초록 ▼

An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A wedge layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces intersecting to define an angle of inclination f2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface

An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A wedge layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces intersecting to define an angle of inclination f2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as a light polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light or diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.

대표청구항 ▼

An optical device for operating on light from a source and for selectively outputting light to a viewer, comprising: a base layer having an optical index of refraction n1 and a first and second surface, said base layer further including a back surface spanning said first and second surfaces, and the

An optical device for operating on light from a source and for selectively outputting light to a viewer, comprising: a base layer having an optical index of refraction n1 and a first and second surface, said base layer further including a back surface spanning said first and second surfaces, and the light exiting said base layer when the light being reflected therein decreases its angle relative to a normal to at least one of said first and second surfaces at the point of light incidence and achieves an angle of incidence less than a critical angle qc relative to the normal at the point of light incidence on said surfaces; first layer means of index of refraction n2 disposed beyond at least one of said first and second surfaces relative to said base layer and for enabling light to enter and pass across said first layer means after output from said base layer when the light in said base layer achieves the angle of incidence less than the critical angle qc characteristic of an interface between said base layer and said first layer, said first layer means outputting substantially collimated light; a light redirecting layer disposed adjacent said first layer means receiving said collimated light output from said base layer with said light redirecting layer having facets with faceted face portions, each of said faceted portions being at least partly illuminated by the light and being oriented spatially to redirect the light along a selected direction in cooperation with said first layer means and said base layer; second layer means for preferably outputting light of a first polarization state compared to a second polarization state, said second layer means disposed beyond at least one of said first and second surfaces relative to said base layer and said second layer means further enabling reflection of at least part of the light having the second polarization state; and light control layer means for at least one of redirecting and diffusing light toward a viewer wherein the light has been output from said base layer and said light redirecting layer thereby providing light of controlled angular distribution to the viewer.