Display sign and an optical element for use in the same
First Claim
1. A display sign comprising a plurality of electro-optical devices, each electro-optical device having an optical element mounted thereon, said optical element having a principal axis, the optical element having surfaces at which any stray light emitted from the electro-optical device is reflected and a plurality of faces at least two of which are inclined at an angle of 10°
- to a plane normal to said principal axis from which a light beam is emitted, each face being angled to direct the light emitted therefrom in a different direction to shape the light beam and increase the beam intensity in a predetermined direction, each said optical element being mounted in contact with each said electro-optical device without any gap between said electro-optical device and said optical element.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An optical element is fitted to a high intensity light emitting diode used in a variable message sign. The optical element has surfaces which redirect any stray light from the light emitting diode to form useful light. The faces of the optical element are angled to shape the light beam emitted therefrom. The light beam is shaped by the faces to produce a beam having increased intensity in a predetermined direction. The optical element enhances the visibility of the sign and allows a reduction in the number of light emitting diodes used in the sign.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A display sign comprising a plurality of electro-optical devices, each electro-optical device having an optical element mounted thereon, said optical element having a principal axis, the optical element having surfaces at which any stray light emitted from the electro-optical device is reflected and a plurality of faces at least two of which are inclined at an angle of 10°
- to a plane normal to said principal axis from which a light beam is emitted, each face being angled to direct the light emitted therefrom in a different direction to shape the light beam and increase the beam intensity in a predetermined direction, each said optical element being mounted in contact with each said electro-optical device without any gap between said electro-optical device and said optical element.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An optical assembly comprising an electro-optical device provided with an optical element having a principal axis and which reflects any stray light emitted from the electro-optical device, the optical element having a plurality of angled faces from which a light beam is emitted, the faces being angled at 10°
- to a plane normal to said principal axis to direct the light in different directions to shape the light being emitted therefrom and increase the intensity of the light beam in a predetermined direction, said optical element and said electro-optical device being formed integrally without any air gap between said electro-optical device and said optical element.
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16. An optical element for use in a variable message sign comprising a body part having surfaces arranged to reflect light which in operation is incident thereon and direct said light through a plurality of faces, said body part having a principal axis, the faces through which the light is emitted being angled at 10°
- to a plane normal to said principal axis to direct the light in different directions to shape the light beam emitted therefrom and increase the intensity of the light beam in a predetermined direction, said optical element being mounted directly upon an electro-optical device which emits said light, said optical element being mounted in contact with said electro-optical device without any gap between said electro-optical device and said optical element.
- View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. An optical assembly comprising an electro-optical device provided with an optical element which reflects any stray light emitted from the electro-optical device and which has a principal axis, the optical element having a plurality of angled faces from which a light beam is emitted, the faces being angled at 10°
- to a plane normal to said principal axis to direct the light indifferent directions to shape the light being emitted therefrom and increase the intensity of the light beam in a predetermined direction, said optical element being mounted directly upon the electro-optical device, said optical element being mounted in contact with said electro-optical device without any gap between said electro-optical device and said optical element.
- View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
Specification