Abstract: A method of forming a structurally reinforced illumination panel which includes providing a multiwall structural panel having a pair of optically transmissive sheets joined with transverse ribs that define a plurality of linear hollow chambers, providing LED strips each including a plurality of interconnected LED sources distributed over a length the LED strip, a step of inserting the LED strips into the linear hollow chambers through open ends of the chambers, and a step of electrically connecting the LED strips to a power supply.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting which comprises a top transmissive layer including a plurality of parallel channel formed perpendicular to a surface of the layer, and a reflective bottom layer including a specular surface or a corrugated transmitting surface. The corrugated surface includes a plurality of linear prismatic elements extending perpendicular to the channels of the top layer. The top and bottom layers reflect light in orthogonal directions and act cooperatively to retroreflect incident light back toward the source, particularly at high incidence angles.

Abstract: A stepped light guide illumination system employing a planar sheet of an optically transmissive material having a stepped light guiding structure including one or more parallel arrays of channels. Light is input into the stepped light guiding structure using a number of light sources, such as LEDs, located within the channels and coupled to the stepped light guiding structure at multiple locations. Light is extracted from the stepped light guiding structure by two-dimensional patterns of light extraction features provided in surface areas of the stepped light guiding structure located between the parallel channels.

Abstract: A method of making multi-layer light converting optical structures including providing an artificial light source, an optically transmissive sheet having a parallel array of linear grooves, a reflective back cover sheet, and a planar light converting layered structure which is approximately coextensive with the planar optically transmissive sheet. The light converting layered structure includes a partially transmissive layer of a light absorbing medium sandwiched between two transparent layers. The light absorbing medium includes light absorbing elements distributed in a volume of an optically transmissive material and configured to absorb light in a first wavelength more weakly than in a second wavelength. The method further includes positioning the light converting layered structure between the planar optically transmissive sheet and the reflective back cover sheet for enhanced light trapping and conversion.

Abstract: An illumination system employing a waveguide that receives and propagates light in response to transmission and total internal reflection. Light deflecting elements distributed along the propagation path incrementally change the out-of-plane angles of light rays and cause decoupling of portions of light from the waveguide at different distances from the light input edge or end. Light may escape from the waveguide into an intermediate layer at low out-of-plane angles and can be further redirected by light extraction features out of the system. In one embodiment, the illumination system is configured to emit collimated light. In one embodiment, the illumination system includes shallow surface relief features. In one embodiment, the light deflecting elements include forward-scattering particles distributed throughout the volume of the waveguide.

Abstract: A light converting optical system employing a planar light trapping optical structure illuminated by a source of monochromatic light. The light trapping optical structure includes a photoresponsive layer including quantum dots. The photoresponsive layer is configured at a relatively low thickness and located between opposing broad-area reflective surfaces that confine and redistribute light within the light trapping structure, causing multiple transverse propagation of light through the photoresponsive layer and enhanced absorption and light conversion. The light trapping optical structure further incorporates optical elements located on a light path between the light source and the photoresponsive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a planar waveguide through an array of linear cylindrical lenses formed in a major surface of the waveguide, and a method of making the same. Light received on an edge of the waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon light deflecting elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide such that the extracted from the waveguide is further redirected and redistributed through the array of linear cylindrical lenses.

Abstract: Electronic displays having curved or retractable configurations and having a layered monolithic sheet-form structure including a bottom heat conductive layer, a top optically transmissive layer coextending with the bottom layer, and a two-dimensional array of individually digitally addressable solid-state illumination devices such as LEDs or OLEDs. The top and bottom layers hermetically encapsulate the array of individually digitally addressable solid-state illumination devices.

Abstract: Light directing film structure employing at least two layers having different refractive indices and forming a continuous corrugated boundary between major surfaces of the film. The corrugated boundary forms a plurality of alternating facets forming different dihedral angles with a prevalent plane of the film structure. The facets may longitudinally extend along a straight, arcuate, circular, or curvilinear path. Light received by a major surface of the film structure is internally redirected by interacting with the facets of the corrugated inter-layer boundary and may be emitted from the opposing major surface towards a new propagation direction which is different from the original propagation direction.

Abstract: Wide-area solid-state illumination devices and systems employing a light guide formed by a sheet of an optically transmissive material and selectively patterned in designated areas. Printed light extraction features are used to form a plurality of patterned areas are separated from each other and from edges of the light guide by separation areas which are generally free from the light extraction features. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) is optically coupled to the light guide and provides a light source. The light guide is sandwiched between a front sheet and a reflective back sheet. The front sheet includes opaque areas and a plurality of optically transmissive areas disposed in registration with the patterned areas.

Abstract: A light trapping optical structure employing an optically transmissive layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is defined by opposing broad-area surfaces extending parallel to each other. The light deflecting elements deflect light propagating transversely through the optically transmissive layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal, above a critical angle of a Total Internal Reflection. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system which allows for longer light propagation paths through a photoabsorptive layer that may be associated with the optically transmissive layer for an improved light absorption. The light trapping optical structure may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.

Abstract: A stepped light guide illumination system employing a planar sheet of an optically transmissive material having a stepped light guiding structure including one or more parallel arrays of channels. Light is input into the stepped light guiding structure using a number of light sources, such as LEDs, located within the channels and coupled to the stepped light guiding structure at multiple locations. Light is extracted from the stepped light guiding structure by two-dimensional patterns of light extraction features provided in surface areas of the stepped light guiding structure located between the parallel channels.

Abstract: A window covering for natural illumination of building interiors by redirecting the incident daylight at angles that promote its deeper penetration into the interior space. The window covering comprises an optically transmissive, flexible polymeric sheet having a layered structure with a light diffusing output surface and a number of total internal reflection surfaces incorporated into its material. The total internal reflection surfaces are dimensioned such that the multi-layer sheet diffusely redirect at least a portion of light towards a direction which is generally not coincident with the incidence direction.

Abstract: Wide-area solid-state illumination devices and systems employing a thin and flexible sheet of an optically transmissive material having at least one broad-area surface patterned with light scattering surface microstructures such as microdots of a non-absorbing UV curable ink. Light is input into the thin and flexible sheet using a number of compact solid-state light sources, such as LEDs, optically coupled to one or more edges or to one or two of the broad-area surfaces defining the thin and flexible sheet. Each surface microstructure forms a semi-opaque layer that extracts light from the thin and flexible sheet and causes light emission from both opposing broad-area surfaces of the sheet.

Abstract: Wide-area solid-state illumination devices and systems, including one or more linear arrays of compact solid-state light sources, such as LEDs, a light guiding sheet of an optically transmissive material optically coupled to the light sources, and an optically opaque grid panel defining a series of openings for light passage. The light guiding sheet includes a light extraction surface pattern having a series of light extraction areas alternating with separation areas. The light guiding sheet is positioned over the grid panel such that the light extraction areas are disposed in registration with the openings in the grid panel.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a planar waveguide through an array of linear cylindrical lenses formed in a major surface of the waveguide, and a method of making the same. Light received on an edge of the waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon light deflecting elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide such that the extracted from the waveguide is further redirected and redistributed through the array of linear cylindrical lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a planar waveguide through an array of elongated surface relief features formed in a major surface of the waveguide. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon light deflecting elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide through the array of elongated surface relief features that further redirects and redistributes the light.

Abstract: An occupancy sensing lighting control system is disclosed. The occupancy sensing lighting control system includes an electric lighting fixture, a wireless communication unit associated with the electric lighting fixture, an occupancy condition generating device and a load control device configured to control the current supplied to the electric lighting fixture. The wireless communication unit includes a signal-generating device and a signal detector. The signal-generating device generates periodic control signals detectable by a mobile cellular phone device located within the illuminated space and being in a standby or idle mode. The signal detector detects communication signals generated by the mobile cellular phone device. The occupancy condition generating device determines occupancy condition in response to a detection of communication signals from the mobile cellular phone device.

Abstract: An optical article employing a lenticular lens array associated with a layer of optically transmissive material and illuminated by a light source. The layer of optically transmissive material includes discrete microscopic surface relief features formed in a surface opposite to the lenses forming the lenticular lens array. The discrete microscopic surface relief features deflect light propagating through the layer of optically transmissive material and direct the light out of the layer. The optical article may be further associated with a reflective surface and/or a photoabsorptive layer configured to partially transmit and partially absorb and convert light.

Abstract: A stepped light guide illumination system employing a planar sheet of an optically transmissive material having a stepped light guiding structure and one or more parallel arrays of channels. Light is input into the stepped light guiding structure using a number of light sources, such as LEDs, located within the channels and coupled to the stepped light guiding structure at multiple locations. Light is extracted from the stepped light guiding structure by two-dimensional patterns of light extraction features provided within the parallel channels and in surface areas of the stepped light guiding structure located between the parallel channels.