Abstract:
An imaging apparatus (40) has an optical sensor (14) with sensing elements (18). Each sensing element (18) has an array of sensing components (28). Each sensing component (28) provides a signal corresponding to a pixel for forming an image as an array of pixels. A lens array (76) has a number of lens elements (66). Each lens element (66) directs light to a corresponding sensing element (18) in the optical sensor (14). A prism array (60) has a number of prism elements (62), each prism element (62) directing incident light from the image field toward a corresponding lens element (66) in the lens array (76).
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming an image on a curved diffusive surface (32) comprises an image source (94) for providing image-bearing light along an axis, a relay lens (54) for directing the image-bearing light toward the curved diffusive surface (32), and, a field lens (120) for redirecting off-axis image-bearing light toward the center of curvature of the curved diffusive surface (32).
Abstract:
An optical scanner (10) is disclosed for scanning a light beam (50) onto a receiving medium (24). The scanner includes a rotatable polygon (20) for receiving a light beam (50) from a source (12) and for scanning the beam through a predetermined angle, and optical means (22) between the polygon (20) and receiving medium (24) for directing the beam to the receiving medium. In order to provide a very high resolution scanner which can be used to generate half-tone images, the optical means (22) includes a first lens element (30) having two spherical surfaces (40, 42), a second lens element (32) which has orthogonal cylindrical surfaces (46, 48), and a cylindrical mirror (34).
Abstract:
A direct-view lighting arrangement (24) suitable for the backlight of a liquid crystal display (LCD) (22) , comprising (in that order) an array of surface-emitting light sources (LEDs) (14) with an angular luminous intensity distribution, an array of beam spreading optical elements (28) , an array of Fresnel lenses (32) to reduce beam divergence and an (optional) diffuser (38) . The refractive properties (convex and concave) of the beam spreading optical elements make the luminous flux essentially constant at the illumination plane (where the LCD is located). Thus, the beam spreading optical elements refract more light into higher beam angles thus compensating for the corresponding fall-off in luminous intensity of the sources. The thin sheet of Fresnel lenses reduces the divergence of the beams and directs them on to the diffuser. The (weak) diffuser serves to add a further beam divergence suitable for various applications, rather than itself producing uniformity in the illumination. The arrangement allows for a slimmer backlight design, eliminating the need for a strong diffuser having a high haze value (>90%). Keywords: Lambertian source,- illuminance, -luminance.
Abstract:
In an example embodiment, a wire grid polarizer includes a plurality of parallel conductors having a pitch (P), a width (W), and a height (H). In example embodiments, a fill-factor (W/P) is greater than approximately 0.18 and less than approximately 0.25. In another example embodiment, a display system includes a light source and a light-valve. The display system also includes a wire grid polarizer that includes a plurality of parallel conductors having a pitch (P), a width (W), and a height (H). In example embodiments, a fill-factor (W/P) is greater than approximately 0.18 and less than approximately 0.25.
Abstract:
A method includes electro-mechanical engraving a three-dimensional molding pattern (N) in a rigid surface. The rigid surface is configured to micro replicate according to the molding pattern (N). The rigid surface may be a pattern roller. The molding pattern may be for micro replication of optical elements (5) of a light redirecting film (2).
Abstract:
A high resolution optical scanner (10; 40; 50; 61) for scanning a light beam onto a receiving medium (22; 46; 64; M). The scanner includes a light source (13) for generating a light beam, optical means (16; 44; 56, 58; 67) for anamorphically shaping the beam, and a rotatable polygon (18; 42; 60; 63) for moving the light beam through a predetermined scan angle. In order to obtain high resolution throughout a scan line, a mirror (16; 44; 56, 58; 65), having power in the tangential plane and in the sagittal plane, is positioned to intercept the beam from the polygon (18; 42; 60; 63) and direct it to the receiving medium (22; 46; 64; M).
Abstract:
A brightness enhancement article (30) provides light from a two-dimensional surface. The brightness enhancement article (30) has a plurality of light collecting structures (32), wherein each light collecting structure (32) is longitudinally extended in a length direction along the surface. Each light collecting structure (32) has an input aperture (33) optically coupled to a light-providing surface and an output aperture (35) distal from the input aperture (33), wherein the output aperture (35) has a surface area that is larger than the surface area of the input aperture (33). A pair of curved side walls (38) extend from the output aperture (35) toward the input aperture (33). In a cross section taken orthogonally with respect to the length direction, the curved side walls (38) approximate a parabolic curvature.
Abstract:
A brightness enhancement article for conditioning luminance from a light source (18) in a viewing direction is provided. A prism surface side (44) collects light from the light providing surface (14), where, in one embodiment, the prism surface side (44) has a series of substantially parallel grooves (30) forming a series of longitudinal trapezoidal prism elements (38). Each trapezoidal prism element (38) has a face plane (46) disposed toward the light source (18) and first and second legs (34,36) extending back from said face plane (46), respectively, forming first and second base angles β with the face plane (46), where both first and second base angles β satisfy: 90 degrees
Abstract:
A laser printer is disclosed which is adapted to be used for color imaging. The printer (10) comprises three diode lasers (97), each of which emits a light beam at a different wavelength. Each of the light beams passes along a separate channel (a-c) to a pair of dichroic plates (18, 20) which combine the three beams into a single combined beam. The combined beam is scanned by a polygon (40) onto a receiving medium (46) which is sensitive to the infrared. Two cylindrical lenses (29a, 30a, 29b, 30b, 29c, 30c) in each channel are used to focus the beam in the channel at a registration plane (32) located after the dichroic plates (18, 20). An optical relay (38) is used to transfer the combined beam from the registration plane (32) to the polygon (40) and to focus the beam in a cross-scan direction on the polygon (40). The polygon (40) is optically conjugated to the image plane in order to achieve cross-scan error correction.