Abstract: The present invention creates a virtual sensor plane by arraying two one-dimensional light sensors at right angles to one another wherein the shaft of a joystick extends perpendicularly through the virtual sensor plane. With this configuration, the sensor plane can detect traditional joystick rotation around a point along its axis as well as a herein-disclosed true rotation of the joystick around the joystick axis itself. Between the light sources and lenses which enable light detection and the optical, rather than mechanical or electromechanical, nature of the light sensors, wear surfaces in the joystick are minimized or eliminated everywhere except, where applicable, in the universal joint at the base of joystick configurations which include such a universal joint.

Abstract: A backlit display allowing one or more colors to be properly illuminated. Included in the backlit display is a light source that emits light upon a backside of a substrate. A selectively applied opaque layer prevents light from a light source from passing through at least one selected portion of said substrate. Incorporated into the substrate is one or more fluorescing materials to diffuse the light and/or change the color of the light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: The invention adjusts the spectral characteristics of a light emitting diode (LEDs) by placing a filter in the LEDs light emission path. The filter is printed on the lens of the LED or printed on a cap that is later attached to the LED via ink jet printing or another printing method. The specific ink colors selected for the filter depend on the deviation of each LED from a specified tolerance. The filters create a high degree of color and intensity uniformity without requiring labor and cost-intensive binning.