Abstract: A display system, method and backlight unit for use with a display. The backlight unit includes a first light source and a second light source, wherein the first light source and the second light source are controllable independently of each other. The sum of light produced by the light sources illuminates the display to achieve illumination brightness capability of a higher intensity capable single light source. Changes in spectral characteristics and/or brightness characteristics due to aging or the like may be compensated. The first light source may provide a base line illumination level for the display and the second light source may be modulated to dynamically increase contrast and/or contrast ratio characteristics of the image being shown on the display to a viewer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for monitoring eye movement through optical observation of the eye includes an optical device configured for mounting on a frame for positioning the optical device on a user. The optical device includes a light source configured for emitting light along a first path and a sensor positioned in the optical device to receive light from a second path substantially parallel to the first path. A reflector is located within a lens connected to the frame and configured when positioned on the user to reflect light emitted by the light source onto the eye and reflect light reflected by the eye back to the sensor. The reflector covers only a portion of the lens.

Abstract: A wireless remote control is provided for an auto-darkening lens (ADL) system used in a welding helmet, respirator system or other device to control or to adjust settings of an ADL of a controllable light shutter. A display system facilitates providing information indicating the operative settings and/or conditions of the controllable light shutter. A wired remote control for controlling or adjusting an ADL also uses a display system with indicators to indicate the operative settings and/or conditions of the ADL. The display may include a number of indicators, an alpha-numeric display, a heads-up display or other display. The display may include discrete indicators in the peripheral field of view of one eye of a user a controllable. The invention also includes methods of using a remote control for an ADL and of making an ADL to provide for future use of a wireless remote control.

Abstract: A control for an auto-darkening lens or other optical device monitors light incident on the viewing area or in relatively close proximity to the viewing area of the lens to provide accurate light sensing and to avoid inadvertent blocking of light to one or more light sensors. Reflectors, prisms, prism strips and the like may be used to direct light to the sensor(s). A method for detecting light incident on an auto-darkening lens and a method for controlling an auto-darkening lens direct light from the viewing area of an auto-darkening lens or from relatively close proximity to the viewing area to one or more sensors to detect such light and, accordingly, to control operation of the auto-darkening lens.

Abstract: A control for a controllable optical device, such as an auto-darkening lens (ADL), such as used in welding helmets, respirators, or other device, includes a sensor sensing the direction of incident light and a control circuit responsive to incident direction information to provide for control of the optical device. Based on at least one of incident direction of light and light intensity a the shade characteristics of the ADL or the like can be controlled and maintained while a person wearing the ADL may move the head to different orientations. Several fixed photosensor arrangements and dynamic systems may be used to sense incident light direction and whether the incident light is a point source. A method of detecting direction of incident light and whether the incident light is from a point source, and of controlling an ADL or the like based on direction and/or intensity of incident light.

Abstract: A system for detecting eye closure through optical observation of the eye includes a frame configured to be worn on a user, a light source, and at least one eyepiece connected to the frame. The eyepiece has a reflective surface on a side facing the user's eye when the frame is positioned on the user and the reflective surface of the eyepiece is configured for reflecting light emitted from the light source onto the eye. A sensor is connected to the frame and is operable to detect light reflected by the eye in a direction that is substantially parallel to the light incident on a retina of the eye to detect that the eye is in an open position.

Abstract: An indicator system and method for an auto-darkening lens or other device that is intended to be placed relatively close to the face of a wearer includes one or more indicators adjacent the lens and generally provides the indicators in the peripheral field of view of the wearer, allowing the indicators to be discerned without having to focus eye vision on them and while allowing the wearer to direct eye focus on a work piece or the like.

Abstract: A multi-stage control for an auto-darkening lens includes a first detector to detect initiation of welding and a second detector to detect continuation of welding after welding has been initiated. The first detector has relatively low sensitivity and fast response time; and the second detector has relatively high sensitivity that can be altered as may be necessary, relatively slow response time to allow opportunity to determine whether welding is continuing as inputs indicative of welding, and adaptive filtering to filter ambient effects and the like from such inputs to avoid false detection of welding.