Patent · US Expired

Centrifugal illumination system

US5868481A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
4References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 1996
Grant dateFeb 9, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S385/901
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An image display system such as an LCD projection display includes an illumination homogenizer and a centrifugal relay lens system. The illumination homogenizer, such as a reflective tunnel homogenizer or integrator, efficiently provides uniform distribution of light over a region matched to the configuration of an LCD, or other type of image source. The centrifugal relay lens system includes, for example, an S-curve aspheric lens surface that functions to increase the illumination distribution toward the edges and corners of the image source relative to the center. The projection system provides illumination with improved uniformity and efficiency while also providing a shortened optical pathway.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.