Abstract: A simple and inexpensive planar lighting device realizing a high luminance is provided, including: a light guide plate having a pair of opposite light entry faces, a light emitting face extending perpendicularly to the light entry faces, a plurality of hemispherical surfaces formed on the light emitting face, and a light non-emitting face opposite to the light emitting face; a light source disposed to extend along each of the light entry faces; a reflector for reflecting light from the light source toward a respective one of the light entry faces; a reflecting plate disposed to extend along the light non-emitting face for reflecting light leaking from the light guide plate toward the light guide plate; and a lens sheet disposed to extend along the light emitting face and formed with a plurality of first ridges extending parallel with the light entry faces on a face thereof opposite to the light emitting face, the first ridges each having a triangular section.

Abstract: The invention proposes an indicator light, in particular for a motor vehicle. The indicator light includes a central optical axis, a light source and a solid optical piece. The solid optical piece includes at least (1) an input face whose generatrix lies in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis, (2) a rear reflection face whose generatrix lies in a direction substantially inclined towards the front, and (3) a front exit face. The exit face is formed by a series of elementary distribution dioptric elements, each of which is designed to form an elementary light beam whose image, on a screen placed in front of the indicator light, corresponds to the indicating function to be fulfilled.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided which can reduce a movement blur and a tailing phenomenon on a motion picture display while a drop in display brightness is suppressed, and which can suppress power consumption, can be made small and light, and can prolong the lifetime, and a liquid crystal display device using the same is provided. A light source control part of a control circuit synchronizes a latch pulse signal outputted from a gate driver control part to a gate driver, and outputs light emission control signals to respective light source power supply circuits. The respective light source power supply circuits change emission states of cold cathode fluorescent lamps to one of a first to a third emission states on the basis of the inputted light emission control signals, and illuminate an LCD panel from a rear surface of a display area.

Abstract: To provide an LED lamp that is capable of achieving a desired luminous intensity distribution characteristic and producing uniform planar light emission, the LED lamp comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes and a cover lens so that light emitted by the plurality of light emitting diodes is output through the cover lens, wherein the cover lens has a plurality of prisms including a plurality of first prisms formed on the inner surface thereof, and direction and shape of the incident surfaces of the first prisms are set such that the first prisms output light in first luminous intensity distribution patterns that are substantially equal to each other.

Abstract: A light engine (9) for a projection display is provided which employs: 1) at least one light source (25), 2) at least one TIR prism assembly (13), and 3) at least one digital micromirror device (15), wherein: (a) the illumination path (55) between the light source (25) and the prism assembly (13) is unfolded, i.e., the illumination path is free of fold mirrors; and (b) the angle &ggr; between the illumination path (55) and the device's horizontal axis (53) is preferably less than or equal to about 20°.

Abstract: A lens comprises a bottom surface, a reflecting surface, a first refracting surface obliquely angled with respect to a central axis of the lens, and a second refracting surface extending as a smooth curve from the bottom surface to the first refracting surface. Light entering the lens through the bottom surface and directly incident on the reflecting surface is reflected from the reflecting surface to the first refracting surface and refracted by the first refracting surface to exit the lens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the lens. Light entering the lens through the bottom surface and directly incident on the second refracting surface is refracted by the second refracting surface to exit the lens in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the lens. The lens may be advantageously employed with LEDs, for example, to provide side-emitting light-emitting devices. A lens cap attachable to a lens is also provided.

Abstract: In a light unit that converts a false linear light into which a light from a point light source has been converted by a columnar light guide, into a planar light by a plate-shaped light guide, the point light source is arranged only at an end of the columnar light guide at which an angle between a longitudinal direction of the columnar light guide and ridge lines of recesses and projections forming a prism surface is obtuse. Thus, a positional relationship between the point light source and the ridge lines is set so that a main irradiation direction of band-shaped light emitted from the columnar light guide and which has been obtained by converting the light from the point light source to a false linear light is not substantially orthogonal to the ridge lines of the recesses and projections forming the prism surface of the plate-shaped light guide. Consequently, light obtained by totally reflecting this band-shaped light is unlikely to be viewed.

Abstract: An open type luminaire lens including a non-circular reflective lens having a metalized exterior surface and a prism section, the non-circular reflective lens having a shape generally defined by the combination of two parabolas, the prism section including and array of external reflecting prisms of varying predetermined shapes and varying predetermined sizes for use in providing a desired efficient light distribution.

Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed which comprises an illuminating light source for illuminating an object, a first optical unit disposed on the side of the object of the illuminating light source and having an optical action section for diverging light or an optical action section for converging light, and a second optical unit disposed on the side of the object of the optical action section of the first optical unit and having an optical action section for exhibiting a characteristic opposite to a characteristic of the optical action section, wherein the optical action section of the second optical unit overlies the optical action section of the first optical unit in varying areas to change light distribution characteristic on the side of the object.

Abstract: A luminaire and method are provided comprising a light source, a plurality of prisms, such as linear prisms, for redirecting light from the light source in a predetermined direction, and a reflector for redirecting light from the light source toward the plurality of prisms. Each of the linear prisms has a longitudinal axis and the light source has a longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axes of the linear prisms are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light source. Each of the plurality of prisms has an included angle, which can vary as a function of the distance from the light source. The angle can vary stepwise or continuously. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of prisms adjacent the light guide has an included angle in the range of between about 35 and 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the included angle is substantially uniform among the prisms.

Abstract: An LED (light-emitting diode) signal light comprises a light source composed of a plurality of LEDs mounted on a circuit board and light is cast from a front mantle capable of modulating optically, wherein an external lateral surface of the front mantle is a smooth plane while an internal lateral surface is provided with a plurality of lens cells, which are located oppositely against the LEDs correspondingly. Both the architecture of the cutaway and the cross sections of the lens cell implicate an arcuate curve with an opening oriented a smooth plane. Light cast from an LED will undergo optical modulation of the plurality of lens humps on the lens cell so as to redistribute the light in vertical and horizontal direction and adjust orientation of light to the specified illumination areas.

Abstract: A modular lighting system for illuminating products supported upon various vertically arranged shelves of a display unit includes a housing attached to a first shelf, with the housing including at least one transparent panel which permits an internal illumination source to light products supported upon at least one of the first shelf, a shelf arranged directly above the first shelf and a shelf disposed directly below the first shelf. Most preferably, the light illuminating from the housing is directed so as to effectively, entirely illuminate product support surfaces associated with both the first shelf and the shelf directly below such that the display of products supported anywhere from the front to the back of these shelves is enhanced. This front-to-back lighting function can be achieved in various ways, such as by employing direct, reflective and refractive lighting techniques.

Abstract: A lighted handle includes an elongate light transmitting member that has first and second end portions. First and second support surface engageable mounting brackets carry the first and second end portions of the light transmitting member. A narrow beam light emitter is located in the first mounting bracket and has a light beam emitting end. The light beam emitting end faces the adjacent first end portion of the light transmitting member and is aimed longitudinally along the light transmitting member to make the same more visible.

Abstract: A luminaire suitable for accommodating a light source which light source is situated substantially in a first plane. The luminaire has an optical element which is situated substantially in a second plane. The optical element is provided with facets of mutually differing inclination angles at one or both sides. The facets are shaped as substantially parallel prisms. Consecutive facets form a surface which is alternately convex and concave in shape.

Abstract: Prism Lantern with a pair of concentric glass cylinders, the first the cylinder being approximately three and one half inches in diameter and eight and one half inches tall, the second the cylinder being approximately three and three eighths inches in diameter and eight and one half inches tall, the cylinders fastened at their bottom surfaces to a base plate so that there is a concentric air space between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, a sheet of plastic material having a plurality of molded in prisms is placed in between the outer wall of said first cylinder and the inner wall of said second cylinder, and a closure ring enclosing the top of said concentric cylinders. Said plastic prism material creates a unique multi colored star burst pattern when viewed by an onlooker.

Abstract: A lighting assembly which includes light source means and collimating means for substantially collimating the light from the source. There are transmission means for transmitting the substantially collimated light to a point remote from the collimating means, and, in one arrangement, having an upper section which allows transmission of light therethrough and a lower section which reflects light. Light direction modifying means such as a lens or a reflector is located in the transmission means and remote from the collimating means for receiving light from the collimating means and modifying the direction of the light to pass outside of the transmission means through the light-transmitting section. The light direction modifying means includes a large plurality of prisms on the outer surface thereof. The prisms may be arranged so that the radii of several adjacent ones substantially meet at a point, thereby to form a “wave” lens.

Abstract: There is provided a light emitting device in this invention comprises a light source for supplying light, and plural light scattering devices disposed in front of the light source so as to be opposite to the direction of the light. Each of the light scattering devices comprises at least one striated surface forming plural prisms. The light is scattered by means of the prisms of the light scattering devices. This invention enables a light emitting device to achieve the spread of light with comparatively little light clustering. In particular, the light emitted from a local source can be changed from being directional to being non-directional even in case of use of the LED's source of light which is directional and so on. Therefore, the light emitting device pertaining to this invention is suitably adopted for use in the display of guardrails on the road.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light guide plate disposed on an upper surface of a liquid crystal panel unit and a linear light source disposed extending in a direction parallel to a side surface of the light guide plate. A plurality of linear prisms are formed on an upper surface of the light guide plate in a manner of extending in a direction oblique to the side surface. A light irradiated from the linear light source to the light guide plate through the side surface is reflected by a reflecting surface formed by each of linear prisms to be irradiated onto the liquid crystal panel unit provided below a lower surface of the plate. A height of the reflecting surface of each of linear prisms is changed in a lengthwise direction thereof.

Abstract: Prism Lantern with a pair of concentric glass cylinders, the first the cylinder being approximately three and one half inches in diameter and eight and one half inches tall, the second the cylinder being approximately three and three eighths inches in diameter and eight and one half inches tall, the cylinders fastened at their bottom surfaces to a base plate so that there is a concentric air space between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, a sheet of plastic material having a plurality of molded in prisms is placed in between the outer wall of said first cylinder and the inner wall of said second cylinder, and a closure ring enclosing the top of said concentric cylinders. Said plastic prism material creates a unique multi colored star burst pattern when viewed by an onlooker.

Abstract: An illumination optical apparatus successfully realizes mutually different illumination conditions in orthogonal two directions on an illumination objective plane. A magnification-varying optical system for similarly changing the entire size of a secondary multiple light source is arranged in an optical path between a first optical integrator for forming a first multiple light source on the basis of a light beam from a light source and a second optical integrator for forming the second multiple light source having light sources of a larger number on the basis of a light beam from the first multiple light source. The apparatus further comprises an aspect ratio-changing element for changing the aspect ratio of the incoming light beam in order to change the angle of incidence of the incoming light beam into the first optical integrator in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a luminaire including a housing for receiving light axially and having at lest one optical surface for emitting light. A lens is mounted in the housing and has a light input portion and a light output portion. A prismatic film is mounted in the housing onto which light output from the output portion of the lens is incident thereon wherein light is reflected by the prismatic film radially outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lamp assembly comprises a light assembly carried within a housing. A cover is snap fit to the housing and carries a lens in registration with the light assembly. The light assembly includes a dome shape reflector, into which a light bulb is positioned, and a light switch slidingly positioned within a slotted flange attached to the housing. A light switch actuator, in operational connection with the light switch, is captured by the cover. The lens is formed with a double convex middle region and a pair of outer regions formed with a plurality of serrations which reflect light toward the light reflector to thereby provide a uniform pattern of illumination about a preselected area. In one preferred embodiment, the housing supports a pair of lighting assemblies to permit selective illumination of a passenger's seat, table, or the like.

Abstract: An indicator light for a motor vehicle has a point source, an intermediate screen which receives the light directly from the source, and a cover glass outside the screen. The intermediate screen comprises a series of optical cells, each of which has, on an internal face, a curved surface for straightening and spreading the light. Each cell further has, on an outer face, a set of at least two flat facets which are oblique with respect to a plane of the intermediate screen.

Abstract: An illumination system with a light source and a surrounding cylindrical array of refracting elements producing spokes of light on adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes an amber light bulb covered with a cup-shaped colorless transparent cap, thus emitting an amber light beam. A colorless, transparent, plain lens is employed. Furthermore, the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the transparent cap is formed into a plurality of side steps, and the inner surface of the front end portion of the transparent cap is shaped into a Fresnel lens, and the outer surface of the front end portion is shaped into a plurality of fisheye lenses, which makes it more difficult to see the amber light bulb. Therefore, the vehicle lamp appears deep and glittering.

Abstract: A bent focal line electronic lighting device for use as a signal or illuminator. Light is created by a plurality of light emitting diode elements. An optic contoured to create a plurality of focal points which form a bent or crooked focal line cooperate with the orientation of the light emitting diode elements to project a composite light beam with limited divergence about a first reference plane. The intensity of the projected light beam is maximized through the efficient collection of created light.

Abstract: A lighting device which can be used for illuminating pedestrian crossings or in other applications where it is necessary to form a defined and uniform rectangular pattern includes a parabolic reflector element and a planar screen with an array of cylindrical microlenses or microprisms on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A lens jacket for surrounding all or part of the circumference of an elongated light source which includes first and second, successive light modulating means, e.g. negative focal length lens means formed therein and second lens means for producing virtual images of the source altered in shape or dispersion and direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes a structured optical film with variable pitch peaks and/or grooves to reduce the visibility of moire interference patterns and optical displays incorporating one or more layers of the film. The pitch variations can be over groups of adjacent peaks and/or valleys or between adjacent pairs of peaks and/or valleys.

Abstract: Illumination system with a light source and a surrounding cylindrical array of refracting elements producing spokes.

Abstract: The present invention is for a lighting device by which a controlled light pattern is obtained from a specific light source. The device comprises a light source which emits several parallel light beams. There is one prism (3) for each light beam (8), which passes through the lighting device. All of the prisms are integrated parts of a common disc. Preferrably the light source comprises several light emitting diodes (1) each emitting one light beam. The prisms are suitably made as straight, circular cylinders, at least those parts thereof which protrude from the common disc. The oblique surface may be freely varied at both its angle at the axis of the cylinder and direction whereby the direction of the corresponding light beam may be controlled.

Abstract: A surface light source device comprising at least one light source, a transparent panel, a diffusing panel and a reflecting surface. This surface light source device is configured so that brightness is enhanced in a direction perpendicular to the diffusing panel by disposing, on the side of a front surface of the transparent panel, a transparent sheet which has protrusions having a saw-tooth-like sectional shape formed on one surface thereof.

Abstract: A rear lighting system includes an elongated light source emitting light and a solid lens having an inner surface comprised of a hyperbolic cylinder, said hyperbolic cylinder having a first focal line and a second focal line and a cylinder length. The first focal line is coincident with the light source and the outer surface is comprised of a generally planar shape perpendicular to the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.

Abstract: A picture display apparatus is provided with a display device having pixels disposed in a mosaic pattern. A plurality of optical filter surfaces are respectively placed between the display device and a viewer so that the both surfaces can be overlapped with each other. Each pixel in the display device is diffracted or refracted by both surfaces to become a plurality of pixels. For each optical filter surface, an element for diffusion such as a diffraction grating and an element for refraction such as a prism can be utilized for the diffraction and refraction.

Abstract: Lens apparatus includes a TIR lens having multiple facets, the lens having a central axis about which the facets extend in non-circular relation. The lens may have a non-circular perimeter about that axis, and that perimeter may be rectangular or square.

Abstract: A power lens for use in an automated color mixing wash luminaire is formed of a disc of cast transparent material. The disc includes a plurality of lens elements in a honeycomb pattern. Each element has a convex surface. The convex surfaces form an arcuate band extending around a surface of the disc. The convex surfaces have various radii. A plurality of lens elements having the same radius are grouped together in abutting relationship. Six different radii are represented in the lens so that six groups of elements are formed around the band.

Abstract: A device for lighting a medical treatment field is disclosed and includes an optical member for focusing a plurality of light rays. The device also includes a prism assembly formed of a plurality of sectors of prisms. Each prism has an entry face and an exit face. The vertices of the sectors are substantially located in the center of the prism assembly. The sectors of prisms are configured and dimensioned so that the optical focusing member can focus the plurality of light rays generally onto the entry faces of the prisms. In addition, the device includes a mechanism for displacing at least a predetermined number of sectors such that the exit faces of the prisms of the predetermined sectors can be selectively positioned in one of a generally planar or a non-planar configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the device includes an optical focusing member and a prism assembly wherein the exit faces of the prisms are generally arc shaped along the length of the sector.

Abstract: A luminaire assembly which is adapted for easy cleanability. The luminaire assembly includes a housing portion having a substantially smooth outer surface and which is further adapted to receive and enclose a ballast assembly. An optical assembly is further adapted to be affixed to the housing portion in a substantially sealed, water-tight relationship to define an internal chamber to receive and enclose a lamp. The optical assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface contiguous with the housing portion outer surface and has an opening defined therein. A removable door has an inner surface and an outer surface adapted to be affixed in a sealed relationship with the optical assembly opening when in a closed position. The door is further provided with a breathing aperture of a predetermined lateral dimension for permitting ambient air to enter and leave the internal chamber.

Abstract: A luminaire capable of directing a high percentage of light source output in a downward direction includes a housing base, a light source mounted and electrically coupled to the housing base and a dome-shaped lens member made of light transmissive material disposed in surrounding relation to the light source. The lens member has a first region formed adjacent the housing base on which is disposed a first plurality of prismatic surfaces which both reflect and refract light in the downward direction. A second region is formed on the lens member adjacent the first region and includes a second plurality of prismatic surfaces which refract light output.

Abstract: An illumination device, particularly for motor vehicles, has a housing, at least one support part, a plurality of semi-conductor light sources arranged in the support part and provided with electrical connection means for connecting the semi-conductor light sources with a voltage source. The support part has a plurality of separate support members arranged in the housing. Each of the separate support members carries only some of the semi-conductor light sources and is releasably insertable into the housing independently of other support members.

Abstract: A compact and highly efficient warning light for producing high intensity light pulses which are radiated in accordance with a desired directional pattern includes a light source and a pair of reflectors disposed within a lens cover. The reflectors each include plural parabolic reflective surfaces distributed about an axis with the surfaces having a common focal point located on the axis. The two reflectors are coaxial and the common focal points of the surfaces thereof coincide.

Abstract: A compact and highly efficient warning light for producing high intensity light pulses which are radiated in accordance with a desired directional pattern includes a light source and at least a first reflector disposed within a lens cover. The reflector is coaxial with the lens cover, includes plural parabolic reflective surfaces arranged in a symmetrical pattern and having a common focal point located on the axis of the lens cover, and reflects light in directions which are generally transverse to the lens cover axis. The lens cover is provided with internal optics which redirects light emitted by the source which is not reflected, such redirected light also being radiated in directions generally transverse to the lens cover axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a light fixture having a catadioptric lens designed to discard preselected amounts of light from a light source. The percentage of the light discarded will vary over the surface of the reflector in order to provide a predetermined output intensity distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle headlight glass suitable for being mounted in a position where it slopes relative to a vertical plane, and being of the type that comprises a plurality of stripes for the purpose of spreading the light emitted by the headlight substantially in a lateral direction. Each stripe in at least one given group of stripes has a stripe surface which is ruled and without slope discontinuity, having tangency planes which define a set of unit prisms whose prism angles and whose slopes relative to the vertical vary together in such a manner that an incident ray on any one of the prisms is deflected laterally by the prism by an amount that varies depending on the prism, but without being subjected to vertical deflection. The invention also provides a method of making a mold die for mass producing the glass, and a method of manufacturing the glass by molding.

Abstract: A light fixture has a housing having an axis and a light source for detecting light into the housing along the housing axis. A first section of the housing occupies a first portion of the housing's perimeter and includes a light guide material. A second section of the housing occupies a second portion of the housing's perimeter and includes light extraction structures and a Fresnel lens for beam shaping.

Abstract: A headlight has a parabolic shaped reflector (8) with an incandescent lamp whose filament (13) is defocussed, or approximately at a focus point for distribution, by the reflector. A light-transmissive shield (4) has upper and lower zones (1 and 2) with prism-like optical devices (5 and 6) thereon which are respectively positioned above and below a horizontal middle plane of the reflector. Both zones are bordered by a vertical middle plane of the headlight. The upper zone extends to an oncoming traffic side while the lower zone extends to the other side and its upper edge is approximately bordered by the horizontal middle portion of the reflector. In this connection, the prism-like optical devices are arranged so that light beams passing therethrough are diverted to a partial area (100, 200) of a light figure of the headlight which, on a driving side, is at a higher level than on the oncoming traffic side.

Abstract: This luminaire has a reflector of substantially transparent material that is adapted to surround a light source. The reflector has many double-reflector right-angle prisms on its outer surface, each characterized by having two reflecting surfaces disposed to effect total internal reflection of a large percentage of the light from the source entering the prism. For controlling the amount of light passing from the source through the prismatic outer surfaces of the reflector, an additive in particle form is dispersed within the transparent reflector material and serves to divert some of the light rays entering the prisms into paths that intersect the reflecting surfaces at angles less than the critical angle of incidence, thereby causing said diverted rays to pass through the prismatic outer surface.

Abstract: A light diffusing lens and a method of making such a lens for use in traffic lights etc. and of the known type in which a nearly parallel light beam in projected on a lens adapted to scatter the light within certain predetermined limits, and in which the lens comprises a large number of cavities arranged on the inner surface of the lens, which cavities act as elementary lenses (2) arranged in parallel rows (3) extending in the horizontal direction, and in which each elementary lens (2) comprises at least two integral concave lens parts, namely a lower lens part (5) having the shape of a part of a half-ball, and an upper lens part (6) which is directly integral with said lower lens part (5) and which is stepwise or successively widened to the shape of a bell and which is ended by an upper, straight cross cut lens surface (4).

Abstract: An optical lighting system comprising either an optical system or an optical mirror system. In the optical lens and optical mirror systems, the light incident and exiting planes of the lenses and mirrors, are formed to satisfy given equations. Accordingly, in a contact or proximity exposure system, it is possible to unify irradiance on a surface to be irradiated and reduce the optical path length, thus reducing the overall device size. In a projection system, it is possible to unify irradiance on an image surface while efficiently utilizing light by ommitting a gradient filter.

Abstract: A luminaire includes a source of light in an opaque housing which extends beneath the source and upwardly about the sides of the source to hide the source from direct view from a horizontal line of sight even with the source. A lens is mounted to the housing above the source and extending around to join with the upper edge of the housing. The lens includes an upper light-dispersing portion which diverges one portion and only displaces another portion of the light from the source to provide an even distribution of luminance to a ceiling above the source. The lens also includes a lateral light-bending portion which receives light from the source and fans it out laterally over the side of the housing to continue the uniform illumination pattern of the ceiling and to illuminate vertical surfaces in the vicinity of the luminaire.