US 7,460,306 B2
Multi-directional optical element and an optical system utilizing the multi-directional optical element
Simon Magarill, Cincinnati, Ohio (US); and Todd S. Rutherford, Cincinnati, Ohio (US)
Assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, Minn. (US)
Filed on Jul. 21, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/459,238.
Application 11/459238 is a continuation of application No. 10/845674, filed on May 14, 2004, granted, now 7,085,063.
Prior Publication US 2006/0291770 A1, Dec. 28, 2006
Int. Cl. G02B 27/14 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 359—634  [359/721; 353/102; 348/757; 348/780] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An optical system comprising:
a first illumination channel comprising a light source, a first image-forming device, and a multi-directional optical element, which comprises a body having a first side with a first curvature, a second side with a second curvature disposed generally opposite the first side along a first direction, a third side with a third curvature, and a fourth side with a fourth curvature disposed generally opposite the third side along a second direction, said multi-directional optical element disposed between the light source and the first image-forming device so that light of the first channel travels through the multi-directional optical element generally in the first direction; and
a second illumination channel comprising the light source, a second image-forming device, and the multi-directional optical element disposed between the light source and the second image-forming device so that light of the second channel travels through the multi-directional optical element generally in the second direction that is different from the first direction.