Optic assembly having virtual external common focus
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An optic assembly utilizing a virtual external common focal point, the optic assembly comprising:
- a reflector with a reflective surface, the reflective surface having a plurality of facets for reflecting light rays in a plurality of directions, the facets including one or more refocusing facets and one or more converging facets;
a mask assembly defining one or more apertures, the mask assembly substantially enclosing the reflective surface of the reflector and mountable behind a substrate;
a light source substantially enclosed between the mask assembly and reflector;
the one or more refocusing facets direct light rays from the light source so that they become refocused light rays that appear to project from a virtual external common focal point located outside the optic assembly;
the one or more converging facets direct the refocused light rays inside the optic assembly to the outside of the optic assembly through an aperture; and
wherein the optic assembly is capable of illuminating an icon in the substrate.
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Abstract
An optic assembly has a reflector with a reflective surface, one or more light sources, and a mask with one or more apertures. Facets on the reflective surface direct light rays so that a substantial portion of the light rays within the optic assembly can be managed as if they were emitted from a focal point located outside the optic assembly.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. An optic assembly utilizing a virtual external common focal point, the optic assembly comprising:
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a reflector with a reflective surface, the reflective surface having a plurality of facets for reflecting light rays in a plurality of directions, the facets including one or more refocusing facets and one or more converging facets; a mask assembly defining one or more apertures, the mask assembly substantially enclosing the reflective surface of the reflector and mountable behind a substrate; a light source substantially enclosed between the mask assembly and reflector; the one or more refocusing facets direct light rays from the light source so that they become refocused light rays that appear to project from a virtual external common focal point located outside the optic assembly; the one or more converging facets direct the refocused light rays inside the optic assembly to the outside of the optic assembly through an aperture; and wherein the optic assembly is capable of illuminating an icon in the substrate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for directing light rays from one or more light sources in an optic assembly comprising the steps of:
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providing one or more light sources emitting light rays into a reflector, the reflector having a plurality of facets, the facets including one or more refocusing facets and one or more converging facets; substantially refocusing light rays from the one or more light sources using one or more refocusing facets so that a substantial portion of the light rays are directed so that they appear to project from a virtual external common focal point located outside the optic assembly; substantially converging at least a portion of the substantially refocused light rays using one or more converging facets on the reflector; and directing at least a portion of the refocused and converged light rays through an icon in the substrate.
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11. A mirror assembly comprising:
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a housing; a substrate mounted in the housing, the substrate capable of functioning as a mirror; an optic assembly utilizing a virtual external common focal point, the optic assembly comprising; a reflector with a reflective surface having a plurality of facets for reflecting light rays in a plurality of directions, the facets including one or more refocusing facets and one or more converging facets; a mask assembly defining one or more apertures, the mask assembly substantially enclosing the reflective surface of the reflector and being capable of being mounted behind the substrate; a light source at least substantially enclosed between the mask assembly and reflector; the one or more refocusing facets direct light rays from the light source so that they become refocused light rays that appear to project from a virtual external common focal point located outside the optic assembly; the one or more converging facets direct the refocused light rays inside the optic assembly to the outside of the optic assembly through an aperture; and wherein the optic assembly is capable of illuminating an icon in the substrate.
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Specification