US 5,506,929 AGranted

Light expanding system for producing a linear or planar light beam from a point-like light source

AssigneeClio Technologies, Inc.

InventorsPing-Kaung Tai, Han Zou

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Abstract

A light expanding system for converting a light beam generated from a point-like light source into a collimated linear or planar light beam is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment of the invention, a system for producing a linear light beam includes a beam collector and a light pipe adjacent to which a multiplicity of specially configured microprisms are located. The light expanding system according to this embodiment is suitable for use in devices utilizing a linear light beam, such as a scanner. According to another embodiment of the invention, a system for producing a planar light beam includes, in addition to the beam collector and light pipe described above, an additional light pipe with adjacent microprisms. The light expanding system according to this embodiment of the invention can be used, for example, in displays, road signs, medical research equipment, instrument meters or jewelry; to light pictures or art work; or as part of a see-through lighting system for use in dentistry and surgery.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A light expanding system for producing collimated light from a divergent light beam emitted from a point-like light source, comprising:

a light pipe having first, second and third surfaces, wherein:
the first and second surfaces are substantially perpendicular;
and
the third surface is opposite the second surface;
a beam collector positioned between the point-like light source and the first surface of the light pipe for directing light from the point-like light source into the light pipe in a predetermined way;
and
a plurality of microprisms positioned adjacent to the second surface of the light pipe, each microprism comprising:
a base surface that is adjacent and substantially parallel to the second surface of the light pipe;
and
a light reflecting surface shaped so that light that enters the light pipe and contacts the light reflecting surface is reflected away from the microprism out of the light pipe through the third surface, wherein the reflected light from the microprism is a light beam different from that produced by a point-like light source and the light beams is collimated to a predetermined degree.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.