Abstract: A direct type backlight module. The backlight module includes a reflector, a diffuser plate, lamps, and a light-distributing device. The diffuser plate is disposed on the reflector, and the lamps are disposed between the reflector and the diffuser plate. The light-distributing device is disposed between the lamp and the diffuser plate, and guides light from the lamp to the diffuser plate. A space is defined between the light-distributing device and the diffuser plate.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch mechanism has board 28 incorporating an electronic circuit thereon, metal sheet contact 26 disposed on board 28, a light-transmissive pushbutton disposed in an opening defined in a casing of the electronic device for being pressed from outside, the light-transmissive pushbutton having outer key top 22 and presser 25 formed with rubber sheet 24 for contacting metal sheet contact 26, and light-emitting elements 27 disposed on board 28 around presser 25 for applying light to a side surface of the presser 25. Presser 25 has a conical shape having an upper surface as a bottom surface substantially aligned with a lower surface of key top 22 and a vertex for contacting metal sheet contact 26. Light emitted from light-emitting elements 27 is applied to the entire side surface of presser 25.

Abstract: An indicator assembly with a dial face, a pointer and a lamp. The dial face has an opaque portion and defines a shaft aperture. The pointer has a connecting portion, a pointer portion and an opaque boot portion. The connecting portion is disposed in-line with the aperture. The pointer portion is coupled to and extends radially outwardly from the connecting portion. The boot portion extends about the connecting portion and contacts the dial face in a zone that encircles the aperture. The lamp is disposed rearwardly of the dial face and provides a source of light. A method for reducing or eliminating a halo effect is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprises a liquid crystal panel for displaying images, a first frame, a second frame, and a first optical component. The first frame receives the liquid crystal panel. The second frame has a plurality of lamps for transmitting light to the liquid crystal panel. The first optical component is disposed on the first frame and between the second frame and the liquid crystal panel. The second frame is detachable from the first frame.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of fluorescent lamps formed below the LCD panel extending along a first direction at first fixed intervals along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a case for supporting the plurality of fluorescent lamps, a plurality of wires attached to the case for absorbing and dissipating heat generated by the plurality of fluorescent lamps, and wire fixing plates for fixing the plurality of wires on the case.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for a liquid crystal display panel, including a lamp housing; a lamp; a diffuser plate; and a plurality of supports. The supports each has first and second members. The first member has a body and a groove formed in the body for holding the lamp and attaching the lamp to the lamp housing. A ring-shape member may be disposed about a section of the lamp for providing cushioning between the lamp and the first member. The second member has an elongated body for supporting the diffuser plate when it attempts to sag or distort.

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: 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: A lighting device for lighting a display surface is provided. The lighting device includes a light source, a lighting well and a lens, which is arranged between the light source and the display surface. Due to the combined use of the lighting well and the lens, light scattered laterally is also reflected in the direction of the display surface.

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 knob section includes an elastic pawl protruding downward and contacting an outer surface of a light guide unit at an inner surface of the pawl. A holder includes a holding section contacting an outer surface of the elastic pawl. An illumination knob is provided by latching a recess of the elastic pawl to a protrusion of the holding section. The elastic pawl is sandwiched between an outer surface of the light guide unit and the holding section, thus allowing constituent components of the illumination knob to be held securely.

Abstract: There is provided an optical structure. The optical structure includes a light source. The optical structure also includes an organic light management film having an index of refraction of less than 1.7 disposed above the light source, and a transparent inorganic film having an index of refraction of greater than 1.7 disposed adjacent the organic light management film. A optical device is also provided including the organic light management film and the transparent inorganic film. A method of forming the optical structure is also provided. The method includes depositing the transparent inorganic film under vacuum.

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: An improved LCD back light panel lamp connecting structure comprises at least one set of cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), each having its high voltage end and feedback end arranged alternately, and the feedback ends on both sides of the CCFL respectively coupled to two return boards. Such two return boards are coupled to a pulse width modulation (PWM) control unit, so that the two return boards feed back the current to the PWM control unit. The high voltage end of the CCFL is coupled to a transformer.

Abstract: An airfield guidance sign. The sign 100 (of FIG. 1a) includes a case (102), a multi-element light source (114) attached to the case (102) for providing light interior to the case (102), a light dispersion subsystem of the case for dispersing the light from the light source (114) substantially uniformly throughout the interior of the case (102); and a side panel (126) forming a side of the case (102) for displaying information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backlight unit structure for an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The backlight unit structure comprises: a lamp disposed under a display panel; and a reflection plate rotatably disposed around the lamp and having an opening through which light can be concentrated on the display panel. The blink backlight having the reflection plate is applied to backlight unit structure, so that it is possible to improve a response time, to enhance an image quality of the moving picture similarly to the existing CRT, and to obtain a high luminance as well.

Abstract: A light source device includes a discharge tube, a discharge medium sealed inside the discharge tube, and inner and outer electrodes for exciting the discharge medium. The inner electrode is arranged inside the discharge tube. The outer electrode includes a first outer electrode and a second outer electrode that are connected electrically with each other. The first outer electrode is in contact with an outer surface of the discharge tube at a plurality of first contact portions that are located at different distances from the inner electrode and are provided discontinuously. The second outer electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the discharge tube at second contact portions. The second contact portions are arranged closer to the inner electrode than the first contact portions at a surface density greater than that of the first contact portions.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a display element, a backlight apparatus provided behind the display element and having a metal case, and a housing accommodating the display element and the backlight apparatus. In the display apparatus, electric wires for providing power to the backlight apparatus extend between the metal case of the backlight apparatus and the housing, and at least one opening is provided in the metal case in a part where the electric wires extend.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like.

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: A headup display having an image forming unit 1 f or forming an item of image information to be displayed that can be projected as light beams 2 by the image forming unit 1 or via an optical projection system onto a partially reflecting windshield pane 7. The image forming unit 1 has an OLED display 8 for forming the image information displayed, in front of which there is arranged a light directing element 14 by which the light beams 2 produced by the OLED display 8 can be directed approximately parallel to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving uniformity used in backlight module is disclosed, which includes a plurality of light sources for providing an illuminating light; a reflective housing adjacent to the light sources for receiving the light sources and reflecting the illuminating light; and at least one structured arc sheet locating at the periphery of the light source for making the illuminating light uniform.

Abstract: A panel light source device comprises light sources, a light guide, and a reflector. The light guide defines a bottom surface and a top surface, and comprises grooves disposed on the bottom surface for receiving the light sources and pairs of first inclined surfaces disposed on the top surface and corresponding to the groove. The grooves and the first inclined surfaces cooperate with each other to transmit the light from the light source into the light guide. The reflector is disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide and covers the light source.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement for the ignition lock of a motor vehicle has a light ring comprising a translucent material and fitted on to the housing of an engine immobilizer of the vehicle. Light-guide extensions in leg form lead to the light ring from light emitting diodes on the circuit board of the immobilizer. Preferably arranged at the side of the light ring which is towards the ignition lock are notches for producing a light-dark pattern, wherein the notch depth and position can vary for the purposes of producing a uniform emission of light.

Abstract: The light emitting diode display device of the present invention comprises a circuit module and a frame. An upper and a lower layer of circuit board, forming a protruded circuit board, constitute the circuit module. The protruded circuit board has at least two sides having differential length and thereby forming an indention. Each button flange of the frame is fit into the indention to enable the sidewall of the frame come in contact with the upper and the lower circuit board, thus the welding efficiency can be substantially increased. Further, conductive glue or a metallic pin is used to fit the frame onto the protruded circuit board, or a tin solder material is used to weld the elements for jointing elements thereof. Accordingly, the sidewall of the frame will not flit up or become loose easily. Thus, due to the steady assembly, the structure of the display device is not only reinforced but also resin-leakage problem can be resolved.

Abstract: A rotary knob, particularly an illuminant rotary knob, provides function selection and execution through single-handed operation. The invention includes a light transparent light guide to couple with a compiling controller to facilitate user operations. A plurality of illuminant elements are located around the compiling controller to project light through the light guide to give the rotary knob an illuminant effect.

Abstract: A mirror includes a housing, a mirror subassembly including a reflector layer with a portion defining an opening, and an indicia panel covering the opening and configured to form a visual display. At least one light source is positioned in the housing to pass light through the indicia panel and the opening of the mirror subassembly to selectively illuminate the visual display. The at least one light source emits a light matched in color to the indicia panel so that a maximum of light from the at least one light source passes through the indicia panel and is visible to a vehicle driver. Optimally, the light sources emit an amber colored light, and the indicia panel includes a diffusing layer also having an amber color.

Abstract: A device for generating lighting effects, the device comprises a light modulating component which is formed from an optically transmissive material and has a multi-faceted surface and also a means for rotating the light modulator in use. The device further comprises a light source, which is positioned such that the light passes through the light modulating component to illuminate a light receiving surface. This, in turn, produces an optical illumination effect.

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 illuminated keyboard having a key portion, a backlight device, a light-condensing plate, a diffuser, a printed circuit board, and a light source. The key portion includes a seat and a key, and the key is disposed on the seat in a manner such that it is moved upwardly and downwardly. The backlight device is disposed beneath the key portion to illuminate the key portion. The light-condensing plate is disposed between the light guide and the key portion. The diffuser is disposed between the light guide and the key portion. The printed circuit board is disposed between the seat and the backlight device. The light source is disposed on the printed circuit board.

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: A custom instrument gauge module is disclosed which replaces the OEM instrument cluster gauges sub-assembly and utilizes the original electronic circuitry for the unique customization of an existing instrument cluster. The custom gauge module is designed and calibrated to replace the original cluster graphics, gauges, and pointers, while maintaining the original cluster circuitry and, optionally, the molded housing. The flexible design and manufacturing of the custom gauge module allows the enhancement of existing instrument panels to have an upgraded appearance and additional functions, while maintaining and using the original cluster complex electronic circuit.

Abstract: An indicator panel for a vehicle instrument panel is provided with a base substrate having transparency, an ink-acceptance layer coated on at least one surface of the base substrate and a shading layer coated further on the ink-acceptance layer. Hazes of the base substrate and the ink-acceptance layer are more than 92.8% and less than 93.5%.

Abstract: An LED night light has a body 10 with side walls 20, 22 and end walls 12, 13. The body is made of translucent or clear or colored resin and the circuit components 30 and LED 32 can be seen through the clear resin. A safety tang 50 extends from inside the body and has a hole for receiving the mounting screw of an outlet. The light may be secured to the outlet to prevent a child or other person from removing it. A pair of prongs 18, 19 extend from the circuit components to the outside and fit into a conventional 120 volts ac receptacle. A name plate 24 is embedded in the body and captures the light from LED 32 to illuminate the name on the plate. The name may be the name of a person or a product, so that advertisements are embedded in the resin and illuminated by the LED.

Abstract: A light leveling device includes a housing having a chamber to rotatably receive a light instrument which may generate a light beam or a reference line out through the housing. One or more batteries may be used to energize the light instrument. The light instrument may be rotated relative to the housing, for allowing the light beam or the reference line to be rotated relative to the wall members. The light instrument includes a knurled surface to be rotated by users. The light instrument includes a projection slidably engaged in a curved passage of the housing, to limit the rotational movement of the light instrument relative to the housing.

Abstract: A back light module disposed under a display panel has at least a light source generator for generating light beams, a diffusing plate for scattering the light beams to the display panel, a light guide plate for scattering the light beams to the diffusing plate, at least a light shading sheet with a plurality of light holes, and a reflecting sheet for scattering the light beams to the light guide plate.

Abstract: An illuminated display is disclosed which allows characters to be displayed with near type-set like appearance. This is accomplished by using an appropriately formed and placed rib to connect the optically opaque inner member with the optically opaque base.

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 lighting system (10) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprises: a support (12), at least one first lighting device (14) for a spot-like illumination, which is mounted on the support (12), a planar second lighting device (16) which is arranged on the support (12) and has at least one cut-out (17) or one transparent area, in which or below which the at least one first lighting system (14) is placed, and a transparent cover (18), which is arranged spaced from the support (12) on the side of the support with the first and second lighting devices (14, 16), and which has at least one symbol (20) to be illuminated from behind by the first lighting device (14).

Abstract: A light distribution plenum for directing light to first and second control devices spaced from the plenum. The light distribution plenum includes a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. Also included is a light source receptor configured to receive light from a light source into the cavity in use. A first optical avenue is associated with the shell and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a first control device. A second optical avenue is associated with the shell, is spaced from the first optical avenue, and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a second control device. At least one selective optic is at least partially within the light distribution plenum and is configured to interact with at least some portion of the light. Also disclosed is an illuminated control assembly including a light distribution plenum and a motor vehicle including an illuminated control assembly. Further disclosed is a method of illuminating first and second control devices.

Abstract: A backlight module for liquid crystal display includes a casing having a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall extending from the bottom wall to define an open top. A light guide plate is attached to the side wall and spaced from the bottom to define an interior space therebetween. A light diffusion plate and a protection plate are respectively mounted to the top opening of the casing. A plurality of lamps are arranged in the interior space and spaced from each other. First vent holes are defined in the side wall of the casing to allow air to flow in and out of the interior space for removing heat generated by the lamps. Second vent holes are defined in the side wall and are paired of which the second vent holes are opposite to each other. A triangular channel is formed between the second vent holes of each pair by two inclined side walls. Air is allowed to flow into the channel via one of the second vent holes, through the channel and eventually leaving the channel via another second vent hole.

Abstract: A direct backlight module has a light guide plate, a plurality of lamp tubes, a reflecting plate and a frame. The light guide plate has a upper surface and a lower surface, and at least one surface of the light guide plate is coated with an ink layer. The lamp tubes are located below the light guide plate. The reflection plate is located below the lamp tubes. The frame covers the reflecting plate, lamp tubes and light guide plate. The ink layer contains a plurality of diffusing granules for diffusing lights to produce uniform lights.

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 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: An elastomeric mat is formed by extruding transparent or translucent elastomeric material. Columns made of the same material guide light from an LED source directly to a light port on top of the column, and diffuse the light substantially throughout the column. A coating of opaque material is used to surround the length of the columns to prevent leakage of light. When mounted adjacent to a front panel, off-axis performance is substantially increased over the prior art by, in effect, bringing the light-emitting source adjacent to a clear port of the front panel. The columns of translucent or transparent elastomeric material function as light pipes, and are formed when making the eleastomeric mat. The columns may be cylindrical or rectangular. Either a rectangular or a cylindrical column of translucent or transparent elastomeric material can convey light to illuminate a legend printed directly on top of the column.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch mechanism has board 28 incorporating an electronic circuit thereon, metal sheet contact 26 disposed on board 28, a light-transmissive pushbutton disposed in an opening defined in a casing of the electronic device for being pressed from outside, the light-transmissive pushbutton having outer key top 22 and presser 25 formed with rubber sheet 24 for contacting metal sheet contact 26, and light-emitting elements 27 disposed on board 28 around presser 25 for applying light to a side surface of the presser 25. Presser 25 has a conical shape having an upper surface as a bottom surface substantially aligned with a lower surface of key top 22 and a vertex for contacting metal sheet contact 26. Light emitted from light-emitting elements 27 is applied to the entire side surface of presser 25.

Abstract: There is provided an optical structure. The optical structure includes a light source. The optical structure also includes an organic light management film having an index of refraction of less than 1.7 disposed above the light source, and a transparent inorganic film having an index of refraction of greater than 1.7 disposed adjacent the organic light management film. A optical device is also provided including the organic light management film and the transparent inorganic film. A method of forming the optical structure is also provided. The method includes depositing the transparent inorganic film under vacuum.

Abstract: An illuminated knob for indicating the operative condition of an appliance having a light operatively coupled to the knob, an attitude sensing electrical switch, and a compartment for a replaceable voltage source. Operating independently of the appliance energy source, the light illuminates when the knob is rotated to a position corresponding to an “on” condition of the appliance, signaling the operative status of the appliance to the user. The light goes off when the knob is turned to the “off” position, indicating the safe and inoperative condition of the appliance. The knob requires no activation other than installation of the front surface mounted battery and all parts are sealed within the knob housing for reliability and safety.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel application of a semiconductor light emitting element or light emitting chip preferably disposed on the underside surface of a clear or translucent substrate. In addition connecting wires leading from said element to the perimeter of the substrate connecting to contact pads leading to a circuit board. The conductors are deposited on the substrate using thin film technology. Preferably the light emitting element is packaged in a flip chip having connecting bumps only on one side.