Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling light into a light source in the form of a surface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source including a light diffuser. The apparatus also has a sheet having a first edge with the linear light source placed along the first edge. The linear light source diffuses light such that the light emanates in a predetermined pattern along the first edge of the sheet.

Abstract: A hidden touch pad structure adapted for an electronic product includes a touch pad and a plate covering the touch pad. The plate includes a pad-recognizing portion corresponding to the touch pad. A circuit board is electronically connected to the touch pad for receiving a pressure signal when pressing the pad-recognizing portion of the plate.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped lightguide member has a first surface (11A), which is divided into at least two areas. The sheet-shaped lightguide member has the first surface (11A) and a second surface (11B) that face each other and a peripheral edge surface (11C). The lightguide member receives light through at least a part of the peripheral edge surface, guides the light, and emits the guided light from the first surface (11A) serving as a light exit surface. The lightguide member is divided into the at least two light exit areas (14A, 14B) and has a light-blocking part (18) provided along a boundary between mutually adjacent light exit areas to block transmission of light between the adjacent light exit areas.

Abstract: Instrument cluster and pointing device for a car or other vehicle, the pointing device being mounted rotatable about a rotation axis and having a shaft element in the vicinity of the rotation axis, the pointing device further comprising at least one of a light guide element or a mirror element in the region of the shaft element and comprising one of an image forming element or an aperture, wherein the one of the image forming element or the aperture and the one of the light guide element or the mirror element are able to be rotated about the rotational axis with the shaft element, and wherein light incident to the shaft element is directed from the one of the light guide element or the mirror element to the image forming element or aperture and projecting to a visible surface.

Abstract: Fiber optic display systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a fiber optic display system can include a plurality of fiber optics. Output ends of the fiber optics can be spaced from one another and can be arranged in predetermined positions such that at least a portion of the output ends are positioned in a first plane and another portion of the output ends are positioned in a second plane. A light-transmissive material can contain the output ends. The output ends can terminate within the light-transmissive material and can be angled with respect to the light-transmissive material such that light transmitted within the fiber optics emits into the light-transmissive material. A light source can generate a plurality of light beams and selectively control input of the light beams into the input ends for transmission of light in the fiber optics such that an image is formed.

Abstract: A light guide includes a light guide substrate having a top surface through which light is to be emitted, a bottom surface, an incident edge surface through which incident light is to be introduced into the light guide substrate, and another edge surface. The another edge surface includes at least one micro structure operative to reflect at least a portion of the incident light, which travels through the light guide substrate and is incident on the another edge surface, back within the light guide substrate.

Abstract: A light guide with input and output faces 2, 3a is polar-symmetric about the first face 2 and has optical properties such that the angle at which a ray is injected into the first face determines the position at which it leaves the second face 3a, or, if operated in the reverse direction, the position at which the ray enters the second face determines the angle at which the ray leaves the second face. The light guide includes a tapered transparent sheet 3, light from the first face entering at the thick end of this sheet, and the second face forming one face of the tapered sheet. An input/output slab 4 adjoins the tapered sheet 3 for fan-out of light from the first face 2 to the tapered sheet, and a transition region 8 is located between flat and tapered sheets. The polar symmetry means that light rays always travel in line with the taper direction, which suppresses banding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pointer type measuring instrument of a novel look, in which an indication portion detours the outer circumference of a display portion and can be visually confirmed as if the indication portion is floating above the display portion. The pointer type measuring instrument (M) comprises a display means (1), a drive body (2) mounted on the back side of the display means (1), an arm portion (3) mounted on the output shaft (26) of the drive body (2) and detouring the outer circumference of the display means (1), an indicating portion (5) extending from the arm portion (3) toward the center of the display means (1) and indicating an indicator portion (4) disposed on the display means (1), and a first light source (7) mounted on the arm portion (3) or the indicating portion (5) and causing the indicating portion (5) to glow. The indicating portion (5) is provided with a light-guide portion (51) for guiding the light emitted from the light source (7), and a light-transmitting member (52).

Abstract: Described are a backlight, a backlight assembly for use in an electronic device and an electronic device configured to activate the backlight's first light source and to activate the backlight's second light source independently of one another. The described double-sided backlight may illuminate either the primary display or the secondary display. The disclosed backlight includes two light sources, each used to direct light in opposite directions from the double-sided backlight. The light guide of the backlight is configured to direct light from the first light source in a first direction to exit the light guide via its first face, and to direct light from the second light source in a second direction different from the first direction to exit the light guide via its second face.

Abstract: A liquid crystal module includes a liquid crystal panel and a back light unit. The back light unit has a rear frame, a light guide plate and a lamp reflector assembly. The lamp reflector assembly including a light source, a lamp reflector and a lamp socket. The lamp reflector has a front plate, a rear plate and a side plate with a tab. At least one of the front plate and the rear plate has a fixing hole. The lamp socket has a fixing protrusion that is fitted into the fixing hole of the lamp reflector, and a slit that receives the tab of the lamp reflector.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display equipped with a side edge backlight device, visualization of “a dot provided to a light guide plate” in the vicinity of the light source while keeping the luminance of the display screen. The shapes and the arrangement of the light diffusing dots (dots) provided to the principal surface of the light guide plate of the backlight device are made different between the area of the principal surface in the vicinity of the light source and the other areas, thereby adjusting the whiteness of the light guide plate in the vicinity of the light source. The plurality of dots formed in the vicinity of the light source are each composed of a first section for diffusing the light propagating the light guide plate, and a second section surrounded by the first section and less capable of diffusing the light, and are disposed in the vicinity of the light source in a zigzag manner.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode module is mounted on an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle for illuminating a scale plate of the instrument panel. The module is composed of a light-emitting diode and a holder for supporting the diode thereon. The holder includes a housing made of molded resin and conductor plates embedded in the housing. The light-emitting diode is mounted in a depressed portion formed in the housing, and the holder is mounted on a circuit board to supply electric power to the light-emitting diode through the conductor plates embedded in the housing. A front surface of the housing and a front surface of the light-emitting diode are made flush with each other so that a flat surface made by both front surfaces is positioned close to a rear surface of the scale plate.

Abstract: An illuminated control for a gas range or the like provides arcuate reflective chambers capped by diffusers to create a substantially continuous glowing circular sector indicating the status of a possibly low visibility gas flames. Line power may be used for direct drive of light emitting diodes illuminating the reflective chambers through the use of discrete series-connected voltage dropping resistors distributed to prevent heat concentration.

Abstract: A light production system and apparatus for adjusting the uniformity of light is provided. The apparatus comprises a light reducing portion, having an area less than that of an exit of an integrator, for reducing the brightness of a central area of light emitted from the exit. The apparatus further comprises a mounting portion for mounting the light reducing portion in general longitudinal alignment with a center of the exit, the mounting portion enabled to transmit the light emitted from the exit.

Abstract: A light guide plate including a transparent light guide substrate and a micro-structural reflective film is provided. The transparent light guide substrate has a light-emitting surface, a bottom surface opposite to the light-emitting surface, and at least one light incident surface connecting the light-emitting surface and the bottom surface. The micro-structural reflective film is disposed below the bottom surface of the transparent light guide substrate and includes a micro-structural layer and a reflective material layer. The micro-structural layer has a plurality of micro-structures, and the reflective material layer covers the micro-structures of the micro-structural layer. Only top ends of the micro-structures and the reflective material layer are laminated on the transparent light guide substrate, such that there is an air gap between the transparent light guide substrate and the micro-structural reflective film. Furthermore, a light-emitting apparatus having the light guide plate is also provided.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a compact light guide device and a light guide apparatus having high productivity and an even light emission property. A light guide device is made of a translucent material, and LED is disposed in a notch step portion formed by cutting at least a part of an inner peripheral surface, thereby guiding light from LED to emit the light to the outside. Particularly, in a surface and a backside of a sidewall portion of the notch step portion, the sidewall portion facing a light-emitting portion of the light-emitting element, at least an inward surface constitutes a reflecting surface diffusing the light, and a pair of facing surface adjacent to each other on both sides of the sidewall portion constitutes a light acceptance surface receiving the light reflected from the reflecting surface.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the color reproduction capability of a liquid crystal display backlight using white LEDs. A backlight of the present invention includes: a light guide plate 6; a light diffusing optical waveguide 3 disposed adjacent the light guide plate 6; a plurality of white LEDs 1 disposed on the light diffusing optical waveguide 3; and single color LEDs (red LEDs) 2 disposed on respective opposite sides of the light diffusing optical waveguide 3; wherein light from the white LEDs 1 passes through the light diffusing optical waveguide 3 and enters the light guide plate 6 through a side thereof, whereas light from the single color LEDs 2 is diffused by the light diffusing optical waveguide 3 before entering the light guide plate 6 through the same side thereof. Thus, the light diffusing optical waveguide 3 mixes light from the white LEDs 1 and single color LEDs 2, resulting in improved color reproduction capability of the backlight.

Abstract: This specification discloses a control panel structure of fitness equipment that includes a control board for controlling settings and display of the fitness equipment, a panel disposed above the control board, and a plurality of light-guiding elements disposed on the panel. The light-guiding elements are parallel to the panel. Each of the light-guiding elements has a hollow part with an opening on its one end. A light-emitting source is disposed inside the light-guiding element via the opening and electrically connected with the control board.

Abstract: A longitudinally-elongated, hand-held level includes a body having a reference surface, a longitudinally-extending corner adjacent the reference surface, and a plurality of bubble vials for indicating an orientation of the reference surface. One or more battery-powered lights (e.g., LEDs) create a longitudinally elongated light emitting region along the corner to illuminate a longitudinally-elongated area that is adjacent to the level for use in low-light environments. The light(s) may project light through a light guide and/or light diffuser(s) extending along the corner to disperse light along the longitudinal extent of the level. The light(s) may also illuminate the corner(s) of the level and/or the bubble vials to enhance use in low-light environments.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and a touch sensor mounted in the housing. The touch sensor further includes a translucent panel provided in a part of the housing, a printed circuit board which senses a touch on the translucent panel by a user, a light source mounted to the printed circuit board, which irradiates light towards the translucent panel, and a diffusion sheet provided between the translucent panel and the light source, which diffuses the light irradiated from the light source. The diffusion sheet further includes a first region formed transparent to directly transmit the light, and a second region frosted to diffuse the light towards an outer peripheral portion of the translucent panel. The second region is provided at a position corresponding to the light source, and the first region is provided to surround the second region.

Abstract: There is disclosed a timepiece (40) including optical means for forming a decorative pattern, in the form of a figurative image, in response to an action by the user. The optical means forming a figurative image include an optical guide (1, 51) having two large faces (10, 11) and at least one lateral face (12). Optical extractors (19) each having at least one light reflective surface (20) are arranged in at least one of the large faces (11). A light source (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) is arranged so as to emit light in the direction of the reflective surfaces (20), via the lateral face (12) of the optical guide. Thus, each of the reflective surfaces causes a reflected light beam to form in a well defined direction, the set of light beams forming a figurative image in that direction, which can typically be selected as the normal with respect to the mid-plane of the watch.

Abstract: There is disclosed a timepiece (40) including optical means for forming a decorative pattern, in the form of a figurative image, in response to an action by the user. The optical means forming a figurative image include an optical guide (1, 51) having two large faces (10, 11) and at least one lateral face (12). Optical extractors (19) each having at least one light reflective surface (20) are arranged in at least one of the large faces (11). A light source (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) is arranged so as to emit light in the direction of the reflective surfaces (20), via the lateral face (12) of the optical guide. Thus, each of the reflective surfaces causes a reflected light beam to form in a well defined direction, the set of light beams forming a figurative image in that direction, which can typically be selected as the normal with respect to the mid-plane of the watch.

Abstract: An enhanced color messaging instrument gauge assembly is disclosed having a lens with one or more surface interruptions. A lens covering an instrument cluster transmits colored light longitudinally from at least one light source near its edge. Light encountering the surface interruption causes the surface interruption to illuminate. In one embodiment, different colored light can be coordinated with activation of symbols on the instrument cluster to attract the attention of an operator to an abnormal operating condition or to reinforce other information being communicated to the operator on the instrument cluster.

Abstract: A light integration rod having a light input end and a light output end opposite to each other is provided. The light integration rod includes a first reflective plate, a second reflective plate, a third reflective plate and a fourth reflective plate. The second reflective plate is opposite to the first reflective plate. The third reflective plate and the fourth reflective plate connect the first reflective plate and the second reflective plate, and are disposed opposite to each other. A long side of the first reflective plate is not equal to a long side of the second reflective plate. A short side at the light output end of at least one of the first reflective plate and the second reflective plate is separate from a short side of the third reflective plate and a short side of the fourth reflective plate at the light output end.

Abstract: A light source, such as for a projection system, having a plurality of semiconductor chips and at least two different, electromagnetic-radiation-emitting chip types with different emission spectra, each semiconductor chip having a chip coupling-out area through which radiation is coupled out. Furthermore, the light source has a plurality of primary optical elements, each semiconductor chip being assigned a primary optical element, which in each case has a light input and a light output and reduces the divergence of at least part of the radiation emitted by the semiconductor chip during the operation thereof. The semiconductor chips with the primary optical elements are arranged in at least two groups that are spatially separate from one another, with the result that the groups emit separate light cones during operation of the semiconductor chips. The separate light cones of the groups are superposed by means of a secondary optical arrangement to form a common light cone.

Abstract: An illumination unit and an image projection apparatus employing the same. The illumination unit includes: a first reflective surface reflecting light incident thereon; a light-emitting device generating and emitting illuminating light; and a second reflective surface reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting device to a light source surface that includes the light-emitting device.

Abstract: An exemplary lamp assembly includes a light guide member, a light reflective member and a light source. The light guide member includes a light-emitting surface, a concave surface opposite to the light-emitting surface, and a light incident surface connected between the light emitting surface and the concave surface. The light reflective member includes a reflective surface opposite to the concave surface of the light guide member. The light source is arranged adjacent to the light incident surface of the light guide member. The light source includes a circuit board, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and two contact pins. The light emitting diodes are electrically mounted on the circuit board and face toward the light incident surface. The contact pins are electrically connected to the circuit board and extend in a direction away from the light incident surface for electrical connection to a power source.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display has a mold frame divided into several parts. The liquid crystal display device includes a display unit for displaying an image, a back-light assembly having a light source for generating a light, a light guiding plate for guiding the light, and a light focusing portion for focusing the light, and a mold divided into a first frame and a second frame. The mold frame receives the display unit and the back-light assembly. The first frame receives the light guiding plate and the light focusing portion and the second frame receives the light source. A reflection sheet is integral formed at an inner surface of the second frame so as to perform the function of a lamp reflector. Accordingly, a lamp cover is not required so that the number of parts and the manufacturing cost are reduced.

Abstract: A meter device for a vehicle with enhanced visibility that is easily discriminated from other meter devices. A speedometer includes a meter panel having an indication surface that indicates a running speed, and a finger moving in an area above the meter panel. A light guide surrounds a rim part of the meter panel. The light guide is formed with a light guiding member which guides light from a light source. A rim frame section of the light guide protrudes over the indication surface from a back side of the meter panel toward a front side.

Abstract: A light guide plate includes: a light emitting surface; a bottom surface opposite to the light emitting surface; a light incident surface perpendicularly connected with the light emitting surface; a first side surface perpendicularly connected with both the light incident surface and the light emitting surface; a second side surface opposite to the first side surface; two protrusions outwardly extending from the first side surface; and two protrusions outwardly extending from the second side surface. A thickness of each protrusion of the first side surface decreases with increasing distance away from the light incident surface, and a thickness of each protrusion of the second side surface also decreases with increasing distance away from the light incident surface.

Abstract: A backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A light source is disposed along only one of the first side or second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from either the first side or second side. Each segment light source is selectively turned on and off in a particular pattern.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise mixers comprising a light pipe having input and output ends and a central region therebetween. An optical path extends in a longitudinal direction from the input end through the central region to the output end. The central region of the light pipe comprises one or more rippled reflective sidewalls having a plurality of elongate ridges and valleys and sloping surfaces therebetween. Light from the input end propagating along the optical path reflects from the sloping surfaces and is redirected at a different azimuthal direction toward the output end thereby mixing the light at the output end. Illuminance and/or color mixing can therefore be provided.

Abstract: A gauge assembly that is illuminable by a light source is provided. The gauge assembly may include a dial face having a translucent portion forming at least a perimeter of the dial face and a cover disposed behind the dial. The cover may define a plurality of graduated lines, at least one of the graduated lines having a first portion extending behind the translucent portion and a second portion extending outward from the perimeter of the dial face. The first portion may be visible through the translucent portion when the gauge is illuminated by the light source and obscured by the translucent portion when the gauge is not illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a housing having a half-mirror region molded into the housing, and a light source disposed within the electronic device and configured to transmit light through the half-mirror region to an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An illuminated indicating device includes a dial plate, a pointer, a first light source, a light guide and a light filter. The first light source emits a beam of light and the light guide diverts the beam of light into a first light to the pointer and a second light to a front side of the dial plate. The light filter includes a first filtering portion and a second filtering portion. The first filtering portion is located in a path of the first light to allow a first color of light to pass through and the second filtering portion is located in a path of the second light to allow a second color of light to pass through.

Abstract: A system for providing diffuse light to a dial plate of a meter is disclosed. The system includes a light-guide and a light source. The light from the light source enters the light-guide and exits the light-guide to illuminate a curved peripheral portion of a dial plate with a diffuse light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information suitable for use in a vehicle. The invention provides an illumination device for an instrument of a vehicle comprising: a substantially Y shaped light guide having a first leg portion a second leg portion and a third leg portion coupled at a junction; an LED coupled to one end of the first portion of the light guide; and in which the second portion and the third portion have an internal peripheral portion and an external peripheral portion, and the second leg portion and the third leg portion are arranged in operation to illuminate a segment of an instrument and each of the second leg portion and third leg portion have first grooves formed along the internal peripheral portion, and second grooves formed along the second peripheral portion. An instrument comprising such an illumination device is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a back light unit. The back light unit includes a light guide plate having a light guide pattern part; at least one light emitting unit provided at a sidewall of the light guide plate, and irradiating light to the light guide plate; a keypad positioned over the light guide plate, and comprising a resin layer, a base resin layer, a character opening part having a character shape, a key assembly provided at one side, and a key adherence film provided on an upper surface of the base resin layer; and a printed circuit board comprising a metal dome switch positioned under a lower surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge for a vehicle instrument panel includes a single LCD having at least a first display configuration and a second display configuration different from the first display configuration. A pointer is selectively actuatable to operate within one of the first and the second display configurations. A selector is used to switch between the first and second display configurations.

Abstract: A hidden touch pad structure adapted for an electronic product has a plate, a touch pad arranged inside the plate, a circuit board disposed under and retained against the plate and the touch pad simultaneously, and a lighting device surrounding the touch pad and received inside the plate. The circuit board receives a pressure signal via the plate and the touch pad and drives the lighting device to provide light. The touch pad is recognized via the lighting device surrounding the touch pad.

Abstract: An annular light guiding unit for portable electronic device comprises a first surface, a second surface located opposite to the first surface, and a wall connecting the first surface and the second surface together. The wall is defined a plurality of first wedged walls therein.

Abstract: A backlight unit and method of use are provided having a first light guide plate, a linear light source disposed along at least one side edge of the first light guide plate, a plurality of second light guide plates facing the first light guide plate, and a point light source disposed along at least one side edge of each second light guide plate. Accordingly, the present invention can provide a backlight unit using both a point light source and a linear light source at substantially the same time, and having superior color reproducibility and low power consumption.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate, optical means for coupling light into the substrate by total internal reflection, and a plurality of partially reflecting surfaces carried by the substrate, characterized in that the partially reflecting surfaces are parallel to each other and are not parallel to any of the edges of the substrate.

Abstract: A meter has a liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel is adapted to display a dial picture image thereon. A backlight illuminates the liquid crystal display panel. A movement is located in front of a front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A semi-translucent panel covers the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A pointer is pivotably supported by the movement in such a manner that the semi-translucent panel is located between a pivotal trajectory plane of the pointer and the liquid crystal display panel. The semi-translucent panel enhances a contrast between the dial picture image and a background image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: Backlighting methods and apparatuses to backlight a device. The backlighting apparatus includes a flexible light guide, a light source, and a housing. The light source is disposed adjacent to a transmission interface of the flexible light guide to illuminate the flexible light guide. The housing at least partially encloses the flexible light guide and the light source. A surface area of the flexible light guide is visible through the housing. By using a flexible light guide to backlight the device, the size of the device is reduced compared to conventional devices. Alternatively, the device may accommodate additional components. Other advantages also may be achieved.

Abstract: A lighting device includes at least a light source for emitting light rays and a guide for guiding light rays on a projection plane. The guide is formed by a lens presenting a cylindrical portion extending along an axis perpendicular to the projection plane, and at least one convex shaped surface extending at an extremity of the cylindrical portion. The convex shaped surface is adapted to direct a portion of the light rays emitted from the light source towards the projection plane. This enables to project the light towards a projection plane quasi parallel to the beam direction without using any guides on the projection plane itself.

Abstract: A device for the illumination of a display, in particular of a transmission display of a motor vehicle, comprises an areal lighting means for an at least substantially uniform illumination of the total display in combination with at least one light emitting diode for an illumination of a respective individual display, in particular of a transmission position display offset in comparison with the uniform illustration of the total display, in particular a more intensive illustration of a respective individual display, in particular of a transmission position display.

Abstract: An illuminating device has a light pipe that is elongate in shape and has a light-emitting face running in the direction of a longitudinal axis. A light-reflecting face is disposed opposite the light-emitting face, and the light-reflecting face has a plurality of prismatic cuts. Each prismatic cut includes a front face oriented at an angle B from a normal axis, the normal axis being 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. The angle B is in the range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees and is such that it allows light to refract through at least one prismatic cut and then be internally reflected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic apparatus, including: a base chassis formed as a unitary member from a transparent material and having two faces positioned on the opposite sides to each other and individually formed as first and second mounting face sections; a display unit having a display panel thereon and attached to said first mounting face section; a control circuit board attached to said second mounting face section; a rear cover attached to said second mounting face section and configured to cover said control circuit board; a device mounting board having a semiconductor light emitting element disposed thereon; and a luminous lamp section formed at a position of said base chassis on the outer side of said display unit and configured to receive and emit light having been emitted from said semiconductor light emitting element and passed through the inside of said base chassis.

Abstract: There is provided a very thin light guide plate for a surface light source device and a method of manufacturing it without the use of high-precision molding machine. A surface light source device using this light guide plate generates outgoing light having high uniformity. According to the manufacturing method, a light guide plate free from a weld line or warp can be manufactured with good transferring characteristics. The light guide plate is thick on an incident surface 1 side and thin on a lower surface 4 side. At the central portion of an incident surface 1 in a longitudinal direction, a projecting portion obtained by cutting an overhang portion 7 at a position a distance D apart from the incident surface 1 is formed. The cut surface of the projecting portion is not made specular and is kept rough. In molding of the light guide plate, a molten material is supplied from the position of a gate mark 9.