Abstract: A display system for sensing a finger of a user applied to the display system includes a display panel; a sensor for sensing the finger; a sensing light source configured to emit a first light having a first wavelength W1; and a reflective polarizer disposed between the display panel and the sensor. For a substantially normally incident light, an optical transmittance of the reflective polarizer versus wavelength for a first polarization state has a band edge such that for a first wavelength range extending from a smaller wavelength L1 to a greater wavelength L2 and including W1, where 30 nm?L2?L1?50 nm and L1 is greater than and within about 20 nm of a wavelength L3 corresponding to an optical transmittance of about 50% along the band edge, the optical transmittance has an average of greater than about 75%.

Abstract: A directionally manipulatable view enhancement apparatus including a fixed base, a rotatable support supported on the fixed base and rotatable about a pan axis, a yoke disposed on and pivotable with respect to the rotatable support about a tilt axis substantially perpendicular to the pan axis, a pan motor that rotates the rotatable support and yoke about the pan axis, a tilt motor that rotates the yoke about the tilt axis, and a first clutch between the rotatable support and the pan motor permitting the rotatable support to rotate relative to the fixed base independently of the pan motor or a second clutch between the yoke and the tilt motor allowing the yoke to rotate relative to the rotatable support independently of the tilt motor. The yoke retains an electrical component and the pan motor and tilt motor are in electrical communication with a controller remote from the fixed base.

Abstract: A directionally manipulatable view enhancement apparatus including a fixed base, a rotatable support supported on the fixed base and rotatable about a pan axis, a yoke disposed on and pivotable with respect to the rotatable support about a tilt axis substantially perpendicular to the pan axis, a pan motor that rotates the rotatable support and yoke about the pan axis, a tilt motor that rotates the yoke about the tilt axis, and a first clutch between the rotatable support and the pan motor permitting the rotatable support to rotate relative to the fixed base independently of the pan motor or a second clutch between the yoke and the tilt motor allowing the yoke to rotate relative to the rotatable support independently of the tilt motor. The yoke retains an electrical component and the pan motor and tilt motor are in electrical communication with a controller remote from the fixed base.

Abstract: A directionally manipulatable view enhancement apparatus including a fixed base, a rotatable support supported on the fixed base and rotatable about a pan axis, a yoke disposed on and pivotable with respect to the rotatable support about a tilt axis substantially perpendicular to the pan axis, a pan motor that rotates the rotatable support and yoke about the pan axis, a tilt motor that rotates the yoke about the tilt axis, and a first clutch between the rotatable support and the pan motor permitting the rotatable support to rotate relative to the fixed base independently of the pan motor or a second clutch between the yoke and the tilt motor allowing the yoke to rotate relative to the rotatable support independently of the tilt motor. The yoke retains an electrical component and the pan motor and tilt motor are in electrical communication with a controller remote from the fixed base.

Abstract: A directionally manipulatable view enhancement apparatus including a fixed base, a rotatable support supported on the fixed base and rotatable about a pan axis, a yoke disposed on and pivotable with respect to the rotatable support about a tilt axis substantially perpendicular to the pan axis, a pan motor that rotates the rotatable support and yoke about the pan axis, a tilt motor that rotates the yoke about the tilt axis, and a first clutch between the rotatable support and the pan motor permitting the rotatable support to rotate relative to the fixed base independently of the pan motor or a second clutch between the yoke and the tilt motor allowing the yoke to rotate relative to the rotatable support independently of the tilt motor. The yoke retains an electrical component and the pan motor and tilt motor are in electrical communication with a controller remote from the fixed base.

Abstract: A spotlight controller including a housing having a first control axis, a fixed base configured to mate with the housing, the housing rotatable relative to the base about a second control axis substantially perpendicular to the first control axis, a handle configured to engage the housing and pivot about the first control axis, a housing sensor arranged to detect the position of the housing relative to the base and generate a housing position signal, a handle sensor arranged to detect the position of the handle relative to the housing and generate a handle position signal, and a controller operatively connected to the housing sensor and the handle sensor, wherein the controller receives the housing position signal and the handle position signal and generates spotlight control signals based on the housing position signal and the handle position signal.

Abstract: A directionally manipulatable view enhancement apparatus including a fixed base, a rotatable support supported on the fixed base and rotatable about a pan axis, a yoke disposed on and pivotable with respect to the rotatable support about a tilt axis substantially perpendicular to the pan axis, a pan motor that rotates the rotatable support and yoke about the pan axis, a tilt motor that rotates the yoke about the tilt axis, and a first clutch between the rotatable support and the pan motor permitting the rotatable support to rotate relative to the fixed base independently of the pan motor or a second clutch between the yoke and the tilt motor allowing the yoke to rotate relative to the rotatable support independently of the tilt motor. The yoke retains an electrical component and the pan motor and tilt motor are in electrical communication with a controller remote from the fixed base.

Abstract: A spotlight controller including a housing having a first control axis, a fixed base configured to mate with the housing, the housing rotatable relative to the base about a second control axis substantially perpendicular to the first control axis, a handle configured to engage the housing and pivot about the first control axis, a housing sensor arranged to detect the position of the housing relative to the base and generate a housing position signal, a handle sensor arranged to detect the position of the handle relative to the housing and generate a handle position signal, and a controller operatively connected to the housing sensor and the handle sensor, wherein the controller receives the housing position signal and the handle position signal and generates spotlight control signals based on the housing position signal and the handle position signal.

Abstract: A spotlight system including a spotlight continuously rotatable about a spotlight pan axis and tiltable about a spotlight tilt axis. The system includes a spotlight controller including a housing continuously rotatable about a controller pan axis. The housing has a circumferential lip that engages with a fixed based and a hub engaged with a handle. The handle rotates about a controller tilt axis perpendicular to the controller pan axis. A controller board is electrically connected to a slip ring that penetrates the base, with a pan input sensor, a tilt input sensor, and a microprocessor. The pan input sensor measures the position of the housing relative to the base, the tilt input sensor measures the position of the handle relative to the housing, and the microcontroller interprets the positions and generates control signals corresponding to the direction of a spotlight.

Abstract: A half-duplex communication system includes a first half-duplex transceiver. The first half-duplex transceiver includes a first microprocessor and a current sensor connected to an input of the microprocessor, and the half-duplex transceiver is coupled to a first and second voltage source. The first voltage source is at a first voltage level and the second voltage source is at a second voltage level. The first microprocessor is configured to transmit data by alternatively connecting the first voltage source and the second voltage source to a conductor and to receive data in the form of pulses of current on the conductor detected by said current sensor.

Abstract: A half-duplex communication system includes a first half-duplex transceiver. The first half-duplex transceiver includes a first microprocessor and a current sensor connected to an input of the microprocessor, and the half-duplex transceiver is coupled to a first and second voltage source. The first voltage source is at a first voltage level and the second voltage source is at a second voltage level. The first microprocessor is configured to transmit data by alternatively connecting the first voltage source and the second voltage source to a conductor and to receive data in the form of pulses of current on the conductor detected by said current sensor.

Abstract: A spotlight system including a spotlight continuously rotatable about a spotlight pan axis and tiltable about a spotlight tilt axis. The system includes a spotlight controller including a housing continuously rotatable about a controller pan axis. The housing has a circumferential lip that engages with a fixed based and a hub engaged with a handle. The handle rotates about a controller tilt axis perpendicular to the controller pan axis. A controller board is electrically connected to a slip ring that penetrates the base, with a pan input sensor, a tilt input sensor, and a microprocessor. The pan input sensor measures the position of the housing relative to the base, the tilt input sensor measures the position of the handle relative to the housing, and the microcontroller interprets the positions and generates control signals corresponding to the direction of a spotlight.

Abstract: A modular vehicle light comprises multiple elongated modules which are disposed in end-to-end relationship. The modules are mechanically joined and electrically connected in series. The modules are preferably substantially identical. Each module contains a power board with a microprocessor and a buffer. The microprocessor transmits signals to a matrix of LEDs. The LEDs emit light which transverses an optical assembly to form a narrow band of illumination. In one embodiment, a linear matrix of 36 LEDs comprising 3 color groups of LEDs is employed. Fasteners captured in a bracket at the rear of the module fasten the vehicle light to the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosed pan-tilt spotlight is a sealed, remote controlled unit which allows continuous 360° rotation (pan) of visible or infrared (IR) light sources as well as vertical (tilt) aiming of the light sources 65° above horizontal and 25° below horizontal. The light sources are solid state (LEDs) which are energy efficient and extremely durable in the field, requiring little maintenance. Light shields are employed to control stray light, thereby enhancing the stealth of the spotlight in covert operations. The rotating parts of the spotlight are supported at several locations spaced from the axis of rotation in a manner that re-directs forces that would otherwise be carried by the shaft. Temperature sensitive current regulators and robust thermal design protect the LEDs from heat damage. Sophisticated motor control allows fast and precise positioning of the light beam and worm final drive gears keep the light beam in position.

Abstract: A high intensity light source employs a plurality of light emitting diodes associated with a unitary reflector subassembly. The reflector subassembly defines an array of frustoconical reflectors arranged in rows and columns with the adjacent reflectors of each row being connected by a diverging slot with reflective wall surfaces. The light emitting diodes are mounted on a printed circuit board which forms a component of heat sink subassembly.