Abstract: A light source having a flexible light-generating module that includes a flexible circuit carrier, a plurality of light emitting dies, and a cover layer is disclosed. The flexible circuit carrier includes a sheet of flexible material having electrically conducting traces. The light emitting dies are electrically connected to the electrically conducting traces. The cover layer is constructed from a transparent, flexible material and covers the light emitting dies. The light-generating module can be attached to various surfaces to provide a light source that is non-planar as well as to surfaces that are piecewise planar. These more complex light sources can include garments that generate complex light patterns to call attention to the wearer and three-dimensional light sources. The light sources also provide improved heat-conduction and can be used to create non-rectangular back lights for displays.

Abstract: A light source having a photodetector embedded in a light pipe is disclosed. The light pipe includes a layer of transparent material having top and bottom surfaces and first and second opposing side surfaces that intersect the top and bottom surfaces. In one embodiment, the photodetector is embedded in the layer at a location that is adjacent to the second side surface and a plurality of light emitters are positioned so as to couple light into the layer of material through the first side edge at angles less than or equal to the critical angle for the layer of material. The bottom surface can include protrusions for scattering light toward the top surface. A controller adjusts the intensity of the various light emitters in response to changes in light intensity detected by the photodetector. Light leaving the top surface of the light pipe can be used to illuminate a display.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent, overlapping light-guide plates formed of substantially transparent material, and a plurality of light sources. Each of the light-guide plates has i) first and second ends, ii) one or more substantially transparent surfaces through which light is emitted, and iii) one or more reflective surfaces to redirect light within the light-guide plate. Where first and second light-guide plates are adjacent, the first end of the first light-guide plate A) underhangs the second end of the second light-guide plate, and B) is positioned opposite a primary light-emitting side of the apparatus. The plurality of light sources are optically coupled to the first ends of the light-guide plates so as to illuminate the interiors of the light-guide plates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus includes a substrate having i) a plurality of overlapping panels that form acute angles with respect to an imaginary surface that bisects the overlapping panels, and ii) a plurality of recesses formed between overlapping portions of the overlapping panels. The recesses are open to the first side of the substrate, and the first side of the substrate has a reflective surface. A plurality of light sources is positioned to emanate light from the recesses.

Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatus is provided with a light source, an optic element, at least one photosensor, and a control system. The optic element has a reflective material on a surface thereof, and is positioned to receive and reflect light emitted by the light source. The at least one photosensor is mounted to the surface of the optic element on which the reflective material resides, over a portion of the optic element on which the reflective material does not reside. The control system is operably associated with both the photosensor(s) and the light source, to regulate the light source's light output in accordance with measurements received from the photosensor(s).

Abstract: A display and method for displaying data are disclosed. The display includes a light source and a gauge that displays a quantity. The gauge is illuminated by the light source that has a color specified by a first control signal. A controller generates the first control signal based on the quantity such that the light source generates light of a first color if the quantity is within a first range and light of a second color if the quantity is in a second range. In one embodiment, the light source is characterized by an intensity specified by a second control signal, and the controller generates a second control signal based on the quantity such that the light intensity has a first intensity value when the quantity is in a third range and a second intensity value when the quantity is in a fourth range.

Abstract: An LED-based light system includes a primary light source and at least one redundant light source. The primary light source is activated by itself and the performance of the light source is measured to determine whether nor not to drive the redundant light source. The redundant light source is activated when the performance measurements indicate that a performance characteristic is not being met by the primary light source alone. The first light system can be activated in combination with the redundant light source once the decision is made to activate the redundant light source.

Abstract: A light source and method for controlling the same is disclosed. The light source includes a first component light source that includes N LEDs, a photo-detector, and a light redirector, where N>1. Each LED has a light emitting chip in a package. The light emitting chip emits light in a forward direction and light in a side direction. The light generated in the forward direction is determined by a drive signal coupled to that LED. A portion of the light in the side direction leaves the package. The light redirector is positioned such that a portion of the light in the side direction that leaves the package of each of the LEDs is scattered onto the photo-detector. The photo-detector generates N intensity signals, each intensity signal having an amplitude related to the intensity of the light emitted in the side direction by a corresponding one of the LEDs.

Abstract: A light source and method for controlling the same. The light source includes a first component light source that includes N LEDs, a photo-detector, and a collector, where N>1. Each LED has a light emitting chip in a package. The light emitting chip emits light in a forward direction and light in a side direction. The light generated in the forward direction is determined by a drive signal coupled to that LED. A portion of the light in the side direction leaves the package. The collector is positioned such that a portion of the light in the side direction that leaves the package of each of the LEDs is directed onto the photo-detector. The photo-detector generates N intensity signals, each intensity signal having an amplitude related to the intensity of the light emitted in the side direction by a corresponding one of the LEDs.