Film Or Coating Patents (Class 362/618)
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Publication number: 20080304287Abstract: The present invention discloses a microstructure transfer medium and application thereof to produce various microstructures on a film, glass substrate, plastic substrate, etc. for utilization in a variety of optical films of a backlight module, light guide plates, color enhancement film for liquid crystal displays, various patterned nanoimprint for semiconductor or flat panel display processes, and Fresnel lens. Furthermore, the microstructure transfer medium according to the present invention can be applied in producing microstructures on a non-planar surface. The microstructure transfer medium according to the present invention comprises a substrate and a release layer formed on the substrate wherein the release layer has microstructures thereon. Preferably, the surface energy of the release layer is lower than 30 dyne/cm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Whe Yi Chiang, Ta Ching Pong
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Publication number: 20080291361Abstract: Composite mirror systems include a wideband thin film interference stack having a plurality of microlayers and an optically thick layer having a refractive index greater than air but less than the smallest refractive index of the stack. The mirror systems can provide high reflectivity for light propagating in the stack and in the optically thick layer at supercritical angles, while avoiding degradation in reflectivity if dirt or other disturbances such as absorbing materials are present at the mirror backside for example due to contact with a support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: Michael F. Weber
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Publication number: 20080291692Abstract: An exemplary writing board includes a deformable thin film, a backlight module, and a light-transmissive film. The thin film has a writing surface and a light incident surface on an opposite side of the thin film to the writing surface. The backlight module is arranged adjacent to the light incident surface and configured for providing light incident onto the light incident surface. The light-transmissive film is arranged between the thin film and the backlight module. A clearance is formed between the light-transmissive film and the thin film, and a distance of the clearance, along a thicknesswise direction of the thin film, is less than or equal to a maximum deformation amount of the thin film at the same direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: KUN-SHENG KUO, CHUAN-FU YANG, YUAN-FA CHU
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Publication number: 20080285307Abstract: A backlight apparatus for directing light toward a display panel and the resulting display device comprises a solid lightguide comprising opposite TIR surfaces, containing a desired pattern of light redirecting surface features located between the TIR surfaces and interrupting one of the TIR surfaces, the features having a refractive index differing from that of the solid material of the light guide. Such an apparatus provides a more even light distribution to the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Peter T. Aylward, Robert P. Bourdelais, Qi Hong
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Patent number: 7452120Abstract: An illumination apparatus comprises: (a) at least one light source; (b) a light guide for accepting light from the at least one light source and for guiding the light using total internal reflection, the light guide having a top surface; (c) a light extracting film having an input surface optically coupled with the top surface and an output surface for providing light, wherein the input surface comprises a plurality of features which are optically coupled to the top surface of the light guide, such features having: (i) a first side comprising two or more planar segments; and (ii) a second side comprising two or more planar segments, and wherein either the length of at least some of the features is less than the width of the film or the first and second sides intersect at an apex.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Rohm and Haas Denmark Finance A/SInventors: Junwon Lee, Randall H. Wilson, Charles M. Rankin, Jr., Stephen C. Meissner
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Patent number: 7448786Abstract: A backlight module (20) includes a light guide plate (21) and two light emitters (22). The light guide plate includes an emitting surface (212), a bottom surface (213) opposite to the emitting surface, a plurality of side surfaces interconnecting the emitting surface and bottom surface, and an incident surface (211) disposed at a corner portion thereof adjoining to two adjacent side surfaces. The light guide plate defines a through hole (23) in the corner portion adjacent to the incident surface. The two light emitters are adjacent to and face the incident surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Ltd.Inventor: Guo-Han Yue
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Patent number: 7445367Abstract: A hot spot filter for a light guide is created by taking an image of the light output pattern of an illuminated light guide. The hot spot filter may be a film, a layer, or an additional liquid crystal display dedicated to attenuating bright spots from the light guide. The hot spot filter may be incorporated into the image display by adjusting the grey scale of individual pixels to provide sufficient compensation.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Research in Motion LimitedInventors: James Robinson, Marc Drader, Michael Purdy
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Publication number: 20080266901Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes at least one transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of spherical depressions, a diffusion layer, and at least one lamp-receiving portion. The bottom surface is opposite to the light output surface. The diffusion layer is formed on the light output surface. The spherical depressions are formed at the bottom surface. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in the bottom surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Publication number: 20080266902Abstract: A backlight module is provided, which comprises a light guide plate assembly comprising an upper light guide plate and a lower guide plate that are stacked together, at least one light source and a reflection film. The light source is disposed on at least one side of the light guide plate assembly with a light incident surfaces of the light guide plate assembly facing the light source. The reflection film is disposed below the light guide plate assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Xiaopan ZHENG
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Publication number: 20080259636Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes at least one transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of depressions and at least one lamp-receiving portion. The light output surface is opposite to the bottom surface. The depressions are formed at the bottom surface. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in the bottom surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: SHAO-HAN CHANG
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Patent number: 7434973Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having at least one light source optically coupled to a portion of an input edge of the panel member. A plurality of individual light extracting deformities on or in at least one panel surface of the panel member are of well defined shape and have a length and width substantially smaller than the length and width of the panel surface. At least some of the deformities have at least one surface that is angled at different orientations relative to the input edge depending on the location of the deformities on the panel surface to face a portion of the input edge to which a light source is optically coupled.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Gregory A. Coghlan, Robert M. Ezell
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Publication number: 20080205082Abstract: A super-thin light-guiding module with a side light-projecting function includes: a transparent elastic element, at least one light-emitting element, a displaying layer, and an elastic filling layer. The transparent elastic element has a plurality of light-guiding microstructures formed on a bottom thereof. The light-emitting element is disposed beside one side of the transparent elastic element. The displaying layer is disposed on a top side of the transparent elastic element, and the displaying layer has a plurality of transparent portions. The elastic filling layer is disposed between the transparent elastic element and the displaying layer. Therefore, when the light-emitting element projects a light to the transparent elastic element, the light is guided upward via the light-guiding microstructures of the transparent elastic element for making the light pass through the elastic filling layer and the transparent portions of the displaying layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Chih-Hung Chen, Ming-Yu Hua
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Publication number: 20080192506Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus includes: a light conductor plate having a light inlet surface and a light outlet surface; a point light source disposed at the light inlet surface of the light conductor plate; and a light diffuser sheet disposed on the light outlet surface of the light conductor plate, wherein the light diffuser sheet has one end thereof extending beyond the light inlet surface and thereby covers at least a part of the point light source, whereby light which conventionally does not enter the light conductor plate directly from the light inlet surface is adapted to impinge on the light diffuser sheet and to fall incident on the light inlet surface and is efficiently utilized. A recess may be formed at the one end of the light diffuser sheet so as to expose a part of the light exit surface of the light conductor plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: MINEBEA CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasuo Ohno
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Patent number: 7404661Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light guide having a pattern of individual deformities of well defined shape that are projections or depressions on or in at least one side of the light guide. At least some of the deformities are quite small in relation to the width and length of the light guide and have two or more surfaces that come together to form ridges. At least some of the ridges are nonlinear over a majority of their length and have opposite end points that intersect the light guide or other deformities where the ridges end.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventors: Jeffrey R. Parker, Gregory A. Coghlan, Robert M. Ezell
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Publication number: 20080174720Abstract: An exemplary backlight module (11) includes a light source (17) including a lamp cover (172), at least one optical film (13, 14), a light guide plate (16), and a spacing member (168). The lamp cover includes an upper plate (173). The light guide plate includes a light incident surface (161), a light output surface (162) adjacent to the light incident surface (161). The light source is adjacent to the light incident surface. The at least one optical film is provided on the light output surface. The spacing member is provided between the at least one optical film and the upper plate of the lamp cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Chien-Chung Fang
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Patent number: 7400805Abstract: A light collection system includes at least one light source, a light tunnel having reflective walls and a collimating plate at the light output end of the tunnel. The collimating plate includes an optical element array. The element array receives the light emitted from the light source and outputs part of the light at a desired cone angle and reflects the remainder back into the tunnel toward the light source. The light is “recycled” in the tunnel until the light either exits the collection system through the collimating plate or gets absorbed within the collection system.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Inventor: Nayef M. Abu-Ageel
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Publication number: 20080160255Abstract: The invention pertains to a scratch-resistant thin film comprising a transparent substrate wherein the substrate comprises at least one micro structured layer on the lower side and at least one scratch-resistant layer on the upper side, wherein said scratch-resistant layer has a convex-concave structure, a surface resistivity in the range from 108 to 1012 ?/?, a pencil hardness of 3H or more as measured according to JIS K5400 standard method, and a haze in the range from 30% to 98% as measured according to JIS K7136 method. The thin film of the invention exhibits both light enhancement and light uniformization properties, has a low volume shrinkage, does not warp, and possesses excellent anti-static and high hardness properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Lung-Lin Hsu
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Patent number: 7393129Abstract: In one aspect, a film assembly is disclosed comprising a first optical film having a tab disposed outside a first viewable area and a second optical film proximate and parallel to the first optical film, the second optical film having a slot formed outside a second viewable area; wherein the tab and slot are arranged to permit the first and second films to be moveably interlocked. In another aspect, an interlock arrangement for an optical film stack having at least a first and second optical film is disclosed comprising a penetrating member formed on the first film and a receiving member formed in the second film, wherein the film stack is moveably interlocked when the penetrating member is moveably secured in the receiving member. In another aspect, a method of assembling optical films is disclosed, the method comprising moveably interlocking two or more optical films to form a film assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Anton F. Jachim, John R. Mlinar, Craig G. Markell
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Patent number: 7387423Abstract: A backlight system has a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a transparent plate having a light incidence surface and an opposite light emitting surface, and a light transmittance enhancement layer. The light transmittance enhancement layer is provided on either or both of the light emitting surface and the light incidence surface, and is made of silicon dioxide or magnesium fluoride. The thickness of the light transmittance enhancement layer is in the range from 58˜69 nanometers.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Charles Leu, Ching-Yen Lee, Ga-Lane Chen, Tai-Cherng Yu, Jhy-Chain Lin
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Publication number: 20080129926Abstract: A display device includes a display panel part, a light source part and a light-controlling film. The display panel part includes a reflective pixel. The light source part includes a light source generating light and a light-guiding plate facing the display panel part and guiding the light from the light source to provide the light to the display panel part. The light-controlling film is disposed over the light-guiding plate to transmit a first light that is reflected by the reflective pixel and to block a second light that is obliquely leaked from the light-guiding plate. Thus, display quality of the display device may be improved in a reflective mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Jeong-Min Seo, Young-Bee Chu, Dong-Cheol Kim, Jong-Nam Lee
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Patent number: 7378686Abstract: The invention is an illumination system that incorporates a light emitting diode and a side-emitting light-recycling lens. The side-emitting light-recycling lens recycles part of the light internally generated by a light emitting diode back to the light emitting diode as externally incident light. The light emitting diode reflects a portion of the recycled light, thereby increasing the effective brightness of the light emitting diode. The light reflected by the light emitting diode is directed though the side-emitting light-recycling lens and exits the illumination system, thereby increasing the output brightness and efficiency of the illumination system. The light emitting diode reflects externally incident light with a reflectivity greater than 40 percent.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Goldeneye, Inc.Inventors: Karl W. Beeson, Scott M. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7374325Abstract: A backlight unit applied on a display device is disclosed. The backlight unit includes a base having a frame, an optical film, an adhesive and a shading tape. The frame has at least a recess, and the optical film has at least a flange for inserting in the recess of the frame. The shading tape locates on the frame, and the adhesive locates between the frame and the shading tape only. No adhesive exists between the optical film and the shading tape.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Au Optronics CorporationInventor: Chun-Min Ko
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Patent number: 7366393Abstract: Various embodiments comprise light recycling films comprising an array of parallel ridges and grooves that form prisms that selectively reflect or transmit light. In some embodiments, the light recycling film may be used in displays that include spatial light modulators comprising a plurality of pixels. The light recycling film can limit the field-of-view of the display and enhance the luminance within that field-of-view. Various embodiments comprising multiple arrays of ridges and/or grooves can enhance uniformity of illumination of the pixels in the spatial light modulator and reduce Moiré effects.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignees: Optical Research Associates, Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: William J. Cassarly, Steven R. Chapman
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Patent number: 7354184Abstract: Light emitting assemblies include a panel member having two or more light sources, and at least one film, sheet, plate or substrate positioned in close proximity to the panel member with an air gap or cavity therebetween. Deformities on at least one surface of the panel member cause light from the light sources that mixes in the panel member to emit from the panel member. The air gap or cavity and the film, sheet, plate or substrate improve the uniformity of the light output distribution from the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventor: Jeffrey R. Parker
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Patent number: 7334929Abstract: The present invention is a method of producing a multicolor pixel sheet on which pixels of different colors (R, G and B) and a black matrix are formed. Pixels are formed with a gap therebetween on a light-transmitting substrate and each pixel is composed of a coloring layer. The black matrix is formed by a black coloring resin provided at upper surfaces of pixels on the pixel sheet, the gap between the pixels, and the outer periphery defined by the outermost pixels. A two-stage developing process is conducted after exposure from the back and the front of the substrate to form a spacer pattern having a predetermined thickness on the black matrix.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Morimasa Sato
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Publication number: 20080037282Abstract: A plurality of display portions are illuminated in different colors using a light source of a single type and a single light guide plate. A light source (220) has a light emitting element for emitting blue light, and a red fluorescent substance which is excited by blue light to generate red light, thereby emitting violet light (L1) as a whole. The violet light (L1) enters a side surface of a light guide plate (210) and is emitted from an upper surface (211) and a lower surface (212) as violet light (L1-1) and (L1-2), respectively. A green fluorescent substance is provided in a fluorescent film (230). The light (L2) obtained after the violet light (L1-1) passes through the fluorescent film (230), becomes white light because green color component light generated from the fluorescent substance is mixed with the violet light (L1-1). On the other hand, on a lower surface side, the violet light L1-2 is used as illuminating light.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Makoto Kurihara
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Patent number: 7322730Abstract: Optical assemblies include a light emitter having at least one layer of a transparent film, sheet or plate through which light emitted by the light emitter passes. A pattern of deformities of well defined shape on or in at least one side of the film, sheet or plate control an output ray angle distribution of light emitted by the assemblies to suit a particular application. The film, sheet or plate causes a change in color or color correction in the light emitted by the assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventor: Jeffery R. Parker
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Patent number: 7320535Abstract: A light control film having a refractive index n and an uneven, irregular surface pattern provides a reasonable level of light diffusion without a glare problem provided, for any cross-section perpendicular to the base plane of the film, the average of absolute values of slope ?ave of a curve along the edge of the cross-section contoured by the rough surface pattern (profile curve) is at least 78-34n degrees and no higher than 118-34n degrees, or the average of absolute values of slope ?ave of a profile curve to the length L1 of a straight line defined by the intersection of the base plane and the cross-section satisfies the following formula (3) or (4) for substantially all cross-sections.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Kimoto Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Etori
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Publication number: 20070291510Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate, at least one point light source, and an optical film. The light guide plate has a light outputting surface and a light reflecting surface opposing to the light outputting surface. A plurality of dots are indented on the light outputting surface, and a plurality of grooves are formed parallel to each other on the light reflecting surface. The propagation directions of most of the emitting light rays of the point light source are substantially parallel to the direction of the grooves. The optical film is provided with refraction elements arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventor: Ping-Yeng Chen
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Publication number: 20070279933Abstract: An edge-type backlight module includes a light source, a light guide plate installed on a lateral side of the light source, and a brightness enhancement film disposed above the light guide plate. The brightness enhancement film includes a plurality of micro-structures on a bottom surface connected to a top surface of the light guide plate in an adhesion manner or a hot melt manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Tzeng-Ke Shiau, Ching-Shiang Li, Teng-Chao Hou, Wen-Bin Chou
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Patent number: 7293905Abstract: An area light source device includes a light source, a light guide including a first side surface on which emission light from the light source is incident, and a first major surface and a second major surface, which are opposed to each other and from which the incident light on the first side surface emerges, an optical sheet that is disposed on the second major surface side of the light guide and has a reflective surface on a side thereof that is opposed to the second major surface, and a film member that is disposed between the light guide and the optical sheet, has light transmissivity and has a projection-and-recess-shaped portion on a surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayoshi Tsukamoto
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Patent number: 7290919Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source, a light guide plate for guiding light from the light source, and a brightness enhancement film having a plurality of spherical surface microlenses for gathering light from the light guide plate. In contrast to traditional prism sheets, the brightness enhancement film having the plurality of spherical surface microlenses have better efficiency of light-gathering.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignees: AU Optronics Corp., Sun Yat-senUniversityInventors: Cheng-tang Pan, Ching-hua Su, Han-chang Cheng, Chih-liang Pan
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Patent number: 7258462Abstract: A backlight unit that includes: an outer container; a curved fluorescent lamp that is contained in the outer container and includes two electrodes and a glass bulb that has (i) a folded portion and (ii) two straight portions that extend in parallel with each other from the folded portion, and the two electrodes being respectively attached to two ends of the glass bulb; and an inverter operable to supply power for lighting to the curved fluorescent lamp. The inverter is disposed outside the outer container, and the curved fluorescent lamp is arranged so that the electrodes are at low positions and the folded portion is at a high position in the outer container when the backlight unit is erected vertically in use.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirofumi Yamashita, Toshihiro Terada, Takashi Maniwa, Yusuke Mori
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Patent number: 7249878Abstract: A sheet of material and package made using the sheet of material. The sheet of material having an having an outer diffuse layer and an inner light piping layer adjacent the diffuse layer. The sheet transmits light to the outer surface of the outer diffuse layer. The outer diffuse layer has a specular area formed thereon through which light from the light piping layer can exit in a substantially non-diffuse manner from the outer surface of the outer diffuse layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David L. Patton, Robert P. Bourdelais, Cheryl J. Kaminsky
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Patent number: 7226196Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light guide having a uniform or variable pattern of individual deformities of well defined shapes that are projections or depressions on or in one or more surface areas of the light guide. The deformities are quite small in relation to the width and length of the light guide. At least some of the deformities may have two or more surfaces that come together to form a ridge having a total length that is quite small in relation to the width and length of the light guide.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Gregory A. Coghlan, Robert M. Ezell
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Patent number: 7223005Abstract: Backlighting systems are disclosed, which include a lightguide with at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the lightguide for supplying light into its interior and a reflective cavity with at least one light source optically connected to the reflective cavity for supplying light into its interior. The reflective cavity may include a first reflector and a second reflector and at least one source may be disposed at an edge of the reflective cavity. Alternatively, the reflective cavity may include a back reflector portion and light sources may be disposed at the back reflector portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: David J. Lamb, Keith M. Kotchick, Mark E. Gardiner, Mark B. O'Neill, Patrick H. Marushin, Kenneth A. Epstein, Philip E. Watson
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Patent number: 7223009Abstract: The backlighting device (1) enables an information display element of a portable object such as a wristwatch to be illuminated from the back. This device comprises a light guide plate (7) having a front face and a rear face, a light reflector (6) located on the rear face of the light guide plate, a light diffuser film (9) and a rectifier film (11) located on the front face of the light guide plate and a source of visible light (2). This light source, such as a light emitting diode (2), feeds light beams to the edge of the light guide plate, which spread in the light guide plate between its two faces. A layer, such as a diffuser film, has a zone (10?) with opacity decreasing from a limit (25) located close to the boundary area of the light guide plate, which receives the light beams of the light source, in order to attenuate the intensity of the light crossing said zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere SuisseInventors: Fabien Henriet, François Klopfenstein
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Patent number: 7223008Abstract: The backlighting device (1) enables an information display element of a portable object such as a wristwatch to be illuminated from the back. This device comprises a light guide plate (7) having a front face and a rear face, a light reflector (6) located on the rear face of the light guide plate, a light diffuser film (9) and a rectifier film (11) located on the front face of the light guide plate and a source of visible light (2). This light source, such as a light emitting diode (2), feeds light beams to the edge of the light guide plate, which spread in the light guide plate between its two faces. A layer, such as a diffuser film, has a zone (10?) with opacity decreasing from a limit (25) located close to the boundary area of the light guide plate, which receives the light beams of the light source, in order to attenuate the intensity of the light crossing said zone. This zone with decreasing opacity is, for example, a shading white or black dye disposed on the diffuser film.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere SuisseInventors: Fabien Henriet, François Klopfenstein
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Patent number: 7210838Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a backlight device that has a light emitting element and a light guide plate in which light emitted from the light emitting element is incident on a side end surface thereof and is emitted from a first surface and a second surface thereof, a first panel that is arranged opposite to the first surface of the light guide plate to modulate light when light from the first surface passes therethrough, and a second panel that is arranged opposite to the second surface of the light guide plate to modulate light when light from the second surface passes therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Shinji Sakurai
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Patent number: 7195364Abstract: In a backlight apparatus for an LCD, a plurality of bar-shaped first LED light sources are arranged on the reflective plate to laterally emit light. A plurality of light shades are arranged above the first light sources. A transparent plate is placed above the light shades. Scattering patterns are formed in the bottom of the transparent plate in positions corresponding to the light shades. A bar-shaped second LED light source is arranged at a side of the transparent plate to emit light into the transparent plate. The light source arranged at the side of the transparent plate prevents the formation of dark areas as a problem in the prior art, thereby enhancing the entire uniformity of light. Then, the backlight apparatus can be maintained thin even when applied to a large-sized LCD.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hun Joo Hahm, Hyung Suk Kim, Jung Kyu Park, Ho Sik Anh, Young Sam Park, Bum Jin Kim, Young June Jeong
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Patent number: 7195389Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having a uniform or variable pattern of light extracting deformities of well defined shapes in or on one or more surface areas of the light emitting panel member. The size and shape as well as the depth and angular orientation and position or location of the light extracting deformities may vary along the length and/or width of a panel surface area to obtain a desired light output distribution from the panel surface area. Also, at least some of the deformities may have planar surfaces in parallel spaced relation to a panel surface area. A focused light source may be insert molded or cast within a light transition area of the light emitting panel member to focus the light on an input surface of the light transition area with predetermined ray angles to fit a particular application. Molded supports may be provided on the panel member for supporting other parts or components in spaced relation therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventors: Jeffery R. Parker, Gregory A. Coghlan, Robert M. Ezell
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Patent number: 7188990Abstract: A planar light source device comprises a light guide having a light entrance surface through which light enters, and a light exit surface, from which the light that entered through the light entrance surface exits, a light source disposed along the light entrance surface, and a reflecting body, which has two ends forming an opening to discharge the light emitted from the light source and sandwiching the light guide in a thickness direction, surrounds the light source, and reflects the light emitted from the light source toward the light entrance surface. The light exit surface has a grained surface region where a convex dot pattern is formed and a positioning region where no dot pattern is formed. One of the two ends of the reflecting body, which is brought into contact with the light exit surface, has an edge that is positioned in the positioning region.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihiro Morito
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Patent number: 7186014Abstract: A lighting device has a light guide plate having light projecting surfaces at least on the one sides thereof, and at least one brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prisms and disposed adjacently to one of both sides of the light guide plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Shimura
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Patent number: 7160015Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting panel member having two or more inserts, components or parts that may be supported by a structural member. A pattern of light extracting deformities may be on or in one or more of the inserts, components or parts for providing a desired light output distribution.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Solid State Opto LimitedInventor: Jeffery R. Parker
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Patent number: 7156547Abstract: A light diffusive sheet of the present invention comprises a transparent polymer sheet provided with a light diffusion layer 3 on one side and an uneven surface 4a having arithmetical mean deviation of 0.5 ?m or less and mean spacing of 80 ?m or narrower on the opposite side. Such an uneven surface can be made by forming a backcoat layer 4 including a mixture of particles having particular mean diameters in a particular proportion to a binder resin on the transparent polymer sheet. An area light source element 7 of the present invention is produced by laminating a prism sheet 6 on a light guide plate 5 so that the prism surface 61 of the prism sheet 6 is opposed to the light-emitting surface 51 of the light guide plate 5 and laminating the light diffusive sheet on the prism sheet 6 so that the uneven surface (backcoat layer) of the light diffusive sheet is opposed to the surface opposite of the prism surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Kimoto Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasumaro Toshima, Masashi Takai, Hideharu Nagami
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Patent number: 7147358Abstract: An optical product comprised of an optical film and a protective cover has a cover removal tab attached along one edge. The cover removal tab allows the protective cover to be easily and efficiently removed from the optical film. In addition, there is no imprint of the cover removal tab on the optical film when multiple optical products are stacked or rolled up for storage, the protective cover remains the same size as the optical film, adding the cover removal tab to the optical product only requires a one punch-head converting machine, and there is minimal waste of material and time to add the cover removal tab.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Anthony J. Freking, Ashok Lu, John Fei, Ren Hua Feng
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Patent number: 7128457Abstract: There is provided a surface light-emitting device capable of preventing an increase in power consumption even if the length of the light-emitting surface of the surface light-emitting device is greater than the width, and capable of emitting light uniformly without decreasing the brightness of the light-emitting surface nor increasing the height of the light guiding space. In the present surface light-emitting device, the incident plane (201) is one of two sides of the light guiding space (20) in opposition in the longitudinal direction. The light-transmitting plate (4) includes a diffusion filter (6) which covers a specific area of the surface of the light-transmitting plate (4) near the light source (3). The remaining area of the surface of the light-transmitting plate at a distance from the light source (3) is not covered with the diffusion filter (6). The diffusion filter (6) is formed of a laminate in which a plurality of diffuse transmission films are layered.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Kazuyuki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7125152Abstract: Backlight modules are provided. A backlight module includes a reflector, a light source disposed in the reflector, a substrate connected to the reflector, and a fixing mechanism. The reflector includes a first reflecting surface having a first opening and a second reflecting surface having a second opening. The fixing mechanism, connecting the first and second openings, is coated with a reflective material, to reflect light from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.Inventors: Hsin-Wu Lin, Pang-Hsuan Liu
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Patent number: 7125156Abstract: An ultra-thin backlight display panel has an upper housing, a lower housing, and a backlight module. Each of the two housings has a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) for generating light. The backlight module has a light guide plate, a transparent film, and a reflection film. The light guide plate has four sides, where two of the four sides are connected with the upper housing and the lower housing, and the other two sides are respectively covered with a reflective material. The transparent film is positioned on a first plane of the light guide plate, and the reflection film is positioned on a second plane of the light guide plate to reflect light from the two cold cathode fluorescent lamps.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Sinology Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hsin-Nung Lee
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Patent number: 7108416Abstract: A surface illuminant comprises a light source 11 consisting of LEDs, a light guide plate 12 which is optically coupled to said light source for guiding the light to one side thereof and a reflective film 13 which is disposed on the other opposite side of said light guide plate. The light guide plate 12 is made of a material into which a wave length converting material 14 or a light storage material 15 such as fluorescent material is incorporated. A desired color light can be obtained by converting the wave length of the light from the light source 11 or light can be emitted by storing the light when the light source is turned off.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideharu Osawa