Patent ID: 7778512

Claim:
A light-pipe array system, the system comprising: a light projector that projects light; and a light-pipe array, wherein the light-pipe array comprises a plurality of light-pipes, and wherein each light-pipe comprises: a dielectric transparent to the light; an electrically conductive light barrier layer surrounding the dielectric, wherein the barrier layer guides the light from an entrance of the dielectric surrounded by the barrier layer to an exit of the dielectric surrounded by the barrier layer; and a light-receiving element that increases throughput of the guided light transmitted within the barrier layer via the dielectric; wherein the light-receiving element comprises an electrical conductor positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the dielectric, wherein the conductor includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends beyond the entrance of the dielectric surrounded by the barrier layer to a location that is not surrounded by the barrier layer, and wherein the second end terminates substantially at the exit of the dielectric surrounded by the barrier layer.