Abstract: The disclosure describes asymmetric turning films (ATFs) that may be used in conjunction with multiple light sources in a liquid crystal display assembly to provide multiple different characteristic output distributions of light. In some examples, the ATFs include a structured surface defining a plurality of microstructures having two or more faces with each face configured to reflect light in different directions. The microstructure may define a microstructure axis and an angle gradient characterizing the rotation of the microstructure axis across the structured surface of the ATF.

Abstract: Displays having a viewing area are described. In particular, displays including a lightguide, a turning film, a liquid crystal module including two polarizers, and a diffuser disposed proximate the top polarizer are described. Light extracted from the lightguide and emitted through the viewing area is specularly transmitted between the planar side of the turning film and the bottom absorbing polarizer. Displays that may be useful as switchable displays are described.

Abstract: A robot for heat exchanger inspection is provided including a mobility system configured to move the robot in reference to the heat exchanger, a camera configured to capture image data including at least a portion of the heat exchanger, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive the image data from the camera, determine a plurality of heat exchanger characteristics in the image data, compare the heat exchanger characteristics to heat exchanger data, determine a current location and an orientation angle of the robot based on the comparison of the one or more heat exchanger characteristics to the heat exchanger data, identify the heat exchanger characteristic based on the current location, determine an orientation angle of the robot, and determine an end effector position based on the current location and the orientation angle.

Abstract: A light control film and display assemblies that includes such a film. The light control film including a substrate defining first and second major surfaces with the first major surface including a plurality louvers spanning in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a normal of the first major surface, and with the second major surface comprises a plurality of linear microstructures spanning in the first direction. In some examples, each louver of the plurality of louvers substantially aligns with a corresponding microstructure of the plurality of microstructures.

Abstract: An illuminated, multi-function cane for use by low-vision individuals is described and claimed. The device's various pulsating lights enable low-vision people to travel at night with assured confidence that they will be seen by drivers and cyclists from a safe distance exceeding one mile on a dark street! While at a high traffic lit city intersection the Lumi cane is very noticeable with its strobing rainbow lights 200 yards away, even with competition from other bright artificial lights. Even in dense fog Lumi's LED lights are visible at 40 to 75 yards distance.

Abstract: A lightguide having opposing first and second major surfaces where the first major surface includes a plurality of extended features and a plurality of discrete features is described. The lightguide has a viewable area having a length at least 100 times a thickness of the lightguide. The extended features extend in a first in-plane direction across at least 90 percent of the length L of the viewable area. The discrete features are spaced apart along the length and width of the viewable area. The discrete features may be disposed in spaces between the extended features. The discrete features may have faces extending between and connecting adjacent extended features.

Abstract: An illuminated, multi-function cane for use by low-vision individuals is described and claimed. The device's various pulsating lights enable low-vision people to travel at night with assured confidence that they will be seen by drivers and cyclists from a safe distance exceeding one mile on a dark street! While at a high traffic lit city intersection the Lumi cane is very noticeable with its strobing rainbow lights 200 yards away, even with competition from other bright artificial lights. Even in dense fog Lumi's LED lights are visible at 40 to 75 yards distance.

Abstract: A diffuser including opposing structured first and second major surfaces is described. The first major surface includes a first plurality of surface structures providing a uniform first haze. The second major surface includes a first portion adjacent an edge and a second portion adjacent the first portion. The first portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the second portion. The second major surface includes a second plurality of surface structures providing a uniform second haze over the second portion and providing a third haze in the first portion. The third haze in the first region is higher than the second haze, and the third haze in the second region is monotonically decreasing. The second portion has a surface area of at least 90 percent of a surface area of the second major surface.

Abstract: A lightguide having opposing first and second major surfaces where the first major surface includes a plurality of extended features and a plurality of discrete features is described. The lightguide has a viewable area having a length at least 100 times a thickness of the lightguide. The extended features extend in a first in-plane direction across at least 90 percent of the length L of the viewable area. The discrete features are spaced apart along the length and width of the viewable area. The discrete features may be disposed in spaces between the extended features. The discrete features may have faces extending between and connecting adjacent extended features.

Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.

Abstract: The disclosure describes asymmetric turning films (ATFs) that may be used in conjunction with multiple light sources in a liquid crystal display assembly to provide multiple different characteristic output distributions of light. In some examples, the ATFs include a structured surface defining a plurality of microstructures having two or more faces with each face configured to reflect light in different directions. The microstructure may define a microstructure axis and an angle gradient characterizing the rotation of the microstructure axis across the structured surface of the ATF.

Abstract: Displays (100) including switchable backlight (110, 200) and front surface films (120) are disclosed. Displays with switchable backlights (110) that use a front surface film (120) to reduce the visibility of a display outside an intended viewing area (112, 226) in ambient light are also disclosed. The switchable backlight (110, 200) has two different output modes with different viewing cones (112, 114; 226, 236) to limit visibility to different angular ranges.

Abstract: A computer workstation lift and tilt assembly for providing a stable platform to raise, lower, and tilt various computing device. Here, the assembly can include a base, a first column, wherein the first column is secured to the base, and a second column. The assembly can further include a mount, wherein the mount is secured to a top region of the second column and configured to pivot relative to the second column, a first main slide having a first sub slide, and a second main slide having a second sub slide. Here, the first main slide can be secured to one side of the first column and the second main slide is secured to an opposing side of the first column, wherein the first sub slide is secured to one side of the second column and the second sub slide is secured to an opposing side of the second column, and wherein the second column is adapted slide relative to the first column.

Abstract: A light control film and display assemblies that includes such a film. The light control film including a substrate defining first and second major surfaces with the first major surface including a plurality louvers spanning in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a normal of the first major surface, and with the second major surface comprises a plurality of linear microstructures spanning in the first direction. In some examples, each louver of the plurality of louvers substantially aligns with a corresponding microstructure of the plurality of microstructures.

Abstract: Optical system including a lightguide; a turning film, including a first smooth surface perpendicular to a display axis and a first structured surface including a plurality of first microstructures defining a first plurality of parallel grooves, where the turning film is optically coupled to the lightguide, where the turning film outputs light collimated in a first plane parallel to the display axis; and a lenticular diffuser, including a second smooth surface perpendicular to the display axis and a second structured surface comprising a plurality of second microstructures defining a second plurality of parallel grooves extending along a plane perpendicular to the display axis, where the lenticular diffuser is optically coupled to the turning film, where the lenticular diffuser reflects or refracts collimated light toward a second plane perpendicular to the first plane; where the first plurality of parallel grooves is perpendicular to the second plurality of parallel grooves.

Abstract: A spot noise generator includes a mask component, a polyphase synthesizer, a first signal channel and second signal channel. The mask component has a narrowband noise input, a desired frequency channels word input, a first channel output and a second channel output. The narrowband noise input signal is a digital narrowband noise signal sampled approximately at the Nyquist rate. The desired frequency channels word selects one of the group consisting of the first channel output, the second channel output and a combination of the first channel output and the second channel output. The polyphase synthesizer synthesizes the first channel output signal, synthesizes the second channel output signal and outputs a desired noise signal based on the synthesized first channel output signal and the synthesized second channel output signal.

Abstract: Backlights are disclosed. More particularly, temporally multiplexed backlights utilizing asymmetric turning films are disclosed. The disclosed backlights are capable of displaying a primary image to on-axis viewers while simultaneously providing a secondary image to off-axis viewers.

Abstract: A wall-mounted workstation support assembly that allows users of various heights to quickly, safely, and easily vertically adjust the height of one or more peripherals, monitors, keyboards, and various computing devices. In one aspect, the workstation support assembly includes an elongated track, a first mount having a first guide, wherein the first guide is configured to slide along the elongated track, and a lift and release member. Here, the lift and release member can further include a handle, a first bracket, and a friction member secured to the bracket, wherein the friction member is configured to engage the elongated track and prevent the first mount from sliding along the track.

Abstract: Optical systems are disclosed. More particularly, optical systems including an asymmetric turning film (110) with at least a first (120) and second light source (130) are disclosed. Selection of geometries for the asymmetric turning film can enable different output viewing angles depending on the selective illumination of the first light source, the second light source, or both. The optical systems disclosed may be suitable in both luminaires and displays.

Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.