Abstract:
An improved method of making laminated optical components through the use of a master and several submasters is disclosed. A glass/photoresist master (10) is made by recording optical surface features in the photoresist (14) with coherent or incoherent light. The master (10) is processed to reveal the surface features. A frame (70) is fastened to the edges of the photoresist/glass master with edges rising slightly above the top surface of the master (10). Silicone rubber (72) is poured into the frame over the photoresist layer (14) and allowed to cure. The silicone rubber submaster (72) is then separated from the photoresist/glass master (10). Use of silicon rubber permits separation of the submaster (72) without damaging the master. Additionally, silicone rubber is less prone to shrinkage than prior art submasters thus permitting more accurate copying of the surface features of the photoresist/glass master (10). Subsequent epoxy replicas may then be made from the silicone rubber submaster.
Abstract:
A fiber optic luminaire is arranged to couple light energy from a light source (20) along its length. The fiber optic luminaire (10) includes a plurality of light redirecting structures (14) distributed along its length; the light redirecting structures are arranged to uniformly distribute by reflection light energy from the fiber optic luminaire. The light redirecting structures (14) are preferably non-scattering structures, including structures such as microprisms, microfacets, microgrooves and micrometers. The fiber optic luminaire may be configured to a variety of shapes and to provide customized light distribution patterns.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus (20) are provided for replicating a light shaping surface structure on a laminated surface of a relatively rigid substrate (ST ). More specifically, after the substrate (ST) is mounted on a table (24) and a layer of epoxy is deposited between the substrate and a submaster (SU) to produce a layered structure, the layered structure is automatically compress ed in a nip formed between the table (24) and an outer surface of a rotating impression roller (26), thereby replicating the surface structure in the epo xy layer. The epoxy is then cured, and the submaster (SU) is separated from the substrate (ST) to leave a laminated structure having the light shaping surfa ce structure on a surface thereof. Preferably, the submaster is wrapped around the impression roller, and the impression roller (26) is rotated while the table (24) is reciprocated linearly.
Abstract:
A backlight assembly (100) is disclosed having a light pipe (104) and at least one light source (102) located at an edge of the light pipe (104). The light pipe (104) has a back surface (106) and a front surface (110) opposite the back surface. The light pipe (104) also has one or more light directing, diffusing, turning, or brightness enhancing film layers adjacent the front surface (110). The light pipe (104) also has an integral surface diffuser microstructure molded, embossed, or otherwise replicated in the front surface of the light pipe.
Abstract:
A light pipe (122) for a backlight assembly (120) has a front surface (126) and a back surface (124). The back surface (124) includes an integral surface diffuser microstructure formed thereon. The front surface may also have an integral surface diffuser microstructure formed thereon as well. A backlight assembly (120) has a reflective surface adjacent the back surface of the light pipe (122) and a separate diffuser film layer (134) disposed against the front surface (126). A pair of brightness enhancing film layers for collimating light are placed adjacent the diffuser film layer (134). A protective layer (150) is disposed over the brightness enhancing film layers. The integral diffusers on the front and back surfaces of the light pipe significantly enhance the brightness and light distribution uniformity of the assembly without adding additional components or reducing other performance characteristics of the assembly.
Abstract:
A light-scanner (200) that includes a wave guide (230). The scanner (200) defines a scanning zone, and further includes a light-emitting diode (214), and a detector. The wave guide (230) is disposed between the light-emitting diode (214) and the scanning zone. The wave guide (230) defines a light- admitting aperture and a light-reflective surface. The light-admitting aperture and light-reflecting surface cooperate to direct light from the lig ht- emitting diode toward the scanning zone, and to focus such light centrally along a path traveled by such light toward the detector.
Abstract:
A light-scanner (200) that includes a wave guide (230). The scanner (200) defines a scanning zone, and further includes a light-emitting diode (214), and a detector. The wave guide (230) is disposed between the light-emitting diode (214) and the scanning zone. The wave guide (230) defines a light- admitting aperture and a light-reflective surface. The light-admitting aperture and light-reflecting surface cooperate to direct light from the lig ht- emitting diode toward the scanning zone, and to focus such light centrally along a path traveled by such light toward the detector.
Abstract:
A scanner that can include a light source (3810) emitting light through a light pipe (3820) to a detector array. The light pipe can include a reflective surface (3822) and a diffuser (3824). The reflective surface can reflect light (3815), directly or indirectly towards the diffuser and the diffuser can diffuse the light out of the light pipe. The light pipe can further include a reflective groove that reflects light from the reflective surface towards the diffuser. The diffuser can diffuse the light to an object that reflects the light to the detector army. The object may be a bar code, paper money, or any other object that can be scanned. The diffuser may be a variable diffuser.
Abstract:
An improved method of making laminated optical components through the use of a master and several submasters is disclosed. A glass/photoresist master is made by recording optical surface features in the photoresist with coherent or incoherent light. The master is processed to reveal the surface features. A frame is fastened to the edges of the photoresist/glass master with edges rising slightly above the top surface of the master. Silicone rubber is poured into the frame over the photoresist layer and allowed to cure. The silicone rubber submaster is then separated from the photoresist/glass master. Use of silicon rubber permits separation of the submaster without damaging the master. Additionally, silicone rubber is less prone to shrinkage than prior art submasters thus permitting more accurate copying of the surface features of the photoresist/glass master. Subsequent epoxy replicas may then be made from the silicone rubber submaster.
Abstract:
A scanner that can include a light source (3810) emitting light through a light pipe (3820) to a detector array. The light pipe can include a reflective surface (3822) and a diffuser (3824). The reflective surface can reflect light (3815), directly or indirectly towards the diffuser and the diffuser can diffuse the light out of the light pipe. The light pipe can further include a reflective groove that reflects ligth from the reflective surface towards the diffuser. The diffuser can diffuse the light to an object that reflects the light to the detector array. The object may be a bar code, paper money, or any other object that can be scanned. The diffuser may be a variable diffuser.