Abstract: A wireless lighting device for vehicle accessories includes a signal transmitter and an encapsulated light board. The light board includes a unitary baseplate, a backlight module, a power module, and a top cover. The backlight module including a circuit board, light emitting elements, a transceiver, and a control module configured to turn the light emitting elements on and off according to the detected signal. The power module including a battery and a conductive strip configured to electrically connect the battery to the circuit board. The top cover configured to be irreversibly sealed to the baseplate with a customizable light permeable region covering the light elements. The transmitter configured to be installed on a door or a frame of a vehicle, and the light board configured to be installed in a vehicle accessory. The wireless lighting device having at least a ten year operational life without replacement of the batteries therein.

Abstract: A display device according to the disclosure includes a display unit including a plurality of electro-optical elements as display elements, luminance and transmittance of which are controlled by a current, a luminance measurement unit configured to measure luminance of the display elements of the display unit in a blocked state, and a correction value arithmetic operation unit configured to compensate a data signal provided to each of pixels of the display elements on the basis of a measurement result obtained by the luminance measurement unit. This enables accurate compensation in units of pixels.

Abstract: A lighting assembly is presented herein. The lighting assembly includes a receptacle terminal having a connection portion defining an aperture configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis and an attachment portion configured to attach the receptacle terminal to a wire, a terminal housing defining a first oval-shaped opening and an oval-shaped cavity in which the connection portion of the receptacle terminal is disposed, and a terminal housing cover defining a second oval-shaped opening attached to the terminal housing, thereby enclosing the connection portion. The connection portion is sized, shaped, and arranged within the cavity to be movable along a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corridor indicator lamp (1). The corridor indicator lamp (1) comprises a base assembly (12) which includes a plurality of compartments (4) and a plurality of separator walls (46). The compartments (4) are open towards a front side (14) of the corridor indicator lamp (1). The separator walls (46) separate at least some of the plurality of compartments (4). In order to improve visibility of the indicator lamp (1), an extension unit (54) is provided according to the invention. The extension unit (54) is configured to be mounted to the base assembly (12) and has a plurality of extension walls (58). An at least partly transparent cover (16) may be further provided, which is adapted to receive the extension unit (54).

Abstract: A control panel for a measuring device with a housing and a control and inspection window. The control panel includes at least one optical key that is operable through the control and inspection window using a finger. The optical key includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. The control panel is constructed such that it allows reliable and quick control even when the housing is open and the control panel is exposed. Specifically, the control panel has at least one corresponding finger-operable mechanical key in addition to the finger-operable optical key in order to reliably and quickly control the measuring device when a predefined control distance for the optical key is no longer ensured by the control and inspection window of the housing.

Abstract: An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device.

Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.

Abstract: A light signaling device including a tubular body having an outer surface to which LEDs are mechanically connected. An inner surface of the body defines a channel inside the tubular body and has a heat dissipation unit through which the heat generated by the LEDs is dissipated. The light signaling device also comprises a lower air conveyor mechanically connected to the lower edge of the tubular body, partially closing the lower opening of the inner channel of the tubular body and is provided with separate conveyance channels, each of which extended between an inlet section thereof and an outlet section thereof according to a trajectory which has at least one component radial with respect to the main extension axis. Each of the conveyance channels is in communication with the light signaling device exterior via the inlet section and with the lower opening of the inner channel via the outlet section.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a leak in at least one system component (2.1 through 2.n) and/or a state of a system component (2.1 through 2.n) of a system, at least one section of one or more system components (2.1 through 2.n) is monitored optically. Sound emissions occurring in or on at least one of the system components (2.1 through 2.n) are detected, analyzed and localized, wherein acoustically localized sound emission areas of the affected system component (2.1 through 2.n) are also optically detected and analyzed.

Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a display and a first light emitting diode associated with the display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically signal the display. The handheld user command tool may be also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication may provide data and/or commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator. The display may be integrated into the FCI. The FCI may be an overhead FCI.

Abstract: An indicator light includes a first ring shaped light and a second ring shaped light. The first ring shaped light is divided into two first curved lights. One of the first curved lights is configured to indicate a system status of an electronic device. The other one of the first curved lights is configured to indicate a connection status of a network of the electronic device. The second ring shaped light is configured to indicate a working status of at least one data storage device of the electronic device.

Abstract: A compact warning light employs LED lamps as a light source and has a lighthead configured for insertion into the reflector shells of a motor vehicle such as a sedan or SUV. The lighthead has a base and cover which define a sealed interior space surrounding the LED lamps. The base is constructed of heat conducting material and the LED lamps are secured to the base so that heat generated by the lamps is conducted away and dissipated by the base. The base may include a post for supporting a plurality of individually energized arrays of LED lamps. The cover may be optically clear, tinted or provided with facets or a surface texture.

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic apparatus includes an enclosure body defining an opening. The enclosure allows a panel member to cover over the opening from the outside of the enclosure body. One is allowed to design the panel member regardless of the shape of the opening. This results in a widened variety of design for the enclosure body, namely the enclosure for an electronic apparatus. The enclosure is thus allowed to enjoy an enhanced appearance.

Abstract: A user interface display system can include at least one user responsive element. The user responsive element can include an optical mechanism. A pulsed light source can produce a light beam. Apparatus are provided for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across the activity field. A controller can be arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the user responsive element. The controller can also be programed to act upon a signal regarding the status of the element. A photo detector can send the signal to the controller. The optical mechanism acts upon the light beam differently based upon the status of the user responsive element.

Abstract: A communication system wherein a wireless communication device optically receives an image of a location, processes the image to obtain image data, and transmits the image data and wireless communication device user information to a communication network as a control request. A server receives the control request and processes the image data and user information to determine the location. The server then processes the location to determine contact information for an authorizing party and transfers an authorization request to the authorizing party. If the server receives authorization from the authorizing party, then the server transfers a control interface to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device receives a control instruction responsive to the control interface and transfers a control message to the server. The server receives the control message and transfers the control message to a control system at the location. The control system implements the control instruction.

Abstract: A consumer electronic device (CED) having a display and including at least one light sensor for recalibrating the display at intervals, wherein the display and the at least one light sensor are mounted within different parts of a unitary housing such that when the CED is not in use the light sensor is able to monitor light from the display. Preferably, the different parts of the unitary housing comprise two hinged parts, one mounting the display, the other at least a light sensing portion of the sensor.

Abstract: A device for providing a representation of the presence state of a remote party, the device being responsive, when the presence state of a remote party changes, to move from a first mechanical configuration to a second mechanical configuration, the device preferably comprising a puppet portion in the form of a humanoid which can be moved between a standing and another position.

Abstract: A high visibility emergency signaling device includes a base configured to be secured to an external support raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam, and power supply means for such light-emitting means. Optical means are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space and/or on the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.

Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a display and a first light emitting diode associated with the display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator. The display may be remote or integrated into the FCI.

Abstract: The meter has a back light illuminating with a predetermined color, a display portion disposed in font of the back light and being changeable between a positive mode and a negative mode at a predetermined state, and a reverse control device determining whether an engine of a vehicle is in an initial starting step or the vehicle is in a running state. The control device reverses the display portion in response to a result of the determination. The control device changes the display portion from one of the positive and negative modes to the other at a lower speed when the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step than when the control device determines that the vehicle is in a running state. When the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step, the control device changes the display portion in one of the positive and negative modes from a neutral contrast state.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing a serial enclosure management interface is disclosed. In one embodiment, the LED indicators for a storage device in an external enclosure are managed. First, a set of bit patterns for driving the LED indicators is repeatedly placed on a serial bus that is connected to an external enclosure for transmission by varying the states of the serial bus. This process continues until a change to this set of bit patterns is detected. In one embodiment, the change is captured in a memory mapped register, which is typically accessible by a storage device controller. The detected change prompts accesses to a virtualized register, which generally resides in system memory, to generate a different set of bit patterns to place on the serial bus.

Abstract: A children's potty alarm is disclosed. The children's potty alarm includes a base. A simulated bedroom/bathroom setting which may include a dancing bear or other character is provided on the base. A microprocessor is provided in the base. A speaker is connected to the microprocessor and provided on the base and broadcasts motivational sentences, phrases and/or songs sounds from the speaker upon activation of the alarm to awaken and motivate a child to use a bathroom at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.

Abstract: An LED backlight module includes a substrate. An LED array, composed of a plurality of red, blue and green lamp LEDs, is mounted on the substrate. A light-mixing chamber is mounted on the substrate and is used to seal the LED array inside. A diffusion sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the substrate. A first prism sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the diffusion sheet. A second prism sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the first prism sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.

Abstract: A lighting device (1) includes one or more diode light sources (32), which are configured to emit light into the peripheral edges of a light guide (20). The light guide (20) includes a set of diffusing elements (22) for scattering the emitted light in a plurality of directions out of the front surface of the light guide (20). The diffusing elements (22) are distributed on the light guide (20) so that the scattered light achieves a particular characteristic, e.g., improved uniformity.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror comprises a carrier plate, an electronic component unit mounted on one face of the carrier plate, and a mirror mounted on the other face of the carrier plate. A protective housing is supported by the carrier plate, the housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit and carrier plate. A support bracket assembly extends from the carrier plate through the housing to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit preferably includes a card reader having a card slot exposed by the housing. In another embodiment, an RF antenna is connected to circuitry included in the electronic component, the antenna preferably being mounted in the support bracket assembly. In yet another embodiment, a visual display is provided for displaying information provided by the electronic component unit.

Abstract: An optical interface using indicator lights is provided for an appliance having a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) by mounting the indicator lights behind a VFD. In a VFD having a dark background, apertures are formed in the VFD so the indicator lights are enabled for optical communication through the VFD. Preferably, the apertures are formed in the dark layer covering a glass substrate in the VFD so the dark layer helps absorb reflected light that may cause optical noise in the light signals being communicated. Each aperture may be located equidistantly from a group of four pixels in the VFD.

Abstract: An apparatus for a model toy train includes a circuit configured to supply an output signal to energize at least one stationary light to simulate a light having movement like a mars unit light display.

Abstract: An hour meter having a display that provides a visual indication of a total time an engine has operated and a visual indication of engine operation time remaining in a predetermined service time interval. A plurality of segments on the display are selectively displayed in a first optical state or a second optical state. A display drive displays the segments in the first optical state at a beginning of a predetermined service interval. The drive changes the optical state of a first segment from the first optical state to the second optical state when a given portion of the predetermined service time interval has elapsed. The drive incrementally changes the state of a remainder of the plurality of segments from the first optical state to said second optical state as additional portions of the predetermined service time interval elapse to graphically display the amount of engine operation time remaining in the predetermined service time interval.

Abstract: A cargo management system is described in which a host computer system determines rejected freight shipment items and non-rejected freight shipment items based on one or more configurable parameters. A user interface module executing on a network interface computer of the cargo management system presents a user interface that includes a user-selectable debug option. During normal operation, i.e., when the debug option is not activated, the user interface module displays only the non-rejected freight shipment items. When the debug option is activated, however, the user interface module displays the rejected freight shipment items in addition to the non-rejected freight shipment items.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller for controlling operation of an appliance, an indicator light coupled to the controller to provide a visible indication of an operator selection in response to the controller energizing the indicator light, and a driver coupled to the controller and the indicator light so that the controller may communicate data through the indicator light by controlling the driver. The indicator light may be a light emitting diode or a segment of an alphanumeric display of an appliance control panel. A detector LED may also be coupled to the controller so the controller may receive data from an external device that communicates by flashing light on the detector LED. A terminal for communicating with the appliance may include a detector LED and a conductor that couples the detector LED to a diagnostic tool. The detector LED may receive data from an optical transmitter of the appliance control panel.

Abstract: An indicator equipped with a polarized light splitter, which passes and reflects an un-polarized light irradiated from a light source and divides the polarized light into a p-polarized light whose oscillation direction of an electric field is parallel to an incidence plane and an s-polarized light whose oscillation direction of an electric field is perpendicular to the incidence plane. In this indicator, at least one of the p-polarized light and s-polarized light is emitted from the polarized light splitter as a horizontal polarized light whose oscillation direction of an electric field is substantially parallel to a ground.

Abstract: Battery powered LEDs operated at a small fraction of their rated capacity to provide a level of illumination useful as a marker for darkness adjusted vision. Long battery life is achieved using super bright, broad spectrum LEDs.

Abstract: Various methods are disclosed relating to optical emanations from a light source or a first optical device that is intended to display a state of a serial data stream that crosses an interface that is associated with an information processing device. In one embodiment, the first optical device is modulated in a manner so as to not replicate the data signal being provided to and/or transmitted from the information processing device. In another embodiment, the optical emanations from the first optical device are monitored so as to be able to recover the data that is being transmitted to the information processing device in the form of a first data signal. In yet another embodiment, the cumulative optical output of a plurality of first optical devices associated with a plurality of information processing devices is monitored and evaluated in the form of a cumulative signal so as to decode each of the various individual data signals.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an appliance control panel and a controller. The appliance control panel is disposed on an appliance. The appliance control panel has first and second optical communication devices that are in communication with an external surface of the appliance control panel. The controller is secured within the appliance. The controller is operably connected to the first and second communication devices to provide communication signals thereto, the communication signals including diagnostic information.

Abstract: A display monitor is provided for a multi-optical-path photoelectric safety apparatus including a plurality of multi-optical-path photoelectric sensor units. The user can determine whether a special function such as blanking is set for each optical path in a group which comprises a plurality of indicator lamps placed in a row along a longitudinal direction. The user can check the light incidence/light block status for each optical path on an indicator lamp group. The display monitor includes the plurality of indicator lamps placed in a row in the longitudinal direction. First and second switches allow the user to select the unit and the optical path to be shown on the two indicator lamp groups.

Abstract: An alphanumeric and graphic symbol display device in which an LED array is rotated and controlled to project a display onto a translucent surface. The electrical power for the array is provided by way of a rotating contactless transformer independently of the control data for the array which is provided by infrared data transmission through a tubular shaft driven by a DC brushless, three-phase motor to rotate the array at a predetermined rate independent of the electrical power for the array and the control data.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for generating an image on an image surface with N×M image elements which can be illuminated individually, comprising a plurality of semiconductor radiation sources, each of which generates radiation with at least one color, an optical imaging means with a beam guidance, by means of which a plurality of image elements can be illuminated with each of the semiconductor radiation sources, with which it is possible to generate an image on an image surface in as simple a manner as possible using radiation sources, it is suggested that the image surface (12) be divided into a plurality of continuous image surface sections (14), each comprising a two-dimensional ensemble of image elements (16), that an illumination unit (20, 220, 320) be associated with each of the image surface sections (14) and that each illumination unit (20, 220, 320) have at least one semiconductor radiation source (30) and at least one optical imaging means (40, 240, 340) of its own associated with this illum

Abstract: Battery powered LEDs operated at a small fraction of their rated capacity to provide a level of illumination useful as a marker for darkness adjusted vision. Long battery life is achieved using super bright, broad spectrum LEDs.

Abstract: In an electronic device having a housing containing electronic components and a front part connected to the housing and having control elements, the connections between the electronic components and the control elements are made using a first transmitter and a second receiver on the front part respectively aligned with a second receiver and a second transmitter on the housing. This arrangement obviates the need for mechanical connections which are susceptible to faults between the housing and the front part.

Abstract: In the vehicle surrounding viewing system 1A, the light shielding member 27, that is coated on the areas other than the effective area of the surface of the prism 4 provided in the case 3, can transmit only the ray of light 18L, that enters into the transmit window 2L of the case 3, then passes through the prism side surface 8L, and then internally reflects at the prism side surface 8R, and subsequently is focused by the focusing lens 9 to be guided to the left half plane 10L of the image pick-up plane of the image pick-up element 10, and also the ray of light 18R, that enters into the transmit window 2R of the case 3, then passes through the prism side surface 8R, and then internally reflects at the prism side surface 8L, and subsequently is focused by the focusing lens 9 to be guided to the right half plane 10R of the image pick-up plane of the image pick-up element 10.

Abstract: A solid state traffic control signal adapted to facilitate light alignment and viewing angles during installation. The traffic control signal includes a video camera or a detachable optical sighting system with a grid representing the various viewing angles of individual LED's for quick alignment and viewing angle programming. This system greatly reduces the amount of trial-and-error and multi-man requirements for installation.

Abstract: A signaling device includes a housing that may be releasably coupled to a fishing reel. The housing includes a transparent front wall defining an opening for receiving a fishing line of the reel therethrough. An incandescent light, battery, and light sensor are positioned within the housing. The light sensor permits current from the battery to energize the light when the level of ambient light is less than a predetermined level. A switch assembly is positioned in the housing and includes an arm pivotally mounted for teetering movement, the arm having a first arm with an eyelet through which the fishing line may extend and a second end adjacent to the battery. Changes in line tension at the first end causes the second end of the arm to move away from or toward the battery. Contact with the battery permits current to energize the light sensor and thus the light.

Abstract: An electrically steerable solid state light apparatus is ideally suited for traffic controls. There exist many applications where a driver wishes limited viewing angles of traffic signals for safety, one example being left hand turn arrows. Current state of the art for solid state traffic signals involves the use of a mechanical louver to block the light from the unintended traffic lanes. This approach reduces the intensity of the light and customization of the viewing angle available to the DOT (Department of Transportation).