Abstract: A pushbutton switch mechanism has board 28 incorporating an electronic circuit thereon, metal sheet contact 26 disposed on board 28, a light-transmissive pushbutton disposed in an opening defined in a casing of the electronic device for being pressed from outside, the light-transmissive pushbutton having outer key top 22 and presser 25 formed with rubber sheet 24 for contacting metal sheet contact 26, and light-emitting elements 27 disposed on board 28 around presser 25 for applying light to a side surface of the presser 25. Presser 25 has a conical shape having an upper surface as a bottom surface substantially aligned with a lower surface of key top 22 and a vertex for contacting metal sheet contact 26. Light emitted from light-emitting elements 27 is applied to the entire side surface of presser 25.

Abstract: A light distribution plenum includes a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. A light source receptor is configured to receive light from a light source into the cavity in use. A first optical avenue is associated with the shell and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a first control device. A second optical avenue is associated with the shell, is spaced from the first optical avenue, and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a second control device. At least one selective optic is at least partially within the light distribution plenum and is configured to interact with at least some portion of the light. An illuminated control assembly including a light distribution plenum, a motor vehicle including an illuminated control assembly, and a method of illuminating first and second control devices are also provided.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for a liquid crystal display panel, including a lamp housing; a lamp; a diffuser plate; and a plurality of supports. The supports each has first and second members. The first member has a body and a groove formed in the body for holding the lamp and attaching the lamp to the lamp housing. A ring-shape member may be disposed about a section of the lamp for providing cushioning between the lamp and the first member. The second member has an elongated body for supporting the diffuser plate when it attempts to sag or distort.

Abstract: A lighting device is described which comprises a light emission surface (11) and a plurality of substantially point-shaped light sources (21) such as, for example, LEDs, and which is suitable in particular for backlighting liquid crystal displays such as LCD picture screens, or for use as a planar light radiator. The lighting device is characterized in particular in that an optical waveguide plate (1) is provided with a plurality of cavities (20) for the light sources (21), which cavities are covered with a first reflecting layer (204) on their upper sides (203) facing the light emission surface (11), while the coupling of the light into the optical waveguide plate takes place through side walls (201) of the cavities. A very homogeneous distribution of the luminous intensity on the light emission surface is achieved thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating apparatus capable of carrying out an illumination operation excellently by guiding the light from light sources to an illuminating member efficiently, and having a low price. The illuminating apparatus is provided with a pointer 2 adapted to be turned around a rotary shaft 1, a dial 3 positioned on a rear side of the pointer 2 and constituting a display member to be transmission illuminated, light-emitting diodes 6 positioned on a rear side of the dial 3 and in the vicinity of the rotary shaft 1 and constituting light sources for illuminating index portions 13 of the dial 3, a case 20 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and constituting a reflector provided with a reflecting portion 30, and a light guide member 19 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and adapted to guide the light from the light-emitting diodes 6 to the rear side of the dial 3.

Abstract: An illuminated electric part includes a manipulating shaft which is rotatable and is stable at least at two points. The manipulating shaft is light-transmissive and includes a pictograph portion which is illuminated at a top portion thereof. The illuminated electric part includes a light emitting element which is arranged at a side of the manipulating shaft. The manipulating shaft includes side faces which constitute light incident faces in directions orthogonal to an optical path from the light emitting element at respective stable points and, at the same time, includes a conical light reflecting face having a downwardly extending top at a side opposite to the incident faces.

Abstract: A display device for a vehicle comprises an instrument for a vehicle (1), which includes a plate having a surface on which characters are provided (8), an indicating needle (7) rotatably disposed along a surface of the plate (8), and a transparent cover (25) disposed in a surface side of the plate (8) separately from the plate (8), and a small display portion (35) is disposed in a portion of the transparent cover (25) to be a floating state to the plate (8), and a new visual effect having a stereoscopic feeling can be obtained because the small display portion (35) can be seen as the floating state to the surface of the plate (8).

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like.

Abstract: A headup display having an image forming unit 1 f or forming an item of image information to be displayed that can be projected as light beams 2 by the image forming unit 1 or via an optical projection system onto a partially reflecting windshield pane 7. The image forming unit 1 has an OLED display 8 for forming the image information displayed, in front of which there is arranged a light directing element 14 by which the light beams 2 produced by the OLED display 8 can be directed approximately parallel to one another.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement for the ignition lock of a motor vehicle has a light ring comprising a translucent material and fitted on to the housing of an engine immobilizer of the vehicle. Light-guide extensions in leg form lead to the light ring from light emitting diodes on the circuit board of the immobilizer. Preferably arranged at the side of the light ring which is towards the ignition lock are notches for producing a light-dark pattern, wherein the notch depth and position can vary for the purposes of producing a uniform emission of light.

Abstract: A light conduit to be used in conjunction with a light source in a hand-held electronic device for illuminating the keys and display of the device. The light conduit has a planar light guiding section with a plurality of light escape elements located in the keys to allow portions of the received light to escape for illuminating the keys. An light escapement section, located near the display, is extended from or optically coupled to the light guiding section to allow a further portion of the received light to escape from the light escapement section for illuminating the display. The light source can be located near the light guide section or near the light escapement section. light guide section or near the light escapement section.

Abstract: An illumination optical system that illuminates a plurality of image display elements comprises; a color separating optical system that separates light emitted from a light source into a plurality of color light components; and a plurality of light-guiding optical systems, each of which guides light component to a corresponding one of the plurality of image display elements. An illumination area on the image display element that is illuminated by at least one of the plurality of light-guiding optical systems is larger than those on the image display elements illuminated by the other ones of the plurality of light-guiding optical systems. This provides a compact projection type image display apparatus which can project bright images.

Abstract: A composite lighting device is provided, which is inexpensive and has high uniformity in brightness, in which light emitted from an end face of a backlight having an organic EL device is used to illuminate input buttons and the like. The lighting device includes a transparent substrate having one principal plane on which a transparent electrode film, a luminescent layer, and a reflective electrode film are at least formed. In the lighting device, a liquid crystal display unit is adjacently disposed on the other principal plane, and a light-guide element is adjacent to an end face of the substrate, so that input buttons embedded into the light-guide element are illuminated.

Abstract: A back light module disposed under a display panel has at least a light source generator for generating light beams, a diffusing plate for scattering the light beams to the display panel, a light guide plate for scattering the light beams to the diffusing plate, at least a light shading sheet with a plurality of light holes, and a reflecting sheet for scattering the light beams to the light guide plate.

Abstract: A back light module disposed under a display panel has at least a light source generator for generating light beams, a diffusing plate for scattering the light beams to the display panel, a light guide plate for scattering the light beams to the diffusing plate, at least a light shading sheet with a plurality of light holes, and a reflecting sheet for scattering the light beams to the light guide plate.

Abstract: A lighting device is described with an optical waveguide plate that has a light emission surface and a plurality of channels each with at least one substantially linear light source. The device is suitable in particular for use as a backlight a liquid crystal display, such as an LCD picture screen, or for use as a planar light source. The channels are provided with a reflecting first layer at their upper sides facing the light emission surface. The coupling of light into the optical waveguide plate takes place through side walls of the channels.

Abstract: A fiberoptic lighting system has a light source with a bulbous section and a plurality of plastic light pipes having substantially circular cross sections. A collector has an inlet for receiving light from the light source and an outlet. The collector performs an area-to-angle conversion on light it collects from the light source. A plurality of rods receives light from the collector and passes such light to the plastic light pipes, while thermally isolating the plastic light pipes from the light source. A perimeter of an outlet of the collector has a plurality of shaped portions, each associated with, and each substantially shaped the same as, a substantial portion of an associated perimeter of a respective one of the plurality of rods. The foregoing system delivers a higher percentage of light from a light source into multiple light pipes than in a prior art system.

Abstract: A housing for computer or the like includes a front wall, a refractive planer member attached to the housing and having a rib or a swelling engaged into the housing, and a light device disposed in the housing for generating light through the planer member and toward the rib and the swelling, and for allowing the light to be seen through the rib or the swelling. The rib has two curved ends for flushing with the curved sides of the housing. The planer member includes a curved recess formed in a bulge and facing toward the light device for receiving the light generated by the light device.

Abstract: A bus hold circuit of CMOS components that draws no DC current and is over voltage tolerant is described. No leakage current is drawn from the input when the input voltage is greater than the bus hold circuit supply voltage. A feedback inverter is used to s latch the Vin logic in the bus hold circuit. When Vin is low, it turns on a first switch that drives the gate of a PMOS switch low turning it on. The PMOS switch connects the power connection of the feedback inverter to Vcc. The gate remains low, keeping the PMOS switch turned on as Vin increases. The first switch is turned off, but the gate of the PMOS switch remains low, until Vin exceeds Vcc. At that point, a comparator drives the gate of the PMOS to Vin shutting the PMOS switch off. An arbiter circuit selects the higher of Vcc and Vin to bias the N-well of the PMOS switch and other PMOS components in the comparator and arbiter circuit. This biasing ensures that the N-wells are never forward biased, thereby preventing leakage from the Vin.

Abstract: A LED package including an LED that emits excitation light at an excitation light wavelength and a layer of phosphor material positioned to receive the excitation light and having a first index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength. The phosphor material emits visible light at a visible light wavelength when illuminated with the excitation light. An interference reflector is positioned adjacent to the layer of phosphor material and a TIR promoting layer is in contact with the layer of phosphor material. The TIR promoting layer has a second index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength that is less than the first index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength.

Abstract: In a backlighted knob, as for automotive use, an indicator and a light pipe are molded simultaneously so as to be intimately bonded to each other, in a translucent structure. A polymeric body, which comprises a front wall and a central hub, is molded around the translucent structure as to cause the front wall and the translucent structure to be intimately bonded to each other. An outer cover is molded so as to cover an outer face of the front wall, except that the indicator is exposed through an aperture in the front wall and through an aperture in the outer cover. The indicator and the light pipe are translucent. The polymeric body and the outer cover are opaque. The indicator exhibits a light color, such as white, in ambient light. The light pipe is tinted so as to cause the indicator to exhibit a color contrasting with the light color when the light pipe is backlighted.

Abstract: An LED is mounted on a flexible wiring board, and this flexible wiring board is adhered by a both-surface adhesive tape to a back of a light guiding plate to which a light reflecting film is adhered by an adhesive layer. The LED is kept at a desired set position by retaining the LED by a retaining section formed integrally with the light guiding plate in a state where a light emitting surface of the LED airtightly contacts a light entrance end surface of the light guiding plate, and by adhering a rear surface of the LED to an inner surface of the retaining section by an adhesive agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile handheld communications devices with a light emitting diode (LED) that outputs sufficient light to illuminate an area external to the case and a switch to control the LED. An LED that outputs sufficient light to illuminate an area external to the case can be added to any mobile handheld communications device, including pagers, telephone handsets, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light transmitting front-electrodes forming plural lines by wiring and plural back-electrodes forming plural lines by further wiring. The front-electrodes are angled relative to the back-electrodes and a light-emitting layer is disposed between the front-electrodes and the back-electrodes. The EL element combined with a controller works as a lighting unit, which controls light emission at any place, so that a variety of lighting is realized by the lighting unit.

Abstract: A field sequential type liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display device in which unit-color image data of different colors are sequentially written in display elements during the period of one frame composed of three continuous fields, and an illuminating unit placed at the back of the liquid crystal display device to sequentially emit light beams having colors corresponding to the colors of the unit-color image data in accordance with the sequential write of the unit-color image data. The illuminating device is selectively controlled to sequential turn-on of colors, total turn-off by which the emission of all the light beams is stopped, or total turn-on. A semitransparent reflecting film is formed between the liquid crystal display device and the illuminating unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens or light rod for creating of a transparent coloured or un-coloured light transmission, in the first hand preferably in an object in the form of a body of a plastic boat, car body, aircraft body or the like or objects in the form of tanks, swimming pools or the like, whereby a light communication can be maintained through the same or from an embedded light source and outwards.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an operating element having a lightable lettering, a color imparting top coat is applied to a transparent part of the operating element which bears the lettering, the lettering is produced by partial removal of the top coat, a base coat, e.g. having a high contrast with the top coat, is applied to the transparent part before applying the top coat, and the lettering is produced by partial removal of at least the top coat. In an operating element having a lightable lettering, a part of the operating element which is made of a transparent material and bears the lettering is covered by a top coat, the lettering being implemented by partial removal of the top coat. A base coat, e.g. having a high contrast with the top coat, may be applied to the transparent part beneath the top coat, and the lettering may be implemented by partial removal of at least the top coat.

Abstract: An illumination device for backlighting electronic products has a transparent board, two illumination elements and a bracket. The transparent board has a bottom surface and two opposite ends. A recess is defined in each end of the transparent board respectively, and an illumination element is mounted in each recess respectively to produce light that enters the transparent board. Multiple reflecting dots are formed on the bottom surface of the transparent board to reflect the light, and the density of the reflecting dots increases gradually in order. The bracket is attached to the bottom surface of the transparent board and is used to attach the illumination device in electric products. The light is reflected by the reflecting dots and goes out across the transparent board to create a surface-area light source.

Abstract: A dial for an indicating instrument, in particular in a motor vehicle. The dial comprises an optically conducting basic body whose outside is shaped as a two-stage cone. Except for light passages (10) forming symbols, the outside is covered by an opaque layer (9), the light, which hag previously been coupled into the basic body (2), exiting there. A special feature is that the basic body (2) is produced by injection molding, and this permits the production of a non-planar outer surface, the opaque layer (9) itself being produced on the outer surface.

Abstract: A wrist-worn device (100) comprising a background plate (106) to be illuminated for a display (102) of the wrist-worn device (100), and a light source (108A, 108B) for illuminating the background plate (106). The wrist-worn device (100) comprises a guide chamber (300, 302) at least partly surrounding the light source for collecting light emitted by the light source (108A, 108B) and for directing it to the background plate (106).

Abstract: A vehicle display assembly includes a display board, a light source for illuminating the display board, a plurality of buttons, and a grounding frame and housing which are both configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate the plurality of buttons. Using the same light source to illuminate both the display board and the buttons eliminates the need for separate button lighting, simplifying the assembly and reducing the assembly's operating temperature.

Abstract: A composite lighting device is provided, which is inexpensive and has high uniformity in brightness, in which light emitted from an end face of a backlight having an organic EL device is used to illuminate input buttons and the like. The lighting device includes a transparent substrate having one principal plane on which a transparent electrode film, a luminescent layer, and a reflective electrode film are at least formed. In the lighting device, a liquid crystal display unit is adjacently disposed on the other principal plane, and a light-guide element is adjacent to an end face of the substrate, so that input buttons embedded into the light-guide element are illuminated.

Abstract: There is provided a pointer type instrument which can reduce a light leakage to a side of a display board, and has a pointer 6 which includes an indication member 61 brightened by illumination light introduced from a back side of a rotation center region R and made of a translucent resin material, and a cover member 62 covering its outer periphery except for the back side of the rotation center region R and made of a light shielding resin material, and is driven to be rotated through a driving unit 2; a display board 3 which is disposed behind the pointer 6, is apart from the cover member 62 with a predetermined gap part S intervening, and includes a light passing part 33 corresponding to the rotation center region R; and a light source 5 disposed behind the display board 3, for generating the illumination light, wherein a leakage light prevention part 634 for suppressing a light leakage from the gap part S is provided on the back side (back side of a pedestal part 632) of the rotation center region R except

Abstract: An arrangement for providing indirect lighting to at least one coverable recess in a vehicle is provided. The at least one recess is arranged on the side of a control panel of a motor vehicle. In the recess electrical components are arranged and the recess is closed with a detachable cover. The inside of the detachable cover is equipped with a reflecting layer so that light from an existing light source in the vehicle is reflected into the recess so as to illuminate the electrical components.

Abstract: A highly efficient luminaire. The luminaire includes a light source that emits light. The emitted light is redirected by a light transformer having a curved circular reflective interior surface, the reflective interior surface reflecting the light in a predetermined pattern. A substantial amount of light being may be reflected close to an axis coincident with a radial line defining a radius of the circular reflective interior surface. Additionally, a substantial amount of light may be reflected in a pattern with low divergency or parallel with an axis of the light transformer. The light is transmitted to the exterior of the luminaire by an optical window.

Abstract: A keyboard structure utilizing a plurality of keys which are supported and extend from a surface of a housing. A translucent plate overlies at least a portion of the housing. A partition adjacent the translucent plate forms an envelope which extends around at least the majority of the perimeter of the housing. The envelope is illuminated by a suitable source of light.

Abstract: A backlight for a liquid-crystal display is disclosed. The backlight includes a first LED array that provides light with a first chromaticity and a second LED array that provides light with a second chromaticity. A combining element combines the light from the first LED array and the second LED array and directs the combined light toward the liquid crystal display. A control system is operationally connected to the second LED array. The controller adjusts the brightness of at least one LED in the second LED array to thereby adjust the chromaticity of the combined light.

Abstract: A system and method is described for distributing light within a light guide which is used for illuminating the user interface of an electronic device. The light guide is formed as a thin film and impressed with a pattern of input and output diffraction gratings to control the transmission of light into and out of the light guide to efficiently illuminate the user interface.

Abstract: A backlight module. The backlight module comprises a hollow frame and a light guide plate. The hollow frame includes a protrusion that projects inwardly. The light guide plate, including a concave portion, is disposed in the hollow frame in a manner such that the protrusion engages with the concave portion.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which the necessity of a light conductor for illuminating the front panel can be eliminated and cost reduction and slimming is realized, comprising: a circuit board 1; an instrument body 3 disposed on the circuit board 1 and including a drive shaft 2 extending forward; a pointer 4 to be fitted on the tip side of the drive shaft 2; a front panel 5 disposed between the pointer 4 and the circuit board 1 for illuminating at least the display portion 52; a light source 6 disposed in front of the circuit board 1 on the side where the drive shaft 2 resides with respect to the display portion 52; a reflector 7 to be disposed between the front panel 5 and the circuit board 1; and the circuit board 1 including a first reflecting portion 75 facing to the light source 6 for reflecting the illumination from the light source 6 toward the outer periphery, and a second reflecting portion 77 extending outward with an appropriate space interposed between itself and the front panel 5 so as to surround t

Abstract: An optical system using ambient light. The system includes a screen to be illuminated, an internal light source and an external light collector to collect ambient light to illuminate the screen. A switch may be used to activate the internal light source, providing internal light to be combined with the ambient light to illuminate the screen. A light sensor may also be used to detect the level of light presented to the screen, with or without a controller to automatically control the process of providing illumination to the screen.

Abstract: In a display unit there is provided a front instrument panel (2) for inscription with symbols (9), which have an opaque portion (12) enclosed by a transparent portion (11), a so-called island. This opaque portion (12) is applied to a transparent backing (15) and fitted into an opening (13), made in the front instrument panel (2) to correspond to the contour of the symbol (9), at a distance from an edge region (20) of the opening (13). Use of the backing (15) makes it possible to dispense with connecting cross-pieces between the island and the front instrument panel (2). Furthermore, a process for producing the front instrument panel (2) intended for the display unit is provided, in which process firstly the opening (13) is made by punching and the backing (15) is formed by film-insert molding a transparent plastic behind the front instrument panel (2).

Abstract: A portable computer system includes an illuminated keyboard. The computer system has an enclosure including a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The keyboard subassembly is mounted in the base. The keyboard subassembly includes a plurality of key mechanisms mounted on a first side thereof. A light panel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough in a pattern generally corresponding to the plurality of key mechanisms is provided. The light panel is mounted adjacent the first side of the keyboard subassembly with each one of the key mechanisms extending through a respective opening in the light panel. A key cap is mounted on each one of the key mechanisms. In one embodiment, each key cap includes a body formed of a non-opaque material having an opaque character indicia portion formed thereon. Light is transmitted through body such that the character indicia portion may be viewed in low light conditions.

Abstract: A light conducting body has a generally conical through bore defined therein. The conical through bore includes a front bore part defined by a sloped surface and a rear bore part defined by a concave surface. A light conducting dial board is installed in the conical through bore with its front face facing forward and positioned in the vicinity of the junction portion between the front and rear bore parts. The dial board has a peripheral edge separated from the inner wall surface of the conical through bore thereby to define therebetween a circumferentially extending space. A light conducting supporting plate is attached to a rear surface of the dial board. The supporting plate is formed with a light transmitting portion which extends rearward and has an rear end intimately received in a recess formed in the rear end of the light conducting body. A plurality of light sources are positioned behind the rear end of the light conducting body.

Abstract: A backlight unit for enhancing brightness of a TFT-LCD device is disclosed. The backlight unit comprises a lamp and a light guide plate. The light guide plate has a top surface and one side. And the lamp is fastened to the side of the light guide plate for illumination. The light is multiple reflected in the light guide plate and emitted from the top surface of the light guide plate. The backlight unit further comprises an optical film and an adhesive layer, wherein the optical film is disposed on the light guide plate to spread the light uniformly, and the adhesive layer is applied to fill gaps between the light guide plate and the optical film. The adhesive layer has a refractive index equal to that of the light guide plate and the optical film for decreasing multiple reflections therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information. In particular the invention relates to illumination for an instrument suitable for use in a vehicle. Such instruments, located on the dashboard of an automotive vehicle, require illumination to allow the driver to read the information when it is dark.

Abstract: A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: For an arrangement for illuminating a display device with a dial 1, the rear side of the dial 1 being opaque over its entire surface area with the exception of a transmitted-light region 2 and this transmitted-light region 2 serving for the forming of a scale, there is on the rear side of the dial 1 a reflector shell 3, the shaping of which is such that the light radiated from a light-emitting diode 4 against a reflector wall 5 is diffusely distributed over the transmitted-light region 2 of the dial 1.

Abstract: A light conduit to be used in conjunction with a light source in a hand-held electronic device for illuminating the keys and display of the device. The light conduit has a planar light guiding section with a plurality of light escape elements located in the keys to allow portions of the received light to escape for illuminating the keys. An light escapement section, located near the display, is extended from or optically coupled to the light guiding section to allow a further portion of the received light to escape from the light escapement section for illuminating the display. The light source can be located near the light guide section or near the light escapement section. light guide section or near the light escapement section.