Light redirecting films and film systems

Abstract

Optical assembly comprises a light emitting panel having at least one light source positioned adjacent to at least one light input edge located at or near a corner of the panel and at least one light output surface for emitting light. In close proximity to the light output surface is a light redirecting film for receiving light emitted from the light output surface. The film has optical grooves extending across the film in a curved pattern facing a corner of the film in close proximity to the corner of the panel to redistribute the light emitted from the light output surface.

1 . An optical assembly comprising:
 a light emitting panel having at least one light input edge located at or near a corner of the panel, at least one light source positioned adjacent to the input edge for directing light into the panel, and at least one light output surface for emitting light; and   a light redirecting film in close proximity to the light output surface for receiving light emitted from the light output surface, the film having optical grooves extending across the film in a curved pattern facing a corner of the film in close proximity to the corner of the panel to redistribute the light emitted from the light output surface.   
     
     
         2 . The optical assembly of  claim 1  wherein the at least one light source is a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         3 . The optical assembly of  claim 1  wherein the at least one light source is positioned at an oblique angle relative to an edge of the panel. 
     
     
         4 . The optical assembly of  claim 1  wherein the panel has a predetermined pattern of deformities configured to cause light to be emitted from the light output surface, the deformities having a well defined shape and being quite small in relation to a length and a width of the panel. 
     
     
         5 . The optical assembly of  claim 4  wherein at least some of the deformities have at least one surface that is angled towards the at least one light source. 
     
     
         6 . The optical assembly of  claim 4  wherein each of at least some of the deformities has at least a first surface and a second surface, the first surface and the second surface coming together to form a ridge, the ridge generally being curved towards the at least one light source. 
     
     
         7 . The optical assembly of  claim 4  wherein at least some of the deformities are arranged in a generally radial pattern facing the at least one light source. 
     
     
         8 . The optical assembly of  claim 4  wherein at least some of the deformities are generally arranged in radial patterns with radii of curvature of the radial patterns increasing as distance away from the at least one light source increases. 
     
     
         9 . The optical assembly of  claim 4  wherein the panel has oppositely facing major surfaces, and at least some of the deformities are on or in both of the major surfaces. 
     
     
         10 . The optical assembly of  claim 4  wherein the density of the deformities increases as distance away from the at least one light source increases.