Abstract: An instrument display for a vehicle dash includes a unique light source and light guide assembly. The light source is incorporated directly into the light guide. A non-contact magnetic coupling transfers power from a circuit board to the light source. A textured surface is formed on one portion of the external surface of the light guide to evenly illuminate the light guide. Also, surface roughness on an opposing external surface portion of the light guide is varied depending on the length of the light guide to provide similar luminance for light guides having different lengths.

Abstract: In the illumination device of the invention, an LED is oppose to a side surface of a flat light guide member. A light shield surface for shielding light from the LED and emitted toward the backside of the guide member in vicinity of the LED on the backside of the light guide member.

Abstract: An automotive instrument includes a light transmission controller and a mode selecting switch. The controller controls light transmission of a light-controllable film according to a selected position of the mode selecting switch. The mode selecting switch has three positions: two manual mode positions and an automatic mode position. The manual mode positions are provided for adjusting the light transmission to a fixed level. The automatic mode position is provided for controlling the light transmission so that a dial plate maintains a predetermined level of visibility. The dial plate can be switched between different appearances. This switching can be performed during the vehicle is in operation based on the driver's preference.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating apparatus capable of carrying out an illumination operation excellently by guiding the light from light sources to an illuminating member efficiently, and having a low price. The illuminating apparatus is provided with a pointer 2 adapted to be turned around a rotary shaft 1, a dial 3 positioned on a rear side of the pointer 2 and constituting a display member to be transmission illuminated, light-emitting diodes 6 positioned on a rear side of the dial 3 and in the vicinity of the rotary shaft 1 and constituting light sources for illuminating index portions 13 of the dial 3, a case 20 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and constituting a reflector provided with a reflecting portion 30, and a light guide member 19 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and adapted to guide the light from the light-emitting diodes 6 to the rear side of the dial 3.

Abstract: An illuminated device comprises a light source and an illumination plate, having a first face and a second face, separated by edges, and a diffusion cover, having an inner surface. The diffusion cover overlies the illumination plate and is shaped to form an enclosure defined by the inner surface and the first face. The light source delivers light into the illumination plate via the edges. The light undergoes scattering or primary diffusion within the plate, before emerging from the first face at shallow angles, into the enclosure. A reflective layer prevents light emerging from the second face. Within the enclosure, the light undergoes secondary diffusion to provide uniform illumination of the cover and a color, graphic or message superposed thereon.

Abstract: A meter unit includes pointer light sources, main mark light sources, and sub-mark light sources. The pointer light sources, the main mark light source, and the sub-mark light sources are turned on with time lags after an ignition (IG) switch is turned to an ON position. Therefore, pointers, main marks, sub-marks of the meter unit are illuminated with time lags. This makes outlines of the pointers, the main marks, and the sub-marks sharp. As a result, not only the pointers but also the marks and the sub-marks of the meter unit outstand from each other.

Abstract: An illuminated electric part includes a manipulating shaft which is rotatable and is stable at least at two points. The manipulating shaft is light-transmissive and includes a pictograph portion which is illuminated at a top portion thereof. The illuminated electric part includes a light emitting element which is arranged at a side of the manipulating shaft. The manipulating shaft includes side faces which constitute light incident faces in directions orthogonal to an optical path from the light emitting element at respective stable points and, at the same time, includes a conical light reflecting face having a downwardly extending top at a side opposite to the incident faces.

Abstract: A tubular electro-luminescent light includes an inner member around which an electro-luminescent panel having electrodes is coiled, and at least one additional wire connected between ends of the light for carrying electric signals related to the function of an external device. The external device may be an audio, video, or communications device, or a power supply for a household appliance or the like, and the electric signals carried by the additional wire, or sensors, may be used to trigger the light. For example, the external device may connect an ear-phone set of a cellular telephone, the device being arranged in a loop to be worn around a body part of the user, a handbag, or the like, and the light being triggered by electric signals indicative of an incoming telephone call.

Abstract: A cylinder is formed around a pointer shaft below a dial plate. A shade is projecting from an outer wall of a cylinder. The shade prevents inner figures on the dial plate from being illuminated by direct light from a light source at a back side of the dial plate. According to this structure, the inner figures and outer figures on the dial plate are illuminated uniformly.

Abstract: A display device includes having a display unit which comprises a scale with graphic information and an indicator element which can be aligned as a function of at least one input parameter with a position of the scale. In order to ensure a better readability particularly in the case of small display devices, the display of the graphic information is changed in an area around the momentary position of the indicator element in comparison to a normal display.

Abstract: A display device having an indicator interposed between two light controlling elements. The light controlling elements act in cooperation to restrict the viewing angle of the display in at least two directions. Only one of the light collimating elements restricts the angle of ambient light entering the display.

Abstract: An indicator having a character plate capable of making indicative characters emit light is provided, wherein a metal character plate 30 is provided with cut-out portions 30a being cut out along the peripheries of respective indicative characters, a back light source emits light on the back of the metal character plate 30, and a light-transmissive plate 40 are provided with projecting portions 40a to fit in cutout portions 30a of the metal character plate 30.

Abstract: An illumination structure includes an operation button having a front face on which is formed an identifying indication of ‘AUTO’ made by exposing an opalescent synthetic resin to easily penetrate light and the other parts are painted in black. It also includes an illuminating part provided on a back of the operation button, which illuminates a back of the identifying indication, and plural protrusions in a shape of ribs that regulate an intensity of light penetrating through the identifying indication. In this structure, the plural protrusions obstruct and diffuse the light beams that advance from the illuminating part toward the back of the identifying indication, thereby achieving uniform emission of the light beams from the whole identifying indication. Further in the manufacturing process of the operation button, contraction of a front face of the operation button accompanied with coagulation of the synthetic resin is dispersed by the plural protrusions.

Abstract: An apparatus for visual illumination comprised of a display surface, including a phosphor material. At least one light emitting semi-conductor device is (LED) positioned to radiate the phosphor material. The LED emits electromagnetic radiation in a range which excites the phosphor material.

Abstract: A light guiding plate guides light from a light source and irradiates the light onto a display portion. The light guiding plate has an incidence plane, which permits light to enter the light guiding plate, an opposite and plane opposite to the incidence plane an exit plane facing the display portion, and a reflection-exit plane opposite to the exit plane. A plurality of grooves are formed on the reflection exit plane. In any adjacent pair of the grooves, the depth of the groove closer to the opposite end plane is equal to or greater than the depth of the groove closer to the incidence plane. The depth of the grooves substantially increase from the incidence plane toward the opposite end plane. This improves the uniformity of brightness distribution.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: A pointer type indicator having a dial plate (30) with indexes corresponding to measured values and a pointer (10) for pointing to respective indexes of the dial plate (30). The pointer (10) includes a pointing portion (103) to be illuminated by light emitted from a pointer light source (102), and light guides (103d, 101d, 101e, 104) for guiding a part of light emitted from the pointer light source (103) to illuminate a limited area of the dial plate (30) behind the pointing portion (103).

Abstract: An indicator knob assembly 10 is provided including a translucent base 26 including an outer surface 14 having an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 24, a halo section 40 located on the lower portion24, an appliqué element 28 mounted on the translucent base 26, and an opaque over mold 30 mounted on the appliqué element 28 and covering a portion of the outer surface 14 not including the halo section 40.

Abstract: An instrument cluster for communicating a vehicle's operating status to a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a housing for supporting the instrument cluster. The housing is mountable to a vehicle instrument panel. A circuit board is secured to the housing. A motor having a motor shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor and the motor is secured to the circuit board. A gauge pointer is mounted on the motor shaft and rotatable therewith for indicating the vehicle's operating status. At least one diode is provided for illuminating the gauge pointer and at least one diode “footprint” is disposed on the circuit board proximate the motor shaft for electrically interconnecting the at least one diode to the circuit board. The at least one diode “footprint” has a cathode solder pad and an anode solder pad. The anode solder pad is substantially rectangular and the cathode solder pad is substantially L-shaped.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for providing liquid crystal display enhanced brightness of light with a lower consumption of electricity includes a light guide plate having brightness enhancing recesses formed on a bottom surface and light collecting grooves formed on an upper surface. The brightness enhancing recesses efficiently reflect the light having different directions and the light collecting grooves collects the light reflected by the brightness enhancing recesses.

Abstract: An optical light guide member according to the present invention includes a tubular portion in which an annular light incident end surface for entering light is formed on a one end thereof, a funnel-shaped expanded section having a one end side thereof continuously extending to the other end of the tubular portion, a flat section which has on a front side thereof a light exit surface extending along a flat plane intersecting an axis of the tubular portion, and which extends continuously to the one end side of the funnel-shaped expanded section, and a plurality of light deflection elements formed at least on the back side of the flat section each for altering the traveling direction of the light. An incident light on the tubular portion from the light incident end surface is emitted with a uniform intensity distribution from the light exit end surface.

Abstract: A keypad illuminating system for a data processing device includes a keypad, a light source, and a photoluminescent substance. The light source is adapted to be mounted on the data processing device for illuminating the keypad. The photoluminescent substance is associated with the keypad for emitting visible light in response to the light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: A luminescent indicator has an LED that has a light emitting element and plane-radiates light in a direction nearly vertical to the optical axis of the light emitting element, and a light-guiding member in which at least the one LED is incorporated at a predetermined position. The light-guiding member has a light reflection surface that reflects light to be plane-radiated from the LED and that allows the reflected light to be radiated in a desired direction, and a light radiation surface that allows direct light to be directly emitted from the LED and the reflected light to be externally radiated the light radiation surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for back-lit illumination of key designation characters in a keypad has a plurality of individual translucent key cores arranged in a planar pattern, with a base membrane disposed between key cores and fitting around each key at least the outer ends of the key cores except for the key designation characters. An elastomeric, electroluminescent lamp (EEL) is held in assembly between the inner ends of the key cores and a domed switch panel, so as to illuminate the designation characters when activated and deform locally when a key is depressed.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a light guiding member that projects light, incident on an end face thereof, through a principal plane; and a plurality of light emitting diodes that are optically coupled with the end face. The light guiding member has a protruding surface formed in part of the end face thereof and comprises a first light introducing portion that is formed on the protruding surface and is optically coupled to a first light emitting diode, and a second light introducing portion that is optically coupled to a second light emitting diode and is formed on the rest of the end face. The first and second light emitting diodes are capable of emitting color-blended light having two or more peaks in the spectrum.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus comprises a light source, a hollow hollow module, and a rectangular lens. The hollow module has a concave, a opening, and an inner reflective surface. The light source is disposed in the concave. The rectangular lens with a semi-translucent incident surface and a display surface is seated in the opening. Light rays emitted from the light source are reflected by the inner surface. Subsequently, the light rays enter the incident surface and exit the lens through the display surface.

Abstract: An instrument gauge display for a vehicle dash includes a transparent dial having an upper surface partially covered by black paint and a lower surface covered with white paint. Uncovered areas on the upper surface define a plurality of graphical images that indicate a vehicle operating condition. A light guide, supported within a light housing, is positioned underneath the dial. The light housing and at least one light source is mounted to a printed circuit board, which is supported underneath the light guide by a vehicle structure. The light guide includes a plurality of scattering elements that are positioned generally underneath each of the graphical areas on the dial. The light source cooperates with the light guide and scattering elements to improve the light efficiency.

Abstract: A dial plate includes a substrate having a curve with an opening formed at the center; and an indicating member attached onto the curve of the substrate. The indicating member is a planar ring-shaped transparent resin film having an indicating portion with a scale consisting of characters and symbols and a recess portion formed partially. In this configuration, the dial plate can provide a new shape with a scale indication with a sense of depth. A meter including such a dial plate can be also provided.

Abstract: An electroluminescent clock is disclosed, wherein light emitting dots are installed on the back side of a transparent plate and ring around and beneath luminous markers, whereby when the light emitting dots are enabled, the luminous markers can be presented with uniform lighting to allow a user to see the clock time in the darkness and even from a distance. The night light feature is further enhanced by a special design that creates a soft visual effect on the dial of the clock for easy recognition of clock time.

Abstract: A structure for illuminating a pointer of a meter, including a light translucent pointer including a pointer body having a base provided with a light emitting surface, and a cover cap member provided on said light emitting surface of the base, the pointer body including a reflective/refractive plane provided in said base, the reflective/refractive surface reflecting a portion of illumination light introduced in the base to go longitudinally of the pointer body and transmitting another portion of the illumination light to go toward the light emitting surface, the cover cap member having a light translucent layer and a light shielding layer disposed inside the light translucent layer, the light shielding layer having an opening passing through the another portion of the illumination light transmitting the reflective/refractive plane.

Abstract: A cylinder is formed around a pointer shaft below a dial plate. A shade is projecting from an outer wall of a cylinder. The shade prevents inner figures on the dial plate from being illuminated by direct light from a light source at a back side of the dial plate. According to this structure, the inner figures and outer figures on the dial plate are illuminated uniformly.

Abstract: The invention proposes an indicator light, in particular for a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a central optical axis oriented from rear to front, a light source on this optical axis, and a solid optical piece, of the type in which the optical piece comprises an input surface and an output surface,

Abstract: An ultraviolet ray-emitting element is provided in a frame-like member disposed between an apparatus module and an apparatus case by corresponding to a peripheral portion of a protective glass. A light in an ultraviolet range from the ultraviolet ray-emitting element is irradiated between the module and the protective glass. A luminescent layer to which an ultraviolet ray is irradiated emits a light.

Abstract: A meter apparatus and a character plate thereof is provided. A vehicle-use combination meter 1 as a meter apparatus has a casing 3, a speedometer 4a, an inside-cover plate 10, and a bulb 15. The speedometer 4a has a movement 7a accommodated in the casing 3, a pointer 12a attached to an output shaft 8a of the movement 7a, and a vehicle speed indication character plate 6a. The vehicle speed indication character plate 6a as a character plate of the meter apparatus has a circular plate member 20 and a ring-like framing member 21. A numerical scale 9b is formed on the surface 20a of the plate member 20. A morning sun expression 26 is provided on the surface 20a of the plate member 20. A peripheral scale 9a is formed on a second surface 21a of the framing member 21. A metal layer 31 is overlaid on the second surface 21a of the framing member 21. Grooves 32 are formed on the metal layer 31. The inside-cover plate 10 is attached to the casing 3. The bulb 15 is attached to the inside-cover plate 10.

Abstract: The instrument panel (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one liquid crystal display (11), is characterized in that said display (11) is of the positive transparent type, and in that its rear face, with respect to the position of the driver, is illuminated by daylight. In particular, it is mounted on the dashboard (2) projecting therefrom, said rear face being illuminated by the light from the windshield of the vehicle. The instrument panel also comprises a means of illumination for use by night.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly for use in a vehicle, the instrument cluster assembly including a semiconductor for emitting black light, an instrument cluster display, a plurality of graphic features located on the instrument cluster display, the graphic features being illuminable by black light, where the graphic features become illuminated when contacted by the black light the semiconductor.

Abstract: An instrument cluster for communicating a vehicle's operating status to a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a housing for supporting the instrument cluster. The housing is mountable to a vehicle instrument panel. A circuit board is secured to the housing. A motor having a motor shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor and the motor is secured to the circuit board. A gauge pointer is mounted on the motor shaft and rotatable therewith for indicating the vehicle's operating status. At least one diode is provided for illuminating the gauge pointer and at least one diode “footprint” is disposed on the circuit board proximate the motor shaft for electrically interconnecting the at least one diode to the circuit board. The at least one diode “footprint” has a cathode solder pad and an anode solder pad. The anode solder pad is substantially rectangular and the cathode solder pad is substantially L-shaped.

Abstract: A point light source is converted into a plane light source having a satisfactory uniformity. The point light source is converted into a line light source by means of a linear light guiding plate, and further into the plane light source by means of a plane-like light guiding plate. Light from the point light source is reflected at a lamp reflector to be incident on at least two side surfaces of the plane-like light guiding plate.

Abstract: Gauge face lighting includes an illuminative device disposed on top of a gauge face with mechanical meters; the device features on that the illuminative device is composed by a circular light guiding loop and a plurality of grooves. A plurality of light-emitting diode is disposed inside the grooves respectively. Thus the homogeneous light emits circularly from the light guiding loop for better lighting on the surface of the gauge face with mechanical meters.

Abstract: A rotary electric component capable of reliably preventing light leakage due to the looseness of a faceplate over a long period of time is provided. In the rotary electric component, an annular thin faceplate 3 disposed around a rotary knob 2 is provided with a display portion 3a illuminated through a light guiding member 5 (an outer ring portion 5b) from the rear surface side thereof, an inner circumferential portion and an outer circumferential portion of the rear surface of the faceplate 3 are bonded and fixed to a holder 4, and the rotary knob 2 and the display portion 3a is assembled in an cutout 11 of a front panel 10 in an exposed state.

Abstract: A combined magnifier/lighting apparatus for hand held video games utilizes a directional light source and an angularly adjustable flat reflective surface disposed opposite the directional source in a frame spaced from the display screen of the hand held device. The use of a directional light source and the adjustable flat reflective material provides an increased and more diffused lighting effect while eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: A display apparatus adapted to be mounted on an audio/video player or the like comprises a housing having a window. A backlight unit having a plate mounted in said housing and made of transparent materials which has a front surface and a back surface, and a plurality of reflecting pieces disposed on the back surface of said plate and being gradually enlarged by distance. A light set has a LED arranged beside the plate of the backlight unit nearby said the reflecting pieces of smaller sizes to emit light to the backlight unit and reflected by the reflecting pieces to the front surface of the plate. A screen is mounted in the housing and disposed in front of the front surface of the backlight unit corresponding in location to the window of the housing, the screen is capable of passing the light reflected by said backlight unit.

Abstract: An electroluminescent clock is disclosed, wherein light emitting dots are installed on the back side of a transparent plate and ring around and beneath luminous markers, whereby when the light emitting dots are enabled, the luminous markers can be presented with uniform lighting to allow a user to see the clock time in the darkness and even from a distance. The night light feature is further enhanced by a special design that creates a soft visual effect on the dial of the clock for easy recognition of clock time.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile handheld communications devices with a light emitting diode (LED) that outputs sufficient light to illuminate an area external to the case and a switch to control the LED. An LED that outputs sufficient light to illuminate an area external to the case can be added to any mobile handheld communications device, including pagers, telephone handsets, and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide an illumination apparatus for an optical instrument which is small in size, has great durability, and can be easily manufactured. The illumination apparatus for an optical instrument is characterized by comprising an illumination means outputting illumination light and an optical element which is positioned on the optical axis of the illumination light outputted from the illumination means and which is made of organic/inorganic composite material containing a component having a glass-transition temperature higher than 150° C. as its organic component.

Abstract: An instrument display for a vehicle dash includes a unique light source and light guide assembly. The light source is incorporated directly into the light guide. A non-contact magnetic coupling transfers power from a circuit board to the light source. A textured surface is formed on one portion of the external surface of the light guide to evenly illuminate the light guide. Also, surface roughness on an opposing external surface portion of the light guide is varied depending on the length of the light guide to provide similar luminance for light guides having different lengths.

Abstract: A lighted switch device includes one rotary knob (first operating knob); first to fourth push knobs (second operating knobs); a case; a switch element and a light-emitting diode (light source), which are accommodated in the case; and an annular light conductor for transmitting exiting light from the light-emitting diode to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary knob. Plate-shaped light-shielding members are disposed at the first and third push knobs, and recesses for inserting ends of the light-shielding members are formed in portions of the second and fourth push knobs opposing their respective light-shielding members.

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light transmitting front-electrodes forming plural lines by wiring and plural back-electrodes forming plural lines by further wiring. The front-electrodes are angled relative to the back-electrodes and a light-emitting layer is disposed between the front-electrodes and the back-electrodes. The EL element combined with a controller works as a lighting unit, which controls light emission at any place, so that a variety of lighting is realized by the lighting unit.

Abstract: It is proposed to divide a preferably stationary optical light guide into two regions by an annular slot into which an operating panel projects. The inner region is to be visible to a user and represents a corona, which has an illuminated night design. The outer region is covered by the panel and illuminates the scale that includes various symbols and surrounds the rotary knob.

Abstract: An apparatus and method sensing the absolute position of a gauge. A pointer having a predefined rotation with a circular travel pattern. At least one light emitting diode that generates an optical signal. An optical sensor placed in a fixed position along the circular travel pattern of the pointer. A pointer driver for driving the pointer.