Abstract: A light source device includes a light emitting element and a light transmissive member having a light incident surface opposite to the light emitting element, and a light emitting surface. The light incident surface includes an inner region having a retroreflective lens portion and directly facing the light emitting element, and an outer region having a shape different from a shape of the retroreflective lens.

Abstract: Provided is a lighting apparatus for an automobile which improves luminous efficiency. To this end, the lighting apparatus for an automobile according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source which produces light; a reflector which reflects the light produced by the light source; and a light guide which is illuminated with the light produced by the light source while the light passes through an interior of the light guide.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a waveguide comprises a waveguide body comprising an optically transmissive material and one or more extraction features disposed on a surface of the waveguide body such that the extraction features comprise a reflective material disposed on a portion of the surface of the waveguide body. Still further, in accordance with this aspect, the waveguide comprises a light source directing light into the waveguide body through a coupling cavity extending along the waveguide body wherein the light travels through the waveguide body and is redirected by the plurality of extraction features.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a waveguide comprises a waveguide body having a coupling cavity defined by a coupling feature disposed within the waveguide body. A plug member comprises a first portion disposed in the coupling cavity and an outer surface substantially conforming to the coupling feature and a second portion extending from the first portion into the coupling cavity. The second portion includes a reflective surface adapted to direct light in the coupling cavity into the waveguide body.

Abstract: A light transmissive structure includes a light transmissive substrate having first and second opposing faces and an array of microprism elements on the first face, with a respective microprism element comprising a plurality of concentric microprisms. The light transmissive structure is configured to receive light from a light source facing the second face and reduce high-angle luminous intensity of the light emerging from the first face.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting assembly (and methods of making the same) that includes a parabolic reflector; a condenser lens comprising a non-planar rear surface; an outer lens; a bezel between the lenses; and a light source that emanates light that strikes the reflector and exits the assembly through the condenser lens and the outer lens. Further, the non-planar rear surface of the condenser lens refracts ambient light entering the condenser lens away from the bezel. In embodiments, the non-planar rear surface can comprise a convex or a concave surface.

Abstract: A luminaire comprises at least one waveguide having a first region that emits a first luminous intensity pattern and a second region that emits a second luminous intensity pattern different from the first luminous intensity pattern. The luminaire further includes a plurality of LED elements and circuitry to control the plurality of LED elements to cause the luminaire to produce a selected one of a plurality of luminous intensity patterns.

Abstract: A light strip for a vehicle panel is provided herein. The light strip includes a light-producing assembly. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the light-producing assembly and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source of the light-producing assembly. An adhesive layer having one or more retroreflective beads embedded therein is disposed on the photoluminescent structure. An overmold material is disposed over a portion of the retroreflective beads.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a luminaire includes a waveguide body having an interior coupling cavity extending into a portion of the waveguide body remote from an edge thereof. The luminaire further includes an LED element extending into the interior coupling cavity having first and second sets of LEDs wherein each LED of the first set comprises a blue-shifted yellow LED and each LED of the second set comprises a red LED wherein the red LEDs are disposed between the blue-shifted yellow LEDs and wherein the blue-shifted yellow LEDs have a first height and the red LEDs have a second height less than the first height. The LED element further includes a lens disposed over the first and second sets of LEDs.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting heating of an enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a covering configured to shade at least a portion of a surface of the enclosure and includes a plurality of retroreflective elements. The plurality of retroreflective elements are configured to retroreflect electromagnetic beams primarily at wavelength in a range between about 380 nm and about 780 nm or sub-range thereof. The plurality of retroreflective elements receive the electromagnetic beams along beam entry paths and reflect the electromagnetic beams along beam exit paths. The beam entry paths and the beam exit paths have substantially the same elevation angle and may also have substantially the same azimuthal angle. Further, the plurality of retroreflective elements may include retroreflective elements configured to diffusively and/or specularly scatter audible sound wavelengths, RF wavelengths, and/or thermal infrared energy.

Abstract: In cube-corner retroreflective sheeting 3, cube-corner retroreflective elements in at least two mutually adjacent regions A and B rotate with each other around an axis perpendicular to the sheeting, in which cube-corner retroreflective elements 11 and 12 not in contact with boundaries between the regions A and B are cube-corner retroreflective elements having a hexagonal shape, and cube-corner retroreflective elements 11s, 12s, 11t and 12t in contact with the boundaries between the regions A and B are cube-corner retroreflective elements having a shape obtained by cutting parts of one or two reflective lateral surfaces of the cube-corner retroreflective element having a hexagonal shape where the partly cut reflective lateral surfaces are in contact with the boundaries.

Abstract: A display device is capable of freely setting a viewing location for a real image formed by an imaging optical system of real specular image. The display device includes: an object of view; the imaging optical system having a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry to define an object side space in which the object exists and a viewer side space in which a viewer exists, where the imaging optical system forms a real image of the object of view in the viewer side space with light passing through the substrate; and a reflective mirror arranged in the viewer side space so as to reflect light beams supplied from the imaging optical system to guide the reflected light beams toward the viewer.

Abstract: An optical device that reflects back some of the same light that been projected towards the reflector with more intensity when transmitting through the reflector such that the remaining light is dispersed and still can been seen. The light is concentrated and projected forward by the device such that the appearance of the intensified light may act as a warning of oncoming vehicles, emergency situations, stopped vehicles and pedestrians on a hill or curve where line of sight is inhibited. The device is comprised of at least one reflective, dispersive and transmitting lens having a front and a rear surface and side edges; a frame that encircles the transmitting lens; a pole for affixing and placing the transmitting lens and frame to the ground; and a means to secure the frame of the transmitting lens to the pole.

Abstract: An optical device that reflects back some of the same light that been projected towards the reflector with more intensity when transmitting and going through the reflector such that the remaining light is dispersed and still can been seen. The light is concentrated and projected forward by the device such that the appearance of the intensified light may act as a warning of oncoming vehicles, emergency situations, stopped vehicles and pedestrians on a hill or curve where line of sight is inhibited. The Bi-directional Blind Sight Illumination and Deflector Device is comprised of at least one reflective, dispersive and transmitting lens having a front and a rear surface, side edges and unique features; a pole for affixing and placing the main lens to the ground; and a means to secure the lens to a pole.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A mirrored element (101) includes a first section (201) that is translucent when a backlight (301) is on and mirrored when the backlight is off (301). A second section (203) provides a mirrored surface when the backlight (301) is on and when the backlight (301) is off. The mirrored element (101) may optionally be provided with an enclosure (103). A baking process may be utilized to provide the second section (203) of the mirrored element (101).

Abstract: A retroreflective article includes a prismatic film having prismatic elements with a metallized coating wherein the metallized coating is laser etched to provide one or more light transmissive regions to expose underlying material that one or more provides high contrast images that contrast with the retroreflective film. The underlying material can include one or more contrasting elements. The article may be back-lighted to increase the contrast especially during conditions of reduced lighting.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A collimate lens assembly is provided which includes the first collimate lens which has a total reflection surface and a plurality of refracting surfaces, and the second collimate lens which is connected to the hole, and the second collimate lens has a greater refraction ratio than the first collimate lens.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for color compensation of a display having a translucent display cover applied to an outside surface of the display. A method may include characterizing a color shift due to the translucent display cover for when there is rendering of an image on the display and compensating for the color shift when rendering an image on the display. The method further may include measuring the color shift induced by the color of the finish, and as described below compensating the red, green, and blue (RGB) levels of the display so that the display image may be presented to the user as originally intended. In this way, the image quality may be substantially optimized for viewing regardless of the lens/cover surface color.

Abstract: The present invention includes conformable retroreflective structures. In some embodiments, the conformable retroreflective structures are also shrink resistant. The conformable retroreflective structures include a transparent plasticized polyvinyl chloride film having a first side and a second side; a first transparent polymer layer overlying the first side of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride film; a second transparent polymer layer overlying the second side of the plasticized polyvinyl chloride film; an array of retroreflective cube-corner elements underlying the second transparent polymer layer; and a plasticizer resistant adhesive underlying the array of retroreflective cube-corner elements. In some embodiments, the first and second transparent polymer layers are transparent, radiation-cured polymer layers.

Abstract: In a retroreflective display device comprising at least a surface-protective layer, information display layer, retroreflective layer and a back-protective layer, on or between these layers radio frequency identification unit or units enclosing radio frequency identification integrated circuit or circuits are disposed, and communication antenna or antennas which are connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit or circuits are installed. At the back of the retroreflective layer an illuminator is disposed. The retroreflective layer is retroreflective to the light coming from the front of the sign and is transmissive to the light from the interior of the sign.

Abstract: A vehicular signal mirror includes a reflective mirror element comprising a mirror reflector on a light-transmitting substrate. The visible light reflectance is at least about 40% for visible light incident upon the front side of the reflective mirror element. A turn signal light display and/or a blind-spot indicator light display is disposed to the rear of the reflective mirror element and configured so that the light emitted by the light display passes through the reflective mirror element to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front of the reflective mirror element. The light display exhibits, when electrically powered and when operated in the vehicle during day time driving conditions, a display luminance of at least about 60 foot lamberts as measured with the light display placed behind, and emitting light through, the reflective mirror element.

Abstract: An optical resonator including is designed is to degrade the ability of the resonator to support suppress higher order transverse spatial modes. The inventive optical resonator forces Higher higher order transverse modes to be fundamentally unstable in the inventive optical resonator, ultimately achieving ultimately to achieving single transverse mode resonator operation. Specifically, the bounded phase deflection mirror shape or intracavity lens profile is tailored to confine the fundamental mode while rendering the higher order modes unstable. This has application in MEMS/MOEMS optical resonator devices by suppressing the side modes and increasing the side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), as well as improving SMSR tolerance to device external alignment, for example. This also has application to achieving single transverse mode operation in laser resonators, such as in semiconductor vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL).

Abstract: The invention provides new reflective markers, reflectors, and delineators with a variety of mounting apparatuses for attaching the same onto standard guardrails in an efficient and effortless manner, without affecting the safety feature, display utility, and visibility of the marker/reflectors/delineators mounted thereon. The present invention also provides a new guardrail reflector/delineator that is particularly useful in situations, locations, and/or places with limited or no lighting, for example, cloudy days, foggy areas, dark places, streets with no lights at night, etc.

Abstract: In a retroreflective display device comprising at least a surface-protective layer, information display layer, retroreflective layer and a back-protective layer, on or between these layers radio frequency identification unit or units enclosing radio frequency identification integrated circuit or circuits are disposed, and communication antenna or antennas which are connected to said radio frequency identification integrated circuit or circuits are installed. At the back of the retroreflective layer an illuminator is disposed. The retroreflective layer is retroreflective to the light coming from the front of the sign and is transmissive to the light from the interior of the sign.

Abstract: A reflective rear light for a truck includes a bottom base, a light base, a circuit board, a reflective plate unit and a light lens unit. The circuit board is formed integral, provided with plural LED lights divided into plural indicting sections. Further the LED lights of all the indicating sections are matched with a reflective plate for reflecting light to reinforce the LED lights and to gain better effects.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing, an angularly adjustable power pack, wires for supplying power and mirror angle control, an electrochromic mirror subassembly including a heater, and a turn signal device. The components include individual connectors that plug into a multi-prong connector on the bundle of wires, or that piggyback into each other. Optionally, the heater incorporates an internal wire with end connectors for communicating power to opposite sides of the heater, and also includes layers of light-transmitting/diffusing material for diffusing light passing from the turn signal device through the diffusing material. A printed circuit board fits into a pocket in the panel-shaped carrier, and an integral retainer releasably secures the printed circuit board. The power pack is attached to the carrier via a ring of resilient fingers, and a continuous hoop flange prevents distortion of the carrier and in turn of the glass elements in the mirror subassembly.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distiguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: An optical resonator is designed to suppress higher order transverse spatial modes. Higher order transverse modes in the inventive optical resonator are forced to be unstable, and ultimately achieving single transverse mode resonator operation. Specifically, the mirror shape or intracavity lens profile is tailored to bound the lower order modes while rendering the higher order modes unstable. This has application in MEMS/MOEMS devices by reducing side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) dependence on alignment tolerances, for example.

Abstract: A light-conducting unit which can effectively balance the light-leaking effect and the light-propagation effect of the prismatic films forming the light-conducting space, and satisfy the requirements to reduce the weight of the unit is disclosed.

Abstract: An attaching part of a reflecting mirror is fixed to a guardrail of a road. A solar cell device of a solar-powered light emitter accumulates electricity produce by sunlight of the daytime, and a light emitting diode emits light at nighttime. When a front panel is irradiated with light from a headlight of an automobile running at nighttime, the light is reflected off a diamond cut of a rear surface, in particular, then the light is reflected off the surface of an inner panel on which reflecting surface work is made, and the reflected light is irregularly reflected by the diamond cut surface, thereby functioning as a driving sign in combination with the emitted light from the light emitting diode. Dirt adhered to the front surface of the front panel peels off because of a self purification effect of titanium oxide on the front surface.

Abstract: A self-contained lighted marking device that is a directionally dependent line light source has a substantially transparent housing. The housing has a narrow cross-section, preferably rectangular in shape. A thin, flexible film having a smooth surface on one side and a plurality of linear substantially right angled isosceles prisms on the other side is located along the periphery of the interior of the housing. A light source, preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes, are located at at least one end of the housing.

Abstract: An added light display for alerting traffic passing left and right of a moving or parked van consisting of a light-reflecting strip advantageously positioned in a gap about the window which serves as a weather barrier compartment protecting the strip against deterioration due to weather elements and ultraviolet light impingement and permits it to provide a rectangular light display.

Abstract: An illumination system with a panel that is capable of producing electroluminescence as well as reflecting incident light independent of the electroluminescence function of the panel. A layer of phosphor is excited by a power source, and a reflective layer disposed on top of the phosphor layer reflects incident light from an outside light source. The reflective layer is transparent and does not interfere with the electroluminescence of the panel.

Abstract: A laser ranging and detection system includes a laser for generating a coherent outgoing beam and a telescope. The telescope includes a primary mirror with an aperture for receiving the coherent outgoing beam and for passing an incoming, incoherent, backscattered light. A focal system is positioned between the laser and the telescope and focusses the coherent outgoing beam so as to create a reduced beam-waist cross section at a focal plane. A beam separator is positioned at the focal plane and in a first path between the focal system and the telescope. The beam separator includes a reflective surface arranged to reflect the incoherent backscattered light to a second path for detection. The beam separator further has an optical aperture positioned in the first path, that exhibits a cross sectional area approximately equal to the reduced beam-waist cross section.

Abstract: A self-illuminated reflector useful as a nighttime warning marker has a retroreflective surface for redirecting external light back to its source, and includes miniature low power lamps which sufficiently illuminate the retroreflective surface to provide a highly visible warning marker in the absence of any external light directed at the surface. The self-illuminated reflector is comprised of a light source embedded within the optical material of a retroreflector which is directly coupled to a lens to provide a contiguous optical path between the retroreflector and the lens. In one embodiment, four light-emitting diodes are embedded in a three-inch diameter retroreflector which is covered by a clear, transparent lens to provide a lightweight, inexpensive warning marker.

Abstract: A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prims make an angle of approximately 45.degree. with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.

Abstract: A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prims make an angle of approximately 45° with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.

Abstract: A base adapted to be mounted on a vehicle supports a light source for generating a rotating light beam. A dome-shaped lens is positioned on the base over the light source to form an enclosure for the light source. A coating may be located on the top of the lens to prevent light passing therethrough and into the passenger compartment. Multiple flashes are created by a reflector positioned adjacent the rear portion of the lens to reflect the rotating beam as a plurality of discrete flashes within a sector relative to the base. A filter generally having a contour of the front portion of the lens may be mounted thereon. The multiple flashes may be of different colors depending on the range of wavelength of light transmitted by the lens and filter and reflected by the reflector. A person viewing the light sees at least four discrete flashes of light which may be of varying colors.