Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling light into a light source in the form of a surface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source including a light diffuser. The apparatus also has a sheet having a first edge with the linear light source placed along the first edge. The linear light source diffuses light emitted from a primary light source such that the light emanates along the first edge of the sheet. The linear light source is also substantially transparent to light exiting from the first edge of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a photoluminescent light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light source that emanates light of a particular spectrum, photoluminescent material which converts light from the light source to light of another spectrum, and a selective mirror which reflects light generated by the light source and transmits light generated by the photoluminescent material. The photoluminescent material may be arranged so as to provide a plurality of light sources that emanate light of various colors.

Abstract: A method and combined video display and camera system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first sheet and a second sheet oriented parallel to the first sheet, the second sheet including a light diffuser. A light source is placed along an edge of the second sheet, wherein the second sheet diffuses light generated by the light source. One or more cameras are placed behind the second sheet to capture an image through the second sheet and the first sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling light into a light source in the form of a surface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source including a light diffuser. The apparatus also has a sheet having a first edge with the linear light source placed along the first edge. The linear light source diffuses light such that the light emanates in a predetermined pattern along the first edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A multicolored linear light source is disclosed. In an embodiment the multicolored linear light source (100) comprises a linear light source (100) emanating light of a first spectrum, and regions of photoluminescent material (102,104,106). The light of the first spectrum interacts with regions of photoluminescent material (102,104,106) to give light of a different spectrum. The composition of different regions of photoluminescent material is different, providing light of different spectra in different regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a multicolored illuminator is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first sheet comprising a plurality of columnar illuminators stacked side by side, and a plurality of colored light sources placed along an edge of the first sheet. The plurality of columnar illuminators diffuse light generated by the plurality of colored light sources. The light emanates in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a multicolored illuminator for displays is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first sheet comprising a plurality of columnar illuminators stacked side by side, and a plurality of colored light sources placed along an edge of the first sheet. The plurality of columnar illuminators diffuse light generated by the plurality of colored light sources. The light emanates in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a light source are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light guide including light extracting features and at least one light source placed near an end of the light guide. Light from the light source gets deflected by the light extracting features and emanates in a predetermined pattern along a surface of the light guide. The light guide has different thicknesses in different parts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multicolored illuminator is disclosed. In an embodiment, a first transparent sheet (499) comprising light diffusing particles is provided. Second and third transparent cladding sheets (404) are provided on either sides of the first transparent sheet. A mirror (406) is provided adjacent to the second sheet. The first sheet, second sheet, third sheet and mirror are merged to give a multicolored illuminator.

Abstract: A system of displaying and capturing images using non-planar mirrors is disclosed. An embodiment of the invention comprises a display (402), a non-planar partially silvered mirror (404) and a camera (406). The non-planar partially silvered mirror (404) is used to build a compact system to optically combine the display (402) and capture directions. The use of non-planar mirrors (404) makes the system compact compared to a prior art system.

Abstract: A combined video display and image capture system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment the system alternates between the capture period of the camera (306) and the image display (302) period to isolate the camera (306) from the display (302). Various methods are disclosed to achieve the alternation in the capture and the display periods of the system. Distortions in the captured image can be corrected using an image correction subsystem.

Abstract: A combined video display and camera system is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a video display with gaps in between the pixels. Light goes through these gaps and enters a camera, which captures an image. The system is arranged such that the display and the gaps are optically out of focus with respect to the camera.

Abstract: A system for providing a light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light guide made of several transparent layers having different refractive indexes.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a photoluminescent light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light source that emanates light of a particular spectrum, photoluminescent material which converts light from the light source to light of another spectrum, and a selective mirror which reflects light generated by the light source and transmits light generated by the photoluminescent material. The photoluminescent material may be arranged so as to provide a plurality of light sources that emanate light of various colors.

Abstract: An energy efficient polarized light source system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reflector and a reflecting polarizer. A transparent light source and a wave retarder are placed in between the reflector and reflecting polarizer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing sheets with varying concentrations of particles are described. In one embodiment, a method comprises manufacturing a first sheet having a varying concentration of particles. A second sheet having a second concentration of particles and a first shape with varying thickness is provided. A third sheet having a third concentration of particles and a second shape with varying thickness is provided. The second sheet and the third sheet are merged to generate the first sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of light from a light conducting medium in a preferred emanation pattern are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first light conducting sheet including aspherical particles, and a light source placed along the edge of the first sheet. The first sheet diffuses light generated by the light source such that light emanates in a predetermined light emanation pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a multicolored illuminator for displays is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first sheet comprising a plurality of columnar illuminators stacked side by side, and a plurality of colored light sources placed along an edge of the first sheet. The plurality of columnar illuminators diffuse light generated by the plurality of colored light sources. The light emanates in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An energy efficient transflective display system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reflector sheet and a transparent backlight sheet placed in front of the reflector sheet. A display panel is placed in front of the transparent backlight sheet where the display panel has a light valve.

Abstract: A display with selectable viewing angles and methods pertaining thereto are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a display having at least two backlights. At least one of the backlights is primarily transparent and the at least two backlights emit light in different patterns of emanation.