Localized illumination using TIR technology
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of providing light to a display, comprising the steps of:
- (a) capturing the light from a light source with a total internal reflection optical element;
(b) redirecting the light from the light source in a single direction using the total internal reflection optical element;
(c) channeling the light through a light pipe to a surface at a top of the light pipe; and
,(d) emitting the light through the surface at the top of the light pipe through an aperture in the surface, the aperture being shaped different from a cross section of the top of the light pipe.
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Abstract
A method of illuminating an object by capturing light from a light source with a TIR lens, redirecting the captured light from the light source in a single direction using the TIR lens, and channeling the redirected light through a light pipe to a plane at or before the object to maximize brightness of the light from the light source at the plane.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of providing light to a display, comprising the steps of:
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(a) capturing the light from a light source with a total internal reflection optical element; (b) redirecting the light from the light source in a single direction using the total internal reflection optical element; (c) channeling the light through a light pipe to a surface at a top of the light pipe; and
,(d) emitting the light through the surface at the top of the light pipe through an aperture in the surface, the aperture being shaped different from a cross section of the top of the light pipe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of providing light to a display, comprising the steps of:
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(a) collecting the light as the light is emitted from a light source; (b) redirecting the light in a single direction using total internal reflection; (c) transmitting the light, without substantial loss of the light, to a surface; and
,(d) emitting the light through an aperture in the surface, the surface serving to prevent the light from being emitted except through the aperture. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus which provides light to a display, the apparatus comprising:
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a light source which generates the light; a total internal reflection optical element which captures the light from the light source and redirects the light from the light source in a single direction; a surface with an aperture located therein; and
,a light pipe which receives the light from the total internal reflection optical element and channels the light to the surface, the surface being located at a top of the light pipe; wherein the light is emitted through the surface at the top of the light pipe through the aperture, the aperture being shaped different from a cross section of the top of the light pipe. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification