provided. The PBS has a first plane, a second plane, and a dividing interface located between the first plane and the second plane. The PBS is located in the transmission path of an incident pulsed light and used for dividing the incident pulsed light into a first polarization pulsed light reflected by the dividing interface and a second polarization pulsed light passing through the dividing interface. The first polarization reflector is disposed opposite to the first plane and transforms the first polarization pulsed light into a third polarization pulsed light passing through the dividing interface. The first polarization reflector is disposed opposite to the second plane.

Abstract: A low-cost sunlight redirecting element including multiple substantially identical redirecting structures uniformly arranged and fixedly disposed on a base, where each redirecting structure includes multiple optical surface regions that are cooperatively formed and arranged such that, when the sunlight redirecting element is operably fixedly oriented relative to a stationary target with sunlight directed along an incident direction onto the redirecting structures, at least some of the sunlight is transmitted between the corresponding optical surface regions of each redirecting structure, and redirected from the corresponding optical surface regions toward the target's surface. The optical surface regions are shaped and arranged to redirect the sunlight toward the fixed target surface even when the sunlight's incident angle direction changes during the course of a year. A stationary sunlight redirecting system (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar tracking skylight system for illumination, primarily including a light guide, a solar tracking controller, a two-axis tracking mechanism, an energy converter and energy storage system, and a weather protective cover. The system uses the solar tracking controller to detect the direction of the light, thereby enabling the two-axis tracking mechanism to move toward the light to facilitate the light guide in collecting light and diffusing it indoors for illumination use. The protective cover provides waterproofing, and the energy converter and energy storage system is used to store electrical energy generated by the solar energy panel for system use. External power is not needed for the system to operate and provide indoor lighting, thereby achieving the objective of saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.

Abstract: A decollimator for a daylighting system includes a conical section having a circular end, a square end, and a conical shape tapering inwardly from the circular end to the square end. A mixing zone section is attached to the square end of the conical section and has a square cross sectional shape of a substantially constant cross sectional dimension. The decollimator also includes either a window with a converging Fresnel lens on the circular end of the conical section, a window with a diverging Fresnel lens on an end of the mixing zone section opposite the conical section, or both. When the conical section receives collimated light, the conical section, the mixing zone section, and the Fresnel lens together decollimate the light and provide the decollimated light out of the mixing zone section.

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 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 Fresnel lens comprising a substantially polygonal focusing portion adapted to focus solar radiation to a area having the same geometry as the focusing portion of the lens. Also a solar module comprising the Fresnel collecting lens and a substantially polygonal photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell is mounted at distance from the Fresnel collecting lens so that the size of the area substantially matches the size of the photovoltaic cell. Also a solar panel having multiple modules within a glazed building envelope system. The solar panel also includes an actuating mechanism within the glazed window envelope system. The actuating mechanism is operatively connected to the plurality of solar modules and is adapted to move the solar modules to track the sun.

Abstract: A light-concentrating panel is disclosed. The light-concentrating panel comprises a planar light collecting element and a linear light collecting element. The planar light collecting element receives and collects the planar light, and then emits out as linear light. The linear light collecting element receives the linear light. The linear light from the planar collecting element enters the linear light collecting element by passing a planar-linear imaginary plane, which is located between the planar light collecting element and the linear light collecting element. The linear light from the planar collecting element are collected and turned into the spot light by the linear light collecting element.

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: A light element with a translucent surface includes an energy converter, wherein the translucent surface is so formed as to direct only that portion of the radiation onto the energy converter that impinges on the translucent surface. The energy converter may be a solar cell, a fluid line or a light guide. The light element is particularly suited for illuminating interior spaces with diffuse light.

Abstract: This invention relates to a directed reflection light collecting device with planar reflectors, wherein a number of planar reflectors are arranged on a frame in mutual parallel. This frame is rotatably supported via a transversal main turning shaft on the supports of an azimuth angle adjusting mechanism. The altitudinal angle adjusting mechanism drives the frame in a controlled manner causing the planar reflectors on it to move. In this invention, the altitudinal angle of a number of planar reflectors is synchronized via a simple frame structure so that they can always project the reflected sunlight in a substantially fixed direction into the given area in conjunction with the azimuth angle adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: An artificial and natural lighting system placed in the roof of a building that is substantially self-contained and powered. A photovoltaic cell provides electricity stored in a battery to power light emitting diodes. A highly reflective interior coating applied to the light shaft maximizes lighting intensity. A sensor detects illumination intensity and temperature within the light shaft to control the balance of natural and artificial light provided to maintain predetermined illumination intensity. The light shaft is insulated to reduce heat transfer and a thermal collector removes heat from the building. In one embodiment, a Fresnel lens is utilized to focus natural light onto the photovoltaic cell. In another embodiment, conventional fluorescent lighting powered by external line voltage is combined with light emitting diodes powered primarily by a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An area or a part which is shaded or does not receive a sufficient amount of light due to a structure or other objects is irradiated by light distribution control or luminous flux density control with diffusion, refraction, division and the like of light. Sunbeams are diffused by a transparent body disposed above two buildings, and the diffused light reaches an area or a part that has conventionally been shaded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a lighting system with light collection from a plurality of light sources including natural sunlight, distribution and control of said plurality of light sources, and a network of optical fibers and other components connecting said plurality of light sources and a plurality of lighting fixtures is disclosed. Sunlight is collected and integrated with other lighting sources to be distributed via a network of optical fiber cables and optical components. An unlimited combination of light collectors, distribution networks, and fixtures, is available for lighting system designs. The distribution network can run in and/or alongside wiring ducts for ease of maintenance and access. According to the time-of-day, time-of-year, weather condition, personal preference and presence, etc., control is provided at various locations for light collection, distribution, and lighting effect with brightness, colors, and patterns.

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: A method and apparatus for a passive, fiber-optic day-lighting system collects and transports sunlight as a cost-effective technology solution for day-lighting applications. The system utilizes a low concentration ratio sunlight collection system, in expensive optical fibers, and an inexpensive passive solar thermal tracker. The sun-light collection system uses an array of conical compound parabolic concentrators with concentration ratio in the range of 50-500. The sun-light collection system may also use an array of square or rectangular shaped Fresnel lenses with circular concentric grooves. The array of Fresnel lenses can be formed on a single sheet of plastic, which will minimize the cost of manufacturing and reduce the cost of assembly of individual lenses into an array. The sun-light collection may also use arrays of two concentrators in tandem.

Abstract: A window for utilization in the receiving of intelligence from a modulated beam of collimated light, with the window being configured to restrict the field of view of the optical system used therewith, and employing the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Such a window may be used to reject the entry of unwanted radiation, such as noise, and comprises first and second generally triangularly shaped wedges of optical material. The entry face of the first wedge is generally perpendicular to a base plane, and its rear face is disposed at an acute angle to the entry face. The entry face of the second wedge is disposed at the same angle to the base plane as the rear face of the first wedge, and the two wedges are separated by a small air gap.

Abstract: In a reflector for a display to be placed on the back surface of a reflection-type display, the section of the reflector is made serrated so that the shape of the serration will be an isosceles or scalene triangle, and, at the same time, the serrated reflecting surface is finely roughened. The roughness of the finely roughened reflecting surface is so controlled that the center line average height Ra will be 1 micrometer or more and 6 micrometers or less and that the ten-point average height Rz will be 1 micrometer or more and 10 micrometers or less. By this, images displayed on a display into which the reflector is incorporated can be observed without being obstructed by surface-reflected light, and also brightly observed in a wide angle.

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 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: A transmittance-adjustable window (20) that includes first and second polarizer sheets (34B)(46B) and an actuator (44) for relative movement between them. The first sheet (34B) has a translation direction Y and is formed from an alternating series of abutting, identically-shaped linear polarizer segments A and B distributed along translation direction Y. Each segment A has a first polarizing direction and each segment B has a second polarizing direction orthogonal to the first. The second sheet (46B) is substantially identical to the first sheet (34B) and positioned in an adjacent, substantially parallel plane. The actuator (44) moves one of the sheets with respect to the other between an OPEN alignment position and an OPAQUE alignment position. In the OPEN position, each segment of the first sheet superimposes a corresponding identical segment of the second sheet which allows light to pass.

Abstract: A structure for responding to incident radiation for directing said radiation in a selected direction with respect to the structure, the structure using at least two outer diffraction elements and an intermediate diffraction element, the diffraction characteristics being selected so that the selected direction remains within relatively limited confines independent of the angles of incidence of the incoming radiation over a selected range thereof.