Front Light Patents (Class 362/603)
  • Patent number: 11940645
    Abstract: A front light module includes a reflective display device, a front light guide, and a light emitting unit plate. The front light guide plate includes a micro-structure. The micro-structure has a first angle between a surface thereof close to the light emitting unit and an upper surface of the front light guide plate. The micro-structure has a second angle between a surface thereof away from the light emitting unit and the upper surface of the front light guide plate. The micro-structure has a third angle between the surface thereof close to the light emitting unit and the surface thereof away from the light emitting unit. The first angle is within a range between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, the second angle is within a range between 30 degrees and 59 degrees, and the third angle is greater than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DARWIN PRECISIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun-Te Wang, Yu-Shan Shen, Yen-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 11909948
    Abstract: A multiview backlight, multiview display, and method of multiview backlight operation include reflective multibeam elements configured to provide emitted light having directional light beams with directions corresponding to view directions of a multiview image. The multiview backlight includes a light guide configured to guide light and an array of the reflective multibeam elements, each reflective multibeam element including a plurality of reflective sub-elements and being configured to reflectively scatter out a portion of the guided light as the emitted light. The multiview display includes the multiview backlight and an array of light valves to modulate the directional light beams to provide the multiview image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: LEIA INC.
    Inventors: David A. Fattal, Thomas Hoekman, Colton Bukowsky, Ming Ma
  • Patent number: 11789316
    Abstract: A front light module includes a foldable light guide plate, a light source, an upper insulating layer, an upper optical adhesive layer, a lower insulating layer, and a lower optical adhesive layer. The top surface and the bottom surface of the foldable light guide plate adjoin the light incident surface of the foldable light guide plate. The light source faces toward the light incident surface. The upper insulating layer is located on the top surface. The upper optical adhesive layer is located on the upper insulating layer, and a storage modulus of the upper optical adhesive layer is less than a storage modulus of the upper insulating layer. The lower optical adhesive layer is located on a bottom surface of the lower insulating layer, and a storage modulus of the lower optical adhesive layer is less than a storage modulus of the lower insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Kun-Hsien Lee, Sheng-Chieh Tai, Yi-Yu Tsai, Hsin-Tao Huang
  • Patent number: 11460165
    Abstract: A display device (30) comprises a reflective display (38) arranged to render a first image viewable through a viewing surface and a projection means (31-37) arranged to render a second image viewable in reflection on the viewing surface, the reflective display (38) and the projection means (31-37) being mounted on a common frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Paolini, Jr., Benjamin Harris Paletsky, Sunil Krishna Sainis, Colleen Shea
  • Patent number: 11390007
    Abstract: A front panel for on-board liquid crystal displays has a high hardness resin composition (B) on at least one side of a layer containing a resin (A) having a polycarbonate resin (a1). The front panel satisfies the following conditions (i) to (iv): (i) the thickness of the layer containing a high hardness resin composition (B) is 10 to 250 ?m, and the total thickness of the layer containing a resin (A) comprising a polycarbonate resin (a1) and the layer containing a high hardness resin composition (B) is 100 to 3,000 ?m; (ii) the high hardness resin composition (B) consists of any one of specific resin compositions (B1) to (B3); (iii) the retardation of the front panel is 3,000 nm or more; and (iv) the standard deviation of the second derivative of the irregular shape of the hard coat layer having irregularities is 0.1 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC., MGC FILSHEET CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takenaka, Yasuo Oose, Takuya Goto
  • Patent number: 11300828
    Abstract: A display device including a display panel and a backlight module are provided. The backlight module includes a backlight unit having a backlight hole; a light guide ring disposed inside the backlight hole, wherein the light guide ring comprises a light receiving surface provided away from the display panel and a light emitting surface provided near the display panel, and the light guide ring is configured to direct light beams to a display panel area corresponding to the backlight hole; and a light source component configured to provide a light source for the light guide ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Peng Zhang, Guanghui Liu, Chao Wang
  • Patent number: 11156840
    Abstract: An optical guide for a near-eye display device includes a first guide element having a light input zone and a second guide element having an output zone. The first guide element is superimposed on the second guide element. The optical guide also includes an optical coupling system between the first guide element and the second guide element, and the first and second guide elements have, on the first part of their length, a mutual spacing so as to delimit a thin layer of air between said guide elements extending between a first longitudinal end of the guide elements and the optical coupling system. The optical coupling system, located at a second longitudinal end of the first and second guide elements, includes a single-piece portion of the guide elements, associated with an optical reflection member to propagate the beams of light from the input zone toward the output zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE DE STRASBOURG, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS), INSTITUT NATIONAL DES SCIENES APPLIQUEES
    Inventors: Jianming Yang, Patrice Twardowski, Joël Fontaine
  • Patent number: 11009647
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a backlight source device, a light guide plate, and a display device. The backlight source device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light guide plate, a light source and a plastic frame, the light source is provided at an end of the light guide plate and is opposite to a side wall of the light guide plate; the plastic frame is provided at least at an end of the light guide plate away from the light source, wherein a plurality of wedge-shaped recesses are provided at an end of a light emitting surface of the light guide plate away from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignees: CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yihong Ma, Jia Chen, Lichuan Xiao
  • Patent number: 11002440
    Abstract: A light source module includes a transparent conductive substrate and plural light source groups. The transparent conductive substrate includes a substrate base, plural positive electrodes, plural negative electrodes and plural gaps. The plural positive electrodes and the plural negative electrodes are installed on the substrate base. Each light source group includes plural light-emitting elements. The plural positive electrodes are separately arranged. Consequently, the resistances of the light-emitting elements are substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ping Chan, Wei-Chiang Huang, Chuan-Tai Hsiao, Xiu-Mei Pan
  • Patent number: 10921506
    Abstract: A light guide plate, a method of fabricating a light guide plate, a backlight module and a display device are disclosed. The light guide plate includes a light guide layer and a grating layer. The light guide layer includes a light incident surface, a light exit surface, and a bottom surface opposite to the light exit surface. The grating layer is disposed on a side of the light guide layer with the light exit surface being on the side and including a plurality of grating strips. The bottom surface is provided with a plurality of optical dots. The plurality of optical dots are configured to deflect light rays from the light incident surface toward the grating strips. The plurality of grating strips are configured to deflect light rays emitted from the light exit surface toward a normal line of the light exit surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignees: Hefei BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai Tang, Liang Gao, Lu Gao, Yezhou Tan, Jian Sang, Lu Yu, Heling Zhu, Dongmei Xie
  • Patent number: 10710291
    Abstract: A front panel for on-board liquid crystal displays has a high hardness resin composition (B) on at least one side of a layer containing a resin (A) having a polycarbonate resin (a1). The front panel satisfies the following conditions (i) to (iv): (i) the thickness of the layer containing a high hardness resin composition (B) is 10 to 250 ?m, and the total thickness of the layer containing a resin (A) comprising a polycarbonate resin (a1) and the layer containing a high hardness resin composition (B) is 100 to 3,000 ?m; (ii) the high hardness resin composition (B) consists of any one of specific resin compositions (B1) to (B3); (iii) the retardation of the front panel is 3,000 nm or more; and (iv) the standard deviation of the second derivative of the irregular shape of the hard coat layer having irregularities is 0.1 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC., MGC FILSHEET CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takenaka, Yasuo Oose, Takuya Goto
  • Patent number: 10661726
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminable emblem, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a housing with a front cover which is at least regionally transparent on a front side, a rear-side housing base, which are connected to one another and enclose a cavity, wherein, in the cavity, there is arranged a light conductor which at least regionally forms webs, which directly adjoin transparent regions of the front cover, for the defined emergence of light from the web of the light conductor into the front cover and through the front cover, wherein the light conductor furthermore has at least one light coupling-in region at which there is arranged at least one illuminant for the coupling-in of light into the light conductor, wherein the light conductor, between the webs, forms free spaces which are filled by the front cover and/or by the housing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: HELLA GMBH & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Heiko Schöne, Ana Bizal
  • Patent number: 10539825
    Abstract: A planar light source apparatus according to the present invention includes a light source, a holding substrate that holds the light source at a main surface, and a light-distribution control element that is disposed at the main surface of the holding substrate so as to cover the light source, and changes light distribution of light rays emitted from the light source. The light-distribution control element includes a diffusion part that is provided at at least at one surface of a plurality of surfaces that structure the outer shape of the light-distribution control element. The at least one surface where the diffusion part is provided is a surface different from an installation surface capable of abutting on the main surface of the holding substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiko Sawanaka, Masaaki Takeshima, Saki Maeda, Tatsuya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10495805
    Abstract: Disclosed is a quantum dot display device including a light emitting unit configured to generate a light; and a color conversion unit configured to convert the light generated from the light emitting unit to a color light. The color conversion unit includes a quantum dot portion configured to convert the light to the color light; a bridge portion configured to provide a color conversion path of the light passing the quantum dot portion and to vertically guide the light; and a prism portion configured to guide the light passing the bridge portion to an outside. The above configuration may enhance the light efficiency by providing a sufficient color conversion path of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Young Joo Kim, Se Eun Kim, Jae Yong Lee, Min Ho Shin, Hyo Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 10302850
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module, comprising an optical film assembly, a light guide plate, a reflective sheet, and the optical film assembly comprises a first prismatic glass, and the first prismatic glass comprises a display region, two side walls, a junction region, and the display region and the reflective sheet are oppositely located, and the side wall is formed by the display region extending downward, and the side wall is connected between the display region and the junction region to form an accommodation space, and the light guide plate and the reflective sheet stack up together inside the accommodation space, and the light guide plate is located between the reflective sheet and the optical film assembly, and the reflective sheet is located between the light guide plate and the junction region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jie Zeng
  • Patent number: 10276550
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting diode display and a manufacture method thereof. The manufacture method of the light emitting diode forms the first anode covering the first through hole and possessing the reflection property on the planarization layer, and can use the reflection property of the first anode to gather and reflect the divergent light emitted by the light emitting diode located inside the first through hole to raise the light utilization and to promote the display quality. The light emitting diode of the present invention locates the first anode covering the first through hole and possessing the reflection property on the planarization layer, and can use the reflection property of the first anode to gather and reflect the divergent light emitted by the light emitting diode located inside the first through hole to raise the light utilization and to promote the display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baixiang Han, Poyen Lu
  • Patent number: 10222650
    Abstract: Provided is a side light-emitting type display device having a frame member. The side light-emitting display device having a frame member includes a display assembly configured to guide light to a side surface of the display assembly while displaying an image using light emitted from light sources; a transparent frame member which is configured to surround and fix the display assembly and through which the light guided to the side surface of the display assembly is transmitted; and a side display member provided on a side surface of the transparent frame member, and configured to display information of the image using the light guided to the side surface of the display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventors: Sug Bae Kim, Jin Soo Nam, Hong Ki Ha, Sun Mi Kim, Jong Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 10098528
    Abstract: An illumination device according to the present invention includes a light output unit having an output end that outputs illumination light; a diffusion layer that is disposed in a circumferential direction centered on a predetermined axis and that receives the illumination light from the output end, guides the illumination light while diffusing the illumination light, and outputs the illumination light from a surface thereof; and a reflective layer that is provided adjacent to a surface of the diffusion layer at an inner side in a radial direction and that reflects the illumination light outward in the radial direction. The diffusion layer contains a light guide material that guides the illumination light and a diffusion material dispersed and supported in the light guide material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koichiro Furuta
  • Patent number: 9773760
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an LED package comprises a plurality of LEDs and a primary optic disposed adjacent the LEDs wherein the primary optic includes protrusions for mixing light developed by the plurality of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd P. Keller, Eric J. Tarsa, Zongjie Yuan, Kurt S. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9618674
    Abstract: A light guide panel, back light assembly and display apparatus are provided. According to an aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided the light guide panel which includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side surfaces, and one of the four side surfaces may be a light incident surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyoung Joo Kim, Dong Yeon Kang, Rae Young Kim, Min Young Song, Sung Kyu Shim, Sang Duk Lee
  • Patent number: 9599765
    Abstract: A light assembly for providing a notification light on an electronic device is described. The light assembly comprises a first light source for providing a background portion for the notification light, a second light source for providing a patterned portion for the notification light, and at least one pattern element to generate the pattern portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Priyadarshini Krishnaswamy, Antanas Matthew Broga, Hsin Chin Lee
  • Patent number: 9213196
    Abstract: A display includes: a reflective or semi-transmissive display panel; a light-scattering layer disposed on a top surface of the display panel; and an auxiliary light source. The light-scattering layer is an anisotropic front scattering layer which relatively strongly scatters light incident from a specific direction within a first angle range and a second angle range. The light-scattering layer has a first scattering central axis and a second scattering central axis. The first angle range and a third angle range overlap each other in an angle sub-range not including a first specific angle and an incident-plane symmetrical angle symmetrical to a second specific angle. The auxiliary light source allows light therefrom incident from a side closer to the auxiliary light source or from a side closer to the display panel to mainly enter the light-scattering layer within the second angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yata, Masashi Mitsui, Yoshihiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9081140
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments related to luminescence-based reflective display pixels. In one embodiment, among others, a luminescent-based pixel includes a luminescent layer including luminophores distributed in a matrix. The luminescent layer is configured to receive light from an ambient environment through a first side of the luminescent layer and has an index of refraction that is higher than an index of refraction of the ambient environment. The luminescent-based pixel includes a mirror disposed on a second side of the luminescent layer that is opposite the first side of the luminescent layer. The luminescent-based pixel also includes a diffusive surface to randomize the direction of incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Gary Gibson, Xia Sheng, Patricia A. Beck
  • Patent number: 9028123
    Abstract: A reflective display includes a reflective spatial light modulator and a frontlight. The frontlight includes a lightguide formed from a film. The lightguide includes an array of coupling lightguides continuous with a lightguide region of the lightguide. One or more light sources emit light into the array of coupling lightguides. Light from each coupling lightguide combines and totally internally reflects within the lightguide region. Light extraction features frustrate totally internally reflect light within the lightguide region such that the light exits the lightguide toward the reflective spatial light modulator in a light emitting region of the film. A cladding region is optically coupled to the lightguide so light from the light source propagates into the cladding region. A light extracting region is operatively coupled to the cladding region opposite the lightguide, and light in the cladding region is extracted. A method of producing a display is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: FLEx Lighting II, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony John Nichol, Zane Arthur Coleman
  • Patent number: 9016918
    Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed that is configured for mounting in or on a motor vehicle. The lighting device comprises a light guiding element and a light source. The light guiding element has a light entry face and a light exit face. A depth of the lighting device perpendicular to the light exit face corresponds essentially fully to the depth of the light guiding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Wolfgang Mueller
  • Patent number: 9019199
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrophoretic display apparatus switchable between a black-white mode and a color mode. The electrophoretic display apparatus includes an electrophoretic display panel, a light guide, a light source, a light-splitting element and a lens element. The light guide is disposed in front of a display area of the electrophoretic display panel. The light source is operable to emit a light, which is directed to the display area by the light guide. The light-splitting element is disposed between the light guide and the electrophoretic display panel, and is operable to split the light into a first, a second and a third beam each having a principal wavelength different from the others. The lens element is disposed between the light-splitting element and the display area, and is operable to direct the first, second and third beams to corresponding sub-pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 8979342
    Abstract: A system for illuminating a reflective display or other material from a planar front device and a method of manufacture thereof. The system includes a light guide plate that conducts light from an edge light source across the face of a reflective display. Micro scattering features are formed on an outer surface of the light guide, farthest from the reflective display or material. A stepped index layer is formed on the surface of light guide plate containing the micro scattering features. The stepped index layer has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the light guide plate to assist in the total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide plate. The micro scattering features, light reflecting areas, redirect luminous flux toward the display. In one embodiment, the micro scattering features are formed as white dots on the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: barnesandnoble.com llc
    Inventors: Charles Neugebauer, William Saperstein
  • Publication number: 20150049505
    Abstract: A light guide for illuminating a mobile electronic device display. The light guide includes a light source, a light guide panel element having a light input surface located to receive light and a light output surface located proximate to a display active area, and a light guide ring surrounding the light guide panel element and having at least one end located proximate to the light source. The light guide ring may be shaped such that a significant portion of light enters the end(s) of the light guide ring and moves through it around the light guide panel element. A portion of the light moves into the light input surface of the light guide panel element and is redirected out the light output surface toward the display, thereby illuminating it the display with increased efficiency and uniformity. The light guide panel element may be transparent and positioned above or below the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Zongkai Wang, Yu-San Lee, Benjamin E. Morrill, Chun-Chao Tsui, Tyler H. Van Slyke
  • Patent number: 8915633
    Abstract: There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light. In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Duncan Kerr, Brett Bilbrey, Brandon Dean Slack, Reese T. Cutler
  • Patent number: 8876348
    Abstract: A novel light fixture comprises a light source, a collimating element, an optical cavity and a multi-functional non-imaging optical component to control light distribution. The present invention provides a system and method of controlling the output of light from a light fixture. One or more volumetric anisotropic diffusing components can be utilized to control both the photometric distribution and visual appearance of the light fixture. A high degree of optical control is obtained with durable components that can be easily customized to optimize optical performance in light fixtures designed as pendants, wall sconces, wallwashers, downlights, and tasklights. The luminance and color uniformity as well as the illuminance and color uniformity of illumination can be controlled and improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fusion Optix, Inc
    Inventors: Timothy Kelly, Matthew Sherman
  • Patent number: 8847897
    Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohiro Sakai, Yoshitaka Noguchi, Shigeharu Nezu
  • Patent number: 8827524
    Abstract: A computer bezel includes a bezel body, a light-guide structure mounted to the bezel body, and one or more light sources mounted on the bezel body. The light-guide structure includes a first bottom surface and a first end surface connected to the first bottom surface. The lighting portion includes an outer surface exposed out of the bezel body, a first side surface, and a second bottom surface connected to the guiding portion. A cross section of the light-guide structure is L-shaped taken along a plane substantially parallel to the first end surface. The guiding portion is configured to guide a plurality of light beams emitted from the light source to the lighting portion to enable the plurality of light beams to be refracted from the outer surface so as to be visible to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Kuo Huang
  • Patent number: 8820998
    Abstract: A computer bezel includes a bezel body; a light-guide structure mounted to the bezel body, and one or more light sources mounted on the bezel body. The light-guide structure includes a guiding portion and a lighting portion extending from the guiding portion. The lighting portion defines an outer surface exposed out of the bezel body. The guiding portion includes a first bottom surface and a first end surface connected to the first bottom surface. An obtuse angle is defined between the first end surface and the first bottom surface. The light source corresponds to the first end surface. The guiding portion is configured to guide a plurality of light beams emitted from the one or more light sources to the lighting portion to enable the plurality of light beams to be refracted from the outer surface so as to be visible to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Kuo Huang
  • Patent number: 8823900
    Abstract: An illumination device is a device which irradiates light to a reflection-type display panel in which a liquid crystal is sandwiched between a pair of substrates. The illumination device includes a light emitting portion formed such that an organic EL layer is sandwiched between the pair of substrates. A first electrode which is in contact with the organic EL layer includes a metal portion and a transparent portion through which light can transmit. Light does not transmit through the metal portion provided at the viewing side. Further, the illumination device includes a microlens array arranged so as to cover the light emitting portion at the viewing side of the light emitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiko Kubota
  • Patent number: 8814409
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a signal input module for inputting a signal as an opening formed at a case of a terminal body is pressed, and the signal input module includes an input key, a light guiding unit, a key mold, a light emitting unit, a circuit board, a dome switch and an actuator, which are all integrally fixed together and moved by being pressed. The light emitting unit is accommodated in a key mold having an opening for allowing light to be transferred to the light guiding unit. The input key, the light guiding unit, the key mold and the light emitting unit are mounted onto one surface of the circuit board, the circuit board is moved by being pressed, and the dome switch mounted onto another surface of the circuit board is transformed so as to generate a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungjoon Hong, Minkyu Si
  • Patent number: 8777473
    Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect a light device having a light guide. The light guide (20) has at least one major side defining a light extraction side (26). The light device further has at least one fibrous layer (30), typically a non-woven or woven fibrous layer, disposed on the major side of said light guide defining said light extraction side. At the light extraction side, the light device has a plurality of discrete bonding areas (40) at which the at least one fibrous layer is bonded to the major side of said light guide. In a particular aspect, the bonding areas define light extraction elements on the light extraction side. Such an arrangement typically provides for an easy, reliable and cost-effective light device useful for a variety of applications including, for example, illuminating the interior of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric Schmuck, Hans-Gerd Vollmers, Manfred Bosler, Tilo Remhof
  • Patent number: 8780085
    Abstract: A method of enhancing input imaging resolution includes sequentially blocking light from different portions of an object with a series of resolution-enhancing patterns displayed between the object and an image detector. The method further includes detecting light filtered by the series of resolution-enhancing patterns and integrating light detected while different resolution-enhancing patterns of the series of resolution-enhancing patterns are displayed between the object and the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Travis, Timothy Large
  • Publication number: 20140192552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module which contains a collection device for collecting sunlight, an optical fiber cable, at least a light guide device connecting the collection device through the optical fiber cable, and a diffusion device and an optical member fixed at a distance from a side of each light guide device. Sunlight is collected by the collection device and is introduced into each light guide device; and each light guide device then guides and projects the collected sunlight onto the diffusion device and the optical member sequentially. The energy consumption and environmental friendliness of the backlight module of the present invention are greatly enhanced. The illumination efficiency and lighting uniformity are also improved by a simplified structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hu He
  • Patent number: 8770814
    Abstract: An optical assembly comprises light sources and a light emitting panel member having an input edge to which each of the light sources is optically coupled at a different location along the input edge. Different sets of individual optical deformities on or in at least one of the sides of the panel member each have at least one surface that is shaped or oriented to extract light propagating in the same direction through the panel member in different directions for viewing from different angles through one of the sides of the panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. McCollum, Jeffery R. Parker, Robert M. Ezell
  • Publication number: 20140177267
    Abstract: A backlight module includes a carrier plate, a plurality of light sources, a plurality of circular Fresnel lenses, and a plurality of cylinder Fresnel lenses. The circular Fresnel lenses are arranged in an array form on the carrier plate. The light sources correspond to the circular Fresnel lenses, and are located in a side away from the carrier plate. One cylinder Fresnel lens is set between every two adjacent circular Fresnel lenses. A length direction of each cylinder Fresnel lens is parallel to an extending direction of adjacent column of the circular Fresnel lens. The circular and cylinder Fresnel lenses are used to reflect a light incident into their surfaces, and to increase an emission angle of the reflected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: LI-YING WANG HE
  • Patent number: 8743077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a front light system which can be built with thin film light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or electro-luminescent light emitting diodes. The front light system may be built on a thin and flexible substrate and can generate lighting of satisfactory uniformity and with high efficiency. The system also can potentially be inexpensive. The front light system of the present invention is particularly suitable for keymat applications wherein a flexible reflective display on top of a touch sensitive surface or device, is used as an output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SiPix Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Sprague
  • Patent number: 8740440
    Abstract: A light guide plate has a light guide plate body and at one side thereof a curvedly descending portion formed by curving front and rear surfaces of the light guide plate, with the surface to surface distance kept uniform, to a coaxial arcuate configuration so as to extend towards a direction of a rear surface of the light guide plate body. Spot light sources disposed in face to face relation with a free end face of the curvedly descending portion are arranged to be displaced towards the front surface of the light guide plate from a mid-center plane between the front and rear surfaces of the curvedly descending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hayashi Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizuno, Motohiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 8702296
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel which receives a light and displays an image, a bottom chassis which accommodates the display panel, and a top chassis which faces the bottom chassis with the display panel therebetween. The top chassis overlaps a portion of the display panel and includes a first thru-hole which extends through a thickness of a side portion thereof. The display apparatus includes a printed circuit board and a coupling member. The printed circuit board applies an electrical signal to the display panel, is under the side portion, and includes a second thru-hole which corresponds to the first thru-hole. The coupling member extends through the first thru-hole and the second thru-hole, and couples the top chassis and the printed circuit board to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Wook Choi, YongWoo Lee, Joo Woan Cho, Seongsik Choi
  • Patent number: 8690410
    Abstract: Methods and aparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. A visual display element may include a base layer defining one or more microperforations and a light guide coupled to a light source. The light guide may be positioned adjacent the base layer and include one or more microlenses in alignment with the one or more microperforations along at least one vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksandar Pance, Gregory L. Tice
  • Patent number: 8690408
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products illuminate display devices. Light is injected into a waveguide and directed onto an array of picture elements. The light reflects from the array of picture elements through the waveguide, thus illuminating the array of picture elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L. P.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Li
  • Publication number: 20140063841
    Abstract: A front light module is installed in front of a panel, and the front light module includes a light source, a light guide plate and an intermediate layer disposed on an external side of the panel, and the light guide plate is provided for receiving a light emitted from the light source and reflecting and refracting the light onto the panel, and the light guide plate has a plurality of microstructures disposed on at least one side parallel to the panel, and the intermediate layer is filled and distributed in the microstructures, so as to avoid glare and enhance the brightness and uniformity of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Heng-Sheng KUO
  • Patent number: 8646961
    Abstract: A directional prism reflective plate includes a prism surface (11) and a smoothing plane (12). A plurality of prism bodies (111) are arranged on the prism surface (11). The prism bodies (111) are continuously arranged in continuous zigzag form, and symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged relative to the center plane. Respective cross-section triangles of the prism bodies (111) have same shape and area, the distances from the vertexes of the cross-section triangle to the smoothing plane (12) are gradually reduced, so as to reflect the sunlight entirely. It is also provide a planar lamp and a planar lamp fixture including the reflective plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Dingguo Pan
  • Publication number: 20140022812
    Abstract: A display front lighting device comprises an optically transmissive sheet member that provides reflective means to evenly distribute light for the illumination of the text and/or graphics of display modules while permitting the text and/or graphics to visibly pass through the sheet member for viewing. The transmissive sheet member has LEDs offset mounted at an angle relative to one side of the sheet member such that a portion of the light emitted by the LEDs is reflected by the one side onto the adjacent dis play. The LEDs are mounted on a flexible printed circuit board, or alternatively on the conductive traces bonded to the sheet member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: LUMITEX, INC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Andrich, Peter W. Broer, Gregg M. Kloeppel
  • Patent number: 8628205
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes: an arrangement surface on which a plurality of light sources are arranged, and a plurality of reflection surfaces erected from a plurality of edges of the arrangement surface. The light emitted from the light sources and the light reflected from the reflection surfaces irradiate to an irradiation area surrounded by the reflection surfaces which are each inclined at an inclination angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the arrangement surface. At least one reflection surface includes a large inclination area inclined at a large inclination angle and a small inclination area inclined at a small inclination angle. The light source arranged close to the large inclination area is disposed closer to the outside frame of the irradiation area than the other light sources arranged close to the small inclination area in plan view from the irradiation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Epson Imaging Devices Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20140003086
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor having a substrate RF bias that is capable of control of the RF phase difference between the ICP source (a first RF source) and the substrate bias (a second RF source) for plasma processing reactors used in the semiconductor industry. Control of the RF phase difference provides a powerful knob for fine process tuning. For example, control of the RF phase difference may be used to control one or more of average etch rate, etch rate uniformity, etch rate skew, critical dimension (CD) uniformity, and CD skew, CD range, self DC bias control, and chamber matching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin R. Schaffer, David Scott Thompson, Zhaohui Yang, Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, William J. Bryan