Abstract: The present invention discloses a light guiding system, applied to a portable device configured with at least a keying unit; an illuminator producing incident light to illuminate said portable device. The light guiding system comprising: a light guiding structure; at least an incident portion provided on a side of the light guiding structure to receive the incident light from the illuminator; a plurality of light guiding portions to guide the incident light to the at least one keying unit; and a chemical layer provided on the light guiding structure.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster for indicating a value of a vehicle parameter. The vehicle instrument cluster includes a display member formed of a transparent material and display segments integrally formed within the display member. The display segments are configured to diffuse light and the display segments form at least a portion of indicia associated with the vehicle parameter. A first illumination system has a light source and a motor connected to an optical member. The optical member is movable in response to a change in the value of the vehicle parameter. The optical member selectively directs the light from the light source to within the display member to illuminate at least a portion of the display segments that form the indicia to indicate the value of the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: For mixing different light colors from different LEDs or energized phosphors, an elongated mixing tunnel is used having a reflective inner surface. LEDs of different colors are optically coupled along the length of the mixing tunnel and at a first end of the tunnel. Light coupled along the length of the tunnel is reflected by an angled dichroic mirror that selectively reflects the incoming color light towards a single output port of the mixing tunnel. The dichroic mirror passes all other colors of light being transmitted towards the output port of the tunnel. Two, three, or more colors of LEDs can be used. Efficient and compact ways to energize phosphors are also described. Other optical techniques are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a printed light guide plate includes a working platform (23), and a heater (24) coupled to the working platform. A transparent slab (21) is disposed on the working platform. The purpose of coupling the heater to the working platform is to maintain the transparent slab a constant temperature in the range from about 40° C. to about 45° C., such that as few water molecules as possible are absorbed into the transparent slab. The quality of the manufactured printed light guide plate is thus improved.

Abstract: An instrument suitable for use in a vehicle and having a dial with an information bearing front surface and a pointer for indicating information on the front surface. The pointer is pivotable about a first axis that extends through the hub and is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the dial. The instrument includes first and second light sources which are both located behind the dial, generally in registry with the pointer assembly. The instrument further includes a first light deflector that deflects light from the first light source along the pointer to back light the pointer, and second light deflector that deflects light from the second light source towards the front surface to front light that surface.

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: A backlit display unit comprising a user display for displaying information to a user of the unit, the user display having a display medium and a movable display device with a movable indication, a common source of illumination for backlighting the user display, at least one light diffuser for diffusing light incident thereon and a carrier, the carrier supporting the illumination source, the carrier having opposite first and second surfaces. The movable indication and the display medium are provided on the first side of the carrier. The light diffuser is provided on the second side of the carrier. The arrangement is such that illumination from the illumination source is incident upon the light diffuser, and the incident light is diffused by the light diffuser back towards the movable indication and the display medium to provide backlit illumination for both the movable indication and the display medium.

Abstract: In a method of assembling a surface illumination system having an electromagnetic radiation emitting front side, at least one primary radiation source suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation when operating is disposed on at least one mounting area of a flexible carrier. The flexible carrier has a front side and a back side opposite said front side, the front side of the flexible carrier defines a reference plane. The mounting area of the flexible carrier on which the primary radiation source is disposed is then bent out of the reference plane such that an optical axis of the primary radiation source extends parallel or obliquely to the reference plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element and an illuminating device. The optical element includes: an incident surface; and an emitting section formed on an opposite side to the incident surface. The emitting section includes a plurality of protrusions. When each of the plurality of protrusions is projected onto a reference plane perpendicular to the incident surface to form a reference contour, the reference contour is substantially a trapezoid. A height of the reference contour and a height of a triangle formed by extending two legs of the reference contour satisfy a predefined condition.

Abstract: A lighting and/or signalling device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source emitting light rays and at least one optical guide in which the light beam spreads, the at least one optical guide comprising at at least one of its ends an input face coupling the at least one optical guide and the at least one light source, a first surface forming an output face for the light beam, and a second surface, in particular remote from the output face, forming a face for reflection of the light rays, such that the at least one optical guide has at least one bend, the at least one optical guide in the region of the at least one bend having at least one corner protruding toward the outside of the at least one bend and bevelled by having two facets in order to send back the incident rays into the at least one optical guide.

Abstract: A light guide assembly for illuminating an instrument surface includes a continuous curved transition portion for uniformly directing and transmitting light from a light source to a backlight surface of the instrument surface. The curved shape of the transition portion is tailored to transmit a desired amount of light into the backlight portion and a desired amount outwardly against a back surface of the instrument surface.

Abstract: A noise reduction device for use in a backlight module includes a plurality of noise reduction devices, each comprising a main body and an extension portion. The extension portion is adapted to cushion the interface between a lamp holder and a back bezel of the backlight module, so as to reduce pop noises generated by contact during temperature changes.

Abstract: A control element for a motor vehicle is disclosed that includes at least one rotary actuator and one actuating element integrated in the rotary actuator, whereby the actuating element can be moved relative to the rotary actuator, and whereby a connecting member, which interacts with an optical system, is molded to the actuating element. A connecting member extends into the optical system such that the deflection of the actuating element can be evaluated as a signal by the optical system. The optical system includes at least one light-emitting and at least one light-absorbing light guide element, whereby one light guide element is arranged on one side of the connecting member and one light guide element is arranged outside the connecting member so that a deflection of the actuating element is analogous to the absorption of light.

Abstract: A lighting device, for illuminating display designed parts on a display plate, includes at least one light source arranged at a rear side of the display plate, and a light guide body having a light guide portion for guiding the light toward its outer-circumferential portion to output the light toward the display designed parts through a front surface of the light guide portion. The outer-circumferential portion has an outer-circumferential side wall surface at is outer end. The light guide portion has at least one projecting portion projecting from the outer-circumferential side wall surface. The projecting portion is provided with a reflecting side surface formed along the outer-circumferential side wall surface so that the reflecting side surface can reflect the light traveling in the light guide portion to be outputted through the front surface of the light guide portion.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a control knob having a display portion, a tubular case combined with a back side of the control knob, a light guide plate attached to seal an upper opening of the tubular case, and LEDs disposed at a lower opening of the tubular case. Light emitted from the LEDs is applied to the display portion through the light guide plate. A plurality of retaining projections and a plurality of push-up projections are provided on an inner surface of the tubular case adjacent to the upper opening. An upper surface of an outer edge of the light guide plate is retained by lower ends of the retaining projections, and a lower surface of the outer edge is pushed up by upper ends of the push-up projections so that the light guide plate is held inside the tubular case while being bent upwardly.

Abstract: A key module with a multi-layer light guiding structure includes a plurality of keys, light guiding structure and a plurality of light blocks corresponding to the light guiding structure. The light guiding structure includes a plurality of light guiding plates. Each of the light guiding plate includes at least one light guiding strip corresponding to specific keys, which are staggered to each other or corresponding to each other. The light guiding strip is provided with a color layer. An electronic device using the key module individually or selectively lights light emitting elements for each layer of the light guiding plates. Therefore, different lights are emitted from the light guiding strips or a mixed light is produced from the light guiding strips to illuminate the keys. The keys have lights of different color to manifest symbols or alphabets on the keys.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a terminal device which is not limited in the degree of freedom in terms of case design and which allows easy visual recognition of light emission for indicating a specific state even when it is carried in a chest pocket. The terminal device comprising: a stationary case (11); a movable case (13) provided on the stationary case (11) through the intermediation of a hinge (12) to allow opening and closing; and light emitting device (14) for indicating a specific state through light emission, in which the light emitting device (14) is provided at the hinge (12) side end of the stationary case (11) or the movable case (13).

Abstract: An illuminated assembly such as an illuminated electronic input control assembly adjusts to the shape of a receiving assembly. The illuminated assembly includes an illumination source module and an illuminated module. Advantageously, the illumination source module and the illuminated module are moveably attached in a manner allowing relative motion which facilitates alignment when the illuminated assembly is placed within a receiving assembly. A garage door opener utilizes this adjustable design. A method of assembling the illuminated assembly is described.

Abstract: A backlit light display comprises a light guide panel, a prismatic film, an asymmetric top diffuser and an LCD. A linear light source is disposed along a side face of the light guide panel. Light from the linear light source is transmitted though the light guide panel where it is spread and uniformly output through a front face to the prismatic film. Light incident on the prismatic film is redirected more along a first direction than along a second direction. This light is directed more normal to the LCD. An asymmetric diffuser is applied between the prismatic film and the LCD panel to smear the periodic information from the prismatic film and eliminate the Moiré fringe pattern resulting from interference between the periodic structure of the prismatic film and the periodic arrangement of pixels in the LCD. The asymmetric diffuser is aligned with respect to the prismatic film such that it scatters and spreads light more in a second direction than the first direction.

Abstract: A light-emitting device and an electronic device using the same are provided. The light-emitting device includes a light-guiding plate, a circuit board, at lease one light source unit and a reflective layer. The circuit board is disposed under the light-guiding plate. The reflective layer is disposed above the light-guiding plate. The light-guiding plate has at lease one hole. The light source unit is disposed on the circuit board and within the hole. The reflective layer is disposed above the hole. The light-emitting device is disposed on one side of a part, such as a keypad, of the electronic device for providing light to the keypad.

Abstract: A key pad assembly includes a printed circuit board, a first elastic layer, a second elastic layer, a light-shielding layer, a keycap group, a light-emitting element and a light-shielding piece. The second elastic layer has a light-guiding plate thereon. The light-guiding plate has a chain-like light-shielding structure. The light-shielding structure is constituted of a plurality of penetrating holes with neighboring ones arranged alternatively and divides the light-guiding plate into two light-guiding sections. When the lights with different colors are introduced from the outside of the two light-guiding sections into the light-guiding plate, and the light of either light-guiding section passes through the light-shielding structure, the intensity of the light passing through the penetrating hole is so reduced that it cannot achieve the other light-guiding section, thereby to avoid the mutual interference and mixing of the lights of the two light-guiding sections.

Abstract: An optical conduction unit (U) has a configuration in which one portion (Sb) and another portion (58a) of an optical conduction body (5) are mated in mutually orthogonal x, y directions with first and second fitting means (64), (64a) of the first member (60A) of a reflector (6). A portion (65b) and another portion (65c) of the second member (60B) of the reflector (6) are mated in the x, y directions with the third and fourth fitting means (64b), (64c) of the first member (60A). With such a configuration, the reflector (6) and optical conduction body (5) can be reliably assembled so that they cannot be easily separated.

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 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: Described is a zero-force key activation keyboard with individual key illumination. The keyboard includes a non-moving key for causing generation of an input signal when activated. The key has a depressed surface defining an approximately concave well with sides forming an open region sized to receive a tip of a finger. A light emitter positioned on one side of the well emits a beam of light across the open region to an opposite side of the well. A light detector is positioned on the opposite side of the well to receive the light beam and to signal activation of the key when the light beam is obstructed from being received by the light detector. Each key is illuminated from within the well. When the key is activated, its illumination color can change. Upon release, the illumination color returns immediately or gradually back to a previous color or unlighted state.

Abstract: A head-up display assembly includes a liquid crystal display element, a first backlight light source, and a remote backlight light source. The first light source is physically mounted in proximity to the liquid crystal display element, and is operable to directly backlight illuminate the liquid crystal display element. The remote light source mounted physically remote from the liquid crystal display element, and is operable to backlight illuminate the liquid crystal display element via a light guide.

Abstract: A reticle illumination system. The novel system includes a first light source adapted to output light toward a target surface and a material having a predetermined index of refraction disposed between the first light source and the target surface for coupling light from the first light source to the target surface. In an illustrative embodiment, the material is a glue or epoxy having an index of refraction matching that of the target surface, and the target surface is a prism surface upon which a reticle is disposed. The system also includes a second light source adapted to output light into the material such that the light is reflected and scattered off of an exit end of the fiber, and/or off of scattering centers distributed throughout the material, towards the target surface.

Abstract: Light emitting assemblies include a generally planar optical conductor having at least one input edge with a greater cross-sectional width than thickness and at least one light source having a light output distribution with a greater width component than height component positioned adjacent to the input edge for directing light into the optical conductor and emission of the light from at least one output region of the optical conductor. A transition region is disposed between the light source and output region that is configured to spread and transmit the light by the light source to the output region. A plurality of faceted surfaces in close proximity to the light source maximize or otherwise change the light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: The present invention is configured so that one light emission source such as a light emitting diode is placed inside an operation knob in front of a light guiding piece or in a bearing of the operation knob. A light beam from the light emission source is emitted to the interior of the operation knob. A reflected indirect light irregularly reflected inside the operation knob is received by the light guiding piece located at a rear surface of the operation knob. The light guiding piece has a transmission and diffusion function. The light is then guided toward an outer periphery to illuminate the rear surface of the operation knob.

Abstract: Light emitters are made of one or more cladded flat optical fibers having opposite flat sides and disruptions along at least a portion of the length of the fibers to cause light entering at least one end to be emitted from at least one side. The ends of the flat optical fibers may have substantially the same thickness as a light source and a width substantially equal to or substantially greater than the width of the light source for ease of optically coupling one or more such light sources to the flat optical fiber ends.

Abstract: A thin light-guiding structure for guiding light to the keypad of an electronic device is provided. The thin light-guiding structure comprises a film and a plurality of light-diffusing elements. The film is located on one side of the keypad. The film has a plurality of selectable predetermined regions that the light-diffusing elements are disposed. The keypad and the light-diffusing elements are respectively disposed above and under the film, such that when the light of the light source enters the film, the light of the light source is projected to the keypad due to the light diffusion caused by the light-diffusing elements.

Abstract: In a front panel apparatus for an electric apparatus including a volume knob partially exposed outward from an operating port opened at a front panel of a casing of a disk drive, and a light emitting diode for emitting light based on a starting signal of the disk drive, the volume knob is molded by a light transmitting synthetic resin, the light emitting diode is arranged rearward from the volume knob, and light is made to be incident on the volume knob from the light emitting diode.

Abstract: Light emitting assemblies include a light emitting panel member having at least one light source positioned, embedded, potted, bonded or otherwise mounted in a shaped slot, cavity, recess, opening or hole in the panel member. Deformities on at least one surface of the panel member may vary to cause light to be emitted from the panel member. At least one angled, faceted or curved reflective or refractive surface in close proximity to the light source redirects some of the light to fit a particular application.

Abstract: A pointer instrument for a motor vehicle includes a pointer drive for deflecting a carrier body. A pointer which is visible in an indication is provided on the carrier body. An optical waveguide element is arranged on that side of the carrier body which is remote from an observer. Light from at least one light source is introduced into the optical waveguide element which extends along the movement path of the pointer. Light emerging from the optical waveguide element enters into the pointer and/or the carrier body, and the pointer is formed such that it is illuminated by light emerging from the optical waveguide element.

Abstract: Provided is a backlight unit for a key of an input device. The unit includes a light guide plate and at least one light emitting unit. The light guide plate is formed of flexible transparent resin and has a light guide pattern portion in which a plurality of engraved patterns are formed in a plurality of requirement character shapes so that light can be diffused and scattered at desired luminance from a necessary light emitting portion, using a minimal number of light sources. The light emitting unit is installed at a side wall of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An example light guide assembly for illuminating a display of an instrument cluster includes a light receiving portion, a light propagating portion and a reflective surface between the light receiving portion and the light propagating portion. The light receiving portion extends along a first axis, and the light propagating portion extends along a second axis which is transverse to the first axis. The reflective surface includes a stepped surface transverse to the reflective surface.

Abstract: An exemplary process for making a light guide includes the steps of: providing a transparent base sheet; punching the base sheet to form an array of first apertures therein; coating a melted resin material in the first apertures and making the melted resin material fill up the first apertures; solidifying the melted resin material to form a plurality of resin blocks; punching the base sheet to form an array of second apertures in the resin blocks, the second apertures configured for illuminating the keys via at least one light source; and trimming the base sheet with the second apertures to form a light guide. A light guide made by the process is also provided.

Abstract: An illuminating keyboard is provided. An illuminating keyboard includes a key module, a light guide plate, and a light source. The key module includes one or more keys. The light guide plate is disposed beneath the key module and includes a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings is formed outside any area directly beneath the one or more keys. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate.

Abstract: A meter panel such as a speedometer used in an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle includes a transparent pointer disc, a dial plate having scales and numerals thereon, and a light source for illuminating the pointer disc. The pointer disc is disposed in front of the dial plate to overlap the scales and numerals of the dial plate. The pointer disc is rotated by a pointer driver disposed behind the dial plate. Light emitted from the light source is introduced into the transparent pointer disc and reflected by a groove formed on the pointer disc toward the front side of the meter panel, thereby making the pointer visible. Since the pointer overlaps the scales and numerals of the dial plate, the pointer position relative to the scales and numerals is easily and clearly recognized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for using light emitting diodes for curing and various solid state lighting applications. The method includes a novel method for cooling the light emitting diodes and mounting the same on heat pipe in a manner which delivers ultra high power in UV, visible and IR regions. Furthermore, the unique LED packaging technology of the present invention utilizes heat pipes that perform very efficiently in very compact space. Much more closely spaced LEDs operating at higher power levels and brightness are possible because the thermal energy is transported in an axial direction down the heat pipe and away from the light-emitting direction rather than a radial direction in nearly the same plane as the “p-n” junction.

Abstract: A key assembly and a mobile terminal having the same. The key assembly includes a plurality of key buttons, a light guiding sheet arranged below at least one of the plurality of key buttons, a light emitter to generate light into an edge of the light guiding sheet, the light guiding sheet directing light from the light emitter towards at least one of the plurality of key buttons, a circuitry supporting substrate formed below the light guiding sheet; and a plurality of switches formed on the circuitry supporting substrate, each of the plurality of switches corresponding to one of the plurality of key buttons. The light guiding sheet overlays an upper portion of each of the plurality of switches.

Abstract: An isotropic illuminator is described, including a relay lens configured to focus a source image propagated from a source and a lightpipe having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. The source image is aligned by a folding element to fill the entrance aperture and the lightpipe propagating the source image provides substantially uniform illumination from the exit aperture to a field stop. Focusing a source image propagated from a source, aligning the source image to fill an entrance aperture, and propagating the source image to provide substantially uniform illumination from an exit aperture to a field stop is also described. A specimen review system including a specimen stage configured to receive specimens for viewing, a source of illumination providing illumination to the specimen stage, and a review scope configured to review specimens on the specimen stage is also described.

Abstract: A back light device for use in a liquid crystal display device, which includes: at least one lamp; a light guide plate for guiding light emitting from the lamp; a diffusing sheet for diffusing light emitting from the light guide plate; at least one prism sheet located on the diffusing sheet, concentrating light; a protecting sheet located on the prism sheet; and a reflector located under the light guide plate, reflecting light directing downward the light guide plate. At least one of an edge portion of the diffusing sheet adjacent to the lamp, an edge portion of the protecting sheet adjacent to the lamp, and the reflector includes a printing portion made of colorless ink containing a light scattering agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined instrument including a printed board, on which a light source is provided that generates light for illuminating a display, and including a frame, inside of which the printed board is accommodated. The display field is directly mounted on the printed board and a light guide is provided, which is accommodated inside the frame in an area adjoining the printed board. The light guide is arranged in such a manner that light emitted by the light source is fed into the light guide and radiated onto the display field.

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: The present disclosure is directed to backlighting systems, which include first and second lightguides, at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the first lightguide and at least one light source optically connected to an edge of the second lightguide for supplying light into their respective interiors. In the appropriate exemplary embodiments, the backlighting systems of the present disclosure include an extractor disposed at a surface of the second lightguide for diffuse extraction of light from the interior of the second lightguide. In such exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the light supplied into the interior of the second lightguide and then diffusely extracted therefrom enters the interior of the first lightguide through a substantially optically clear surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the backlighting systems of the present disclosure include recycling enhancement structures, which may be attached to the first lightguide.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device has a uniform viewing angle and a reduced cost of a production. The liquid crystal display device includes a light guide plate converting the light from a lamp into a surface light to irradiate the liquid crystal display panel. Multiple patterns, each of the patterns being formed in the light guide plate, have a first curvature of a first sectional surface and a second curvature of a second sectional surface which are different from each other.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for use in a transmissive display system is described. The backlight assembly includes a light source that illuminates a light chamber. A transmissive display is positioned adjacent the light chamber so that light that exits the chamber illuminates the transmissive display. The backlight assembly may include one or more specular reflectors and one or more other optical elements to ensure that the light that exits the light chamber has the desired spatial uniformity, polarization, color, and/or angular distribution.

Abstract: A button device, which is disposed beside a display unit, comprises at least a button unit. The button unit includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. In this case, the second part is adjacent to the first part. At least a light beam emitted from the display unit passes through the second part. The third part faces the first part. At least a light beam passing through the second part is transmitted to the third part, and then the light beam transmitted to the third part is reflected by the third part and passes through the first part.

Abstract: A back light system (2) includes a light guide plate (20) and light sources (21). The light guide plate includes an optical output surface (203), a bottom surface (202) opposite to the output surface, and optical input surfaces (201) between the output and bottom surfaces. The light sources are positioned adjacent the input surfaces respectively. A thickness of a middle of the light guide plate is less than a thickness of a periphery of the light guide plate. In operation, light beams from two opposite of the light sources provide ample optical energy to a middle area of the output surface. In addition, a total optical energy at peripheral areas of the output surface is the same as or similar to a total optical energy at the middle area of the output surface. Thus, the back light system provides very high and highly uniform brightness for an associated LCD.

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.