Abstract: A lamp assembly includes at least one lamp for generating light, a reflecting layer, and a conductive supporting member. The reflective layer reflects a part of the light traveling in a first direction toward a second direction opposite to the first direction. The conductive supporting member includes a supporting sheet for supporting the reflecting layer and a plurality of penetrating holes formed in the supporting sheet. The penetrating holes reduce the overlapping area between the lamp and the supporting sheet. The reflective layer and the conductive supporting member are disposed on a rear side of the lamp.

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 (LGP) for scattering the light beams to the diffusing plate, a reflecting sheet for scattering the light beams to the light guide plate. The reflecting sheet has at least an opening for dissipating heat generated by the operation of the light source generator of the back light module.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for an automobile instrument panel comprised of a backlight module; a light guide plate on the module; a light source and multiple semi-spherical grains on the guide plate sandwiched by a reflection plate and a diffusion plate; light being projected and evenly distributed on the light guide plate due to those grains; light intensity being increased by the reflection plate to be projected on the diffusion plate for the light to be evenly projected onto the instrument panel by light reflex and scattering to better illuminate the instrument panel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes indicating instruments with slim profiles. The indicating instrument comprises a meter movement and a circuit board. The main body of the meter movement is situated in an aperture in the circuit board. With this placement, the front end of the body of the meter movement extends a distance in front of the circuit board and the back end of the meter movement body extends a distance behind the circuit board. Through appropriate selection and arrangement of any components on the circuit board, the circuit board can be constructed such that none of its components extend beyond the distance that the meter movement extends on either side of the circuit board. In this manner the space needed for the meter movement and the circuit board and its components collapses into the same area. A light plate may be added to the circuit board and meter movement. The light plate provides a structural framework for the indicating instrument.

Abstract: A light source steadying assembly which fixes the relative distance between the lighting device and the transparent device by the elastic structure, such that all deformations induced by assembly and operation are absorbed. The elastic structure could be located in the gap between the chassis and the lighting device or in the gap between the lighting device and the transparent device. Further, the connecting structure is optional to be located in the gap without the elastic structure such that the angle between the transparent device and the lighting device is further fixed.

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: The proposed device uses a plastic of any color with a cavity introduced in it and preferably with a polished inner surface, instead of a reflector or a light guide, to utilize increased reflection with grazing incidence (large angle of incidence versus the normal to the surface). The light from a light source is transported to the symbol by reflection in this cavity and on the inner surface. The light source is preferably of a flat structure.

Abstract: A direct backlight apparatus for a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel includes a lamp housing and a lamp. The lamp housing accommodates a support structure disposed on the bottom of the lamp housing wherein an open end is defined by one side of the lamp housing. The lamp, supported by the support structure, is installed in the lamp housing and is further attached to a holding structure at one end of the lamp, for holding the lamp. The lamp is removed from the lamp housing through the open end by moving along a direction of the support structure when a force is exerted on the holding structure.

Abstract: A vehicle display assembly includes a display board, a light source for illuminating the display board, a plurality of buttons, and a grounding frame and housing which are both configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate the plurality of buttons. Using the same light source to illuminate both the display board and the buttons eliminates the need for separate button lighting, simplifying the assembly and reducing the assembly's operating temperature.

Abstract: An automotive display panel having a plurality of clear plastic substrates, wherein color-printed inks or foils are imprinted on the substrates. Each plastic substrate includes digits and identifying marks in selected areas. After creating a metallic-looking finish on the substrates, finely configured lines, such as concentric circles or radial lines, are printed on the color-tinted layer to create a desired appearance. Thereafter,,when the printing is completed, the substrates may be formed in multi-level configurations for providing a three-dimensional appearance. Backlighting is also provided to illuminate the selected areas of the substrates.

Abstract: An instrument panel includes a housing having an open end, an instrument body having a dial and arranged within the housing, a red light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a green light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a blue light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a control means fitted within the housing and electrically connected with the red, green and blue light emitting diodes for selectively controlling the light emitting diodes to give light, and a cover mounted on the open end of the housing for keeping the instrument body within the housing, whereby the instrument panel can emit lights with different colors as desired.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel of a display is illuminated by a surface light source device. The surface light source device comprises a primary light source consisting of, for example, a point-like light source and a light guide plate which is supplied with light to be introduced through an incidence face and to be emitted through an emission face. A back face is provided with repeatedly configurated slopes having inclinations such that a backward inner propagation light is converted into an inner reflection light directed to the emission face in order to urge the backward inner propagation light to be emitted preferentially through the emission face. A forward inner propagation light travelling toward a distal end face from an incidence face is rather restrained from being emitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable full switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile lighting apparatus that is particularly advantageous for use as a backlight for illuminating a display. The lighting apparatus includes a waveguide coupled to a light source for injecting light into the waveguide. The waveguide includes a plurality of elongate structures for ejecting light propagating within the waveguide through a predetermined surface of the waveguide. Another embodiment of the waveguide includes a central region of reduced thickness that redirects light propagating within the waveguide. The lighting apparatus has a low profile so it is particularly useful in areas of limited space.

Abstract: A method for checking a ring optical network line for data transmission between a plurality of network subscribers in a motor vehicle, wherein one network subscribers carries out a master function, wherein, apart from the optical network line, there is a further communication line which has a star structure. The network subscribers having the master function is arranged in the centre of the star structure and is connected directly via the communication line to every other network subscribers. The optical network line is checked by the network subscriber having the master function outputting a start signal to the individual network subscribers. The individual network subscribers acknowledge the start signal for the network subscribers the master function via the communication line. After the start signal, the network subscriber having the master function outputs an initialization signal via the optical network line.

Abstract: A key, which may be used in a user interface, including indicia formed at least in part from phosphorescent material.

Abstract: An illuminating mailbox address indication device includes a generally rectangular shaped housing mounted on a top portion of a mailbox wherein at least one longitudinal wall is removable. Enclosed within the housing is a light means powered by at least one rechargeable battery energized by a solar cell mounted upon the housing top wall in a recess formed therein. A photosensitive cell operates a switch to permit the light means to illuminate when a pre-determined threshold has been exceeded relevant to the amount of ambient light present around the mailbox (i.e., at night). At least one of the longitudinal housing side walls is translucent and further supports indica stenciled thereupon which represents the address of the property associated with the mailbox.

Abstract: A composite lighting device is provided, which is inexpensive and has high uniformity in brightness, in which light emitted from an end face of a backlight having an organic EL device is used to illuminate input buttons and the like. The lighting device includes a transparent substrate having one principal plane on which a transparent electrode film, a luminescent layer, and a reflective electrode film are at least formed. In the lighting device, a liquid crystal display unit is adjacently disposed on the other principal plane, and a light-guide element is adjacent to an end face of the substrate, so that input buttons embedded into the light-guide element are illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that provides back light for liquid crystal displays (“LCD”). The apparatus includes an electrodeless lamp disposed in a cabinet for generating light; and a reflector disposed on one side of the electrodeless lamp for directing light from the lamp in the direction of the LCD. The reflector further includes a surface profile that provides a uniform distribution of light intensity into the LCD. The reflector further is adjacent and in near contact with the lamp to provide a minimum depth behind the lamp. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes an IR reflector disposed between the electrodeless lamp and a diffuser, which is located adjacent the LCD screen.

Abstract: A display device is comprised of a main display panel, a transparent display panel that is disposed to cover the first display panel, and a control unit. The main display panel indicates a first information pattern, the transparent display panel indicates a second information pattern, and the control unit controls relative visibility of the main and transparent display panels to selectively indicate the first and second information patterns according to various vehicle conditions.

Abstract: A light assembly including a tray (36) that is removably fitted in a housing (12). The tray has two parallel, angled slots (48). An LED (32) is mounted to a circuit board (34) so that its axis is angularly offset from the axis of the circuit board. When the light assembly is assembled, a side edge of the circuit board is seated in one of the tray slots. If a first one circuit board side edges is seated in a first slot, the LED has a first angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Alternatively, the second circuit board side edges is seated in the second slot so that the LED has a second angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. This allows selective control the angular orientation of the emitted light beam relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A lighting device for lighting a display surface is described. The lighting device includes a light source, a lighting well and a lens, which is situated between the light source and the display surface. This yields a homogeneous and efficient lighting of a display surface.

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to a liquid crystal display device which comprises a housing and a backlight module; wherein the housing comprises a frame and an opening formed at a central region of the housing, the opening defining an active area; the backlight module used in providing light source via the active area comprises at least one lamp distributed equally in regions defined by the frame and the active area. The at least one lamp comprising an even luminance portion and a dense luminance portion, wherein the even luminance portion is located in the region defined by the active area while the dense luminance portion is located in the region defined by the frame. Because the dense luminance portion is located outside the active area in the invention, the luminance uniformity in the active area is raised without complex treatments thereby.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus in which the necessity of a light conductor for illuminating the front panel can be eliminated and cost reduction and slimming is realized, comprising: a circuit board 1; an instrument body 3 disposed on the circuit board 1 and including a drive shaft 2 extending forward; a pointer 4 to be fitted on the tip side of the drive shaft 2; a front panel 5 disposed between the pointer 4 and the circuit board 1 for illuminating at least the display portion 52; a light source 6 disposed in front of the circuit board 1 on the side where the drive shaft 2 resides with respect to the display portion 52; a reflector 7 to be disposed between the front panel 5 and the circuit board 1; and the circuit board 1 including a first reflecting portion 75 facing to the light source 6 for reflecting the illumination from the light source 6 toward the outer periphery, and a second reflecting portion 77 extending outward with an appropriate space interposed between itself and the front panel 5 so as to surround t

Abstract: A light illuminating type switch with a good click rate and having a desired click characteristic near to that of a single member of a metal dome. Fixed contacts 7a are provided on a base sheet 7. On an upper side of the base sheet 7, a dome shaped movable contact 8 capable of electrically connecting the fixed contacts 7a on the base sheet by being elastically deformed is arranged. The surface of the dome shaped movable contact 8 is attached with a flexible EL sheet E by using adhering agents 9a and 9b via an insulating member 6 over a peripheral portion of the dome shaped movable contact 8. The EL sheet E is formed with cut portions 10 partially at positions along an outer peripheral edge of the dome shaped movable contact 8. At least a pair of the cut portions 10 are formed at symmetrical positions centering on the movable contact 8.

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 light conducting body has a generally conical through bore defined therein. The conical through bore includes a front bore part defined by a sloped surface and a rear bore part defined by a concave surface. A light conducting dial board is installed in the conical through bore with its front face facing forward and positioned in the vicinity of the junction portion between the front and rear bore parts. The dial board has a peripheral edge separated from the inner wall surface of the conical through bore thereby to define therebetween a circumferentially extending space. A light conducting supporting plate is attached to a rear surface of the dial board. The supporting plate is formed with a light transmitting portion which extends rearward and has an rear end intimately received in a recess formed in the rear end of the light conducting body. A plurality of light sources are positioned behind the rear end of the light conducting body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information. In particular the invention relates to illumination for an instrument suitable for use in a vehicle. Such instruments, located on the dashboard of an automotive vehicle, require illumination to allow the driver to read the information when it is dark.

Abstract: A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.

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 by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the 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. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: A lighting unit is provided which comprises: a plurality of linear light sources arranged in parallel; light-guiding plates arranged along said light sources; light diffusion means arranged at the top of said light sources and light-guiding plates; and reflection means arranged at the bottom of the light sources; wherein said lighting unit is characterized in that the surface of each light-guiding plate is flat, in that the reverse side of the light-guiding plate includes an inclined face of a curvilinear shape that thins down as the inclined face is more distanced from the light source, and in that when a position relatively near the light source and a position relatively far from the light source, on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate, are inclined by &thgr;n1 and &thgr;f1, respectively, the relationship of &thgr;n1 ≧&thgr;f1 is satisfied and the angle-of-inclination of the thinnest portion on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate is 0 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages for fitting to an equipment front panel, in particular for aviation equipment, the key comprising a bearing rim and a hollow key body terminated by a front, drive face covered by a mask etched with messages to be illuminated, said key body being connected to said bearing rim by means of a peripheral ligament, said body, said ligament, and said rim being made as a single piece of flexible material. According to the invention, a slab of translucent material subdivided into blocks by at least one opaque partition extending substantially perpendicularly to the front face is received inside the key body so as to extend as far as the front, drive face of the key.

Abstract: A lighted handle includes an elongate light transmitting member that has first and second end portions. First and second support surface engageable mounting brackets carry the first and second end portions of the light transmitting member. A narrow beam light emitter is located in the first mounting bracket and has a light beam emitting end. The light beam emitting end faces the adjacent first end portion of the light transmitting member and is aimed longitudinally along the light transmitting member to make the same more visible.

Abstract: A light pipe has an upper surface, a lower surface, side surfaces between the upper and lower surfaces, and light output means. At lease two of the side surfaces constitute incidence side surfaces each extending in left-right and front-rear directions of the light pipe. The light output means is formed in one of the upper and lower surfaces so that incident light to the one of the upper and lower surfaces from each of the incidence side surfaces is made to go out from the other one of the upper and lower surfaces by the light output means. The light output means comprises a repetitive structure of prismatic structures having ridgelines extending along each of the incidence side surfaces respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that provides back light for liquid crystal displays (“LCD”). The apparatus includes an electrodeless lamp disposed in a cabinet for generating light; and a reflector disposed on one side of the electrodeless lamp for directing light from the lamp in the direction of the LCD. The reflector further includes a surface profile that provides a uniform distribution of light intensity into the LCD. The reflector further is adjacent and in near contact with the lamp to provide a minimum depth behind the lamp. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes an IR reflector disposed between the electrodeless lamp and a diffuser, which is located adjacent the LCD screen.

Abstract: A display instrument, in particular for a vehicle, with a printed circuit board, at least one illuminable display area and at least one illuminating element which has an LED and can be fastened on the printed circuit board by a contact socket. To simplify the production of the display instrument, the contact socket has a support component for activation electronics for activating the LED.

Abstract: A reflector for each of linear light sources arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals. The reflector includes a reflective region formed symmetrically about each light source. In one half part of symmetry, the reflective region comprises three reflective surfaces including a reflective surface close to the light source, an intermediate reflective surface, and a reflective surface distant from the light source. The reflective surface close to the light source is formed to have a flat horizontal reflective surface to reflect light back to a relatively wide range of a surface to be illuminated. The intermediate reflective region is formed to have a reflective surface slanted to the horizontal reflective surface or a curved reflective surface concavely curved thereto so as to have reflected light overlapped with reflected light illuminating in the wide range of the surface to be illuminated.

Abstract: A back light includes a first case having a plurality of first and second support members, the first support members at ends of the case and the second support member at a center portion of the case and a plurality of luminescent lamps having tubes supported by the first and second support members, having electrodes at both ends of the tubes. The luminescent lamps are arranged alternately at left and right sides of the second support member.

Abstract: A thin panel lit cluster including a graphics appliqué with a first and second side and at least one opaque section and one translucent section. A light-carrying panel with a first and second side is positioned such that the first side is adjacent to the second side of the graphics appliqué. The light-carrying panel has at least one opening defined in it and at least one light source is positioned to align with the opening. Opposite the light source, the light-carrying panel has a first light-redirecting area nearest its first side. In another position on the light-carrying panel, there is a second light-redirecting area nearest the second side of the light-carrying panel and opposite a translucent section of the graphics appliqué.

Abstract: An indicator device is intended to make an indication by illuminating a predetermined indicating surface, and comprises a light source (12) for emitting a light (L1) of the first wavelength and a fluorescent plate (22) disposed between the light source and the indicating surface for changing at least part of the light of the first wavelength projected from the light source into a light (L2) of the second wavelength longer than the first wavelength and projecting it towards the indicating surface.

Abstract: In a backlight unit including an illumination member such as a light guide panel equipped with a line-shaped light source and a light diffusing optical sheet or a light collecting optical sheet arranged on the light guide panel, a reinforcing plate having light transmittance higher than that of the optical sheet and resistive against thermal deformation is stuck on at least one of these optical sheet to restrict thermal deformation of the optical sheet.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1) having a pointer shaft (12) that deflects a pointer flag (10), the pointer flag (10) can be illuminated by means of a light source (14). For this purpose, the light source (14) is formed, for example, as a light-emitting polymer (13), which is applied between the pointer flag (10), which is formed at the same time as an electrode, and a further, transparent electrode (15), and emits light of any desired coloration under appropriate electrical excitation. The pointer flag (10) can assume any desired shape as the result of using such a light source (14) that can be shaped. In particular, multiple curvatures can be represented without differences in brightness occurring in this case.

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 by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the 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. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light-emitting regions for illuminating corresponding push buttons, and is disposed beneath the push buttons. The EL element is connected to a switching contact and a controller. An light-emitting operation of the EL element is controlled by the controller to illuminate a certain push button. The keyboard including the above components can provide multiple functions for illuminating the push buttons although having a simple structure.

Abstract: A foldable case having a back light is disclosed that a specific printed or injection-molded mark and a logo are emitted on a foldable case with which a liquid crystal display unit is integrally formed. The ON/OFF state of a power source of a liquid crystal display unit can be easily recognized even in a state that a foldable case is closed, and a specific mark or logo printed or injection-molded on an outer surface of the foldable case integrally formed with the liquid crystal display has a back light, so that divers desires of users can be satisfied as well as providing an elegant appearance.

Abstract: A method of backlighting a flat panel display over an expanded dimming range includes providing a backlight including multiple cold cathode fluorescent lamps positionable directly behind a diffuser. Each of multiple drive circuits is adapted to independently adjust arc current of at least one of the multiple cold cathode fluorescent lamps in order to change the luminance output of the at least one of the cold cathode fluorescent lamps. Control signals are provided to each of the multiple drive circuits to separately control luminance output of different cold cathode fluorescent lamps such that at the same instant the different cold cathode fluorescent lamps are driven to substantially different luminance intensities, thereby allowing a reduction of an overall minimum luminance provided by the backlight and expanding the dimmable range of the backlight. A backlight implementing the methods of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a method and apparatus of illuminating a display, which has a display screen, a plurality of lamps and reflector containing both specular and diffuse surfaces. The technique provides a relatively small area specular reflector with a curved surface configured for reflecting a substantial amount of light away from the lamps, into the intermediate areas between the lamps, and toward the display screen. The relatively large remaining area of the reflector provides a diffuse surface to direct some amount of light away from the lamps and toward the display. In addition, this diffuse surface optimizes the performance of light control films integral to the illumination system.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane. However, in a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit of a motor vehicle having a plurality of control elements (2, 3) arranged in a visible surface of the control unit, at least one of which elements can be illuminated by a light source (18) via a light coupling-out area of an annular optical waveguide (16). The invention provides for the optical waveguide (16) to have a closed annular form with a tangential bulge (17) which forms a light coupling-in area perpendicularly to the annular light coupling-out area. In a second embodiment for illuminating a plurality of control elements, provision is made of an optical waveguide having a plurality of light coupling-out areas arranged in the same plane on finger-like extensions of an otherwise planar optical waveguide, the light coupling-out areas being arranged at right angles to a common light coupling-in area.