Indirect Illumination Patents (Class 362/30)
  • Patent number: 9318034
    Abstract: A light source module includes: a substrate; and a plurality of light emitting devices having different ranks and arranged on the substrate in columns and rows, the plurality of light emitting devices being classified in the different ranks based on at least one of color coordinates, brightness of light emitted therefrom and a driving voltage, wherein in at least one of the columns and rows, light emitting devices having different ranks from among the plurality of light emitting devices are alternated in a basic arrangement and are alternated in an inverse arrangement opposite to the basic arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Ho Shin, In Je Sung, Sung Oh Ahn
  • Patent number: 9297675
    Abstract: A composite laminate assembly for an electronic device provides integrated backlighting for one or more indicator shapes defined by the assembly. The assembly includes a substantially opaque cover member to obscure at least parts of the electronic device. Translucent indicator structures in the cover member define respective indicator shapes to allow backlighting to pass through the cover member. An optical matrix layer of an optically conductive material is attached to an inner face of the cover member, with a plurality of lighting devices embedded in the optical matrix layer and laterally offset from associated indicator structures. The plurality of lighting devices may be connected to an electric circuit carried on the inner face of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Tactotek Oy
    Inventors: Antti Keränen, Mikko Heikkinen
  • Patent number: 9273851
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and liquid crystal display device. The backlight module includes diffuser plate, substrate, fluorescent layer and light-emitting chip. The fluorescent layer is disposed on a light-entering surface of diffuser plate, and the fluorescent layer includes quantum dot (QD). The light-emitting chip is disposed on the substrate and the light-emitting chip is between substrate and fluorescent layer for irradiating on the fluorescent layer to excite the quantum dots to emit light to form white backlight source. The present invention uses quantum dots to effectively increase luminance, color saturation and avoid chroma offset. The quantum dots can emit uniform light and reduce thickness of the backlight module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yewen Wang
  • Patent number: 9182630
    Abstract: A backlight module and a liquid crystal display are provided. The backlight module includes a first light-emitting unit and at least one second light-emitting unit. The first light-emitting unit is located outside of a light guide region between an optical film and a reflection plate, and the at least one second light-emitting unit is located within the light guide region. The at least one second light-emitting unit includes a curved reflection sheet. The curved reflection sheet faces the first light-emitting unit, and is used to reflect the lights being projected to the at least one second light-emitting unit unto the optical film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Kuojun Fang, Jianfa Huang
  • Patent number: 9146033
    Abstract: An improved assembly for illuminating knobs on an appliance is provided. Light from a light source is positioned below a surface of the appliance to shine through a light transmissive insert in an aperture in the surface to illuminate a bottom surface of a control knob and/or part of the surface of the appliance. A fluid seal is maintained by the assembly between one side of the appliance surface where the knob is positioned, and an opposing side of the appliance surface where the light source is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Bryan Cadima, Anthony Michael Shaw
  • Patent number: 8884786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light sign (10) for displaying an instruction and/or guidance for ground airplane traffic at an airport, comprising a casing (20) with a transparent display panel (21) for representing an instruction and/or guidance symbol (Z), and a light source arranged inside the casing (20) with at least one luminescent diode (32) for illuminating the display panel (21). A diffusion panel (22) is made for scattering and/or back-scattering incident light, wherein the light source is arranged between the display panel and the diffusion panel. The at least one luminescent diode (32) is aligned on the diffusion panel (22) so that the display panel (21) is not illuminated directly, but indirectly by back-scattering of the light emitted from the at least one luminescent diode by the diffusion panel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADB BVBA
    Inventors: Martijn Beukema, Pierre Tremouroux
  • Patent number: 8494663
    Abstract: An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The switch system is mounted to a moveable structure, such as an overhead stowage bin, and is responsive to a local input from a user, as well as to a remote input from an external control/monitoring panel. The switch system has at least one indicator surface responsive to the local input and the remote input to display indicator data. The indicator surface has a portion that forms at least one user input device for enabling the local input. The switch system further comprises a control system disposed behind the indicator surface. The control system is responsive to the local input and the remote input to transmit the indicator data to the indicator surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bret L. Lamoree, Dennis C. Lin, Heidi J. Kneller, Henry V. Fletcher, Brock J. Prince, Phillip J. Ayoub
  • Patent number: 8393773
    Abstract: A light-guide light is described that is capable of providing a substantially monochromatic beam of light, and is suitable for use as a signal lamp in an automotive vehicle. The light (1) comprises a housing defining a light-guiding optical cavity (4) having first and second major faces (5, 6), and a light source (11) arranged to direct light into the cavity from one side. The light source may be an array of light emitting diodes providing substantially monochromatic light. The first major face (5) comprises an interference film (for example, a multilayer polymeric film) that, for light at the design wavelength, substantially transmits light that is incident on the film over a limited angular range and substantially reflects light that is incident at other angles. The second major face (6) comprises a scattering reflective material having a reflectance of at least 85%, for example a highly-efficient reflective material provided with a suitable textured pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael Charles Lea
  • Patent number: 8384838
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is provided, capable of minimizing deterioration in display quality of a liquid crystal panel due to external force generated by connection with an external chassis such as a customer's chassis. The liquid crystal display device has, at least, a front frame, a liquid crystal panel, and a backlight unit having at least a rear frame, arranged in this order. A back fixing frame to be fixed to the front frame is provided on the back face of the liquid crystal display device, and attachment portions to be attached to an external chassis are provided in the back fixing frame. This makes it difficult for external force generated by connection with the external chassis to be transmitted to the liquid crystal panel or the backlight unit, suppresses deformation of the liquid crystal panel or reflection sheet and prevents deterioration in display quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Sugawara, Yasushi Takada
  • Patent number: 8360595
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a light-guiding structure of a translucent press key including a keypad region including a circular hollow area, and a diffuser and a light source module sequentially disposed below the keypad region. The light source module includes a reflective film and a light generating unit, in which the reflective film has a through hole formed at a position opposite to the middle of the circular hollow area, and the light generating unit is coupled to a control circuit of the keypad region and generates a light source to pass through the through hole. The light-guiding structure of a translucent press key of the present invention has the advantages of a low cost and highly uniform light distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Inventec Appliances (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Inventec Appliances Corp
    Inventor: Szu-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 8342718
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a first support having at least a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first plurality of ornaments such as crystals attached to the first surface of the first support, and an opaque frame disposed around the first support. The opaque frame has a first opening through which the plurality of ornaments are observable. At least one light source is disposed in the frame for directing light onto at least some of the first plurality of ornaments which light is at least one of refracted and reflected from the first plurality of ornaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: Andre B. Kikoski
  • Patent number: 8337028
    Abstract: A light guide sheet is adapted to be used with a light emitter. The light guide sheet includes a light-transmissive base, a light inlet section having bonded to a lower surface of the base, and an illumination section for diffusing the light entering into the base. The light inlet section has an upper surface and an edge surface connected to the upper surface. The upper surface of the light inlet section is bonded to the lower surface of the base. Light emitted from the light emitter enters into the edge surface the light inlet section. The light inlet section causes the entering light to enter into the base. The light inlet section has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the base. The light guide sheet provides a movable contact assembly capable of reliably illumination inexpensively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Tatehata, Yousuke Chikahisa
  • Patent number: 8308312
    Abstract: A vehicle meter is provided including a dial 10 and light sources provided on the rear face of the dial. A plurality of characters can be arranged on the dial and can be displayed by transmitting light from the light sources (a plurality of LEDs 25) and formed differently from each other in amount of transmitted light. The characters arranged on the dial may be provided with an increased and decreased amount of transmitted light to improve the visibility of the character intended to be emphasized. This makes it easy to visually recognize the entire string of characters in the vehicle meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Murasawa, Mizuho Asao
  • Patent number: 8277061
    Abstract: A light guiding mechanism for portable electronic device includes a cover, a light guiding module and four light sources. The cover includes a light transmitting region. The light guiding module includes a light guide plate having a first diagonal line and a second diagonal line. The light guide plate defines a first through hole. The light guide plate includes a light reflecting region around the first through hole. The light reflecting region includes a plurality of protrusions symmetrically positioned relative to the first diagonal line and the second diagonal line. Adjacent protrusions have a space therebetween. The size of the space uniformly increases with increasing distance from the first through hole. Light emitted from the light sources is repeatedly reflected by the protrusions and then passes the light transmitting region of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8277062
    Abstract: A lamp assembly 10 has a housing 12 that preferably is non-rotationally symmetrical. In a particular embodiment the housing 12 can be rectangular; however, other non-rotationally symmetrical housings can also be employed. The housing 12 includes a base 14 and an upstanding wall 16 surrounding the base 14. The space between the cover 24 and the base 14 defines a light-conducting channel 34. A light-receiving aperture 36 is defined in the housing 12 and in one instance is formed to receive light from a light source 22. A first light-receiving conduit 38 is defined in the light-conducting channel 34 and is formed to receive light from the light source 22 that is fitted into the light-receiving aperture 36 and conduct light to a second light-receiving conduit 40 defined in the light-conducting channel 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Sylvania L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brant James Potter
  • Patent number: 8261686
    Abstract: An illuminated gauge assembly includes a top surface of a light housing that includes a scale and a light guide that extends through the light housing for distributing light onto the surface of the top surface. A single light source is disposed below the light housing and directs through the light guide onto the top surface of the light housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Yang Yang
  • Patent number: 8251529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thin illumination device (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60). The invention also relates to a display device and a luminary device comprising such a thin illumination device. The thin illumination device comprises a translucent plate (2, 23, 31, 41, 51, 66, 73) provided with an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (3, 32, 47, 61, 75) connected by an electric conducting pattern, and a reflector (4, 20, 22, 43, 53, 62, 74) arranged on a first side of the plate at a distance from the plate. Such a construction can be made thinner and works more efficiently than a conventional LED thin-film illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Boonekamp, Theodoor Cornelis Treurniet
  • Patent number: 8231236
    Abstract: The invention provides a light guiding plate. The light guiding plate is transparent and applied to an input apparatus. A surface of the light guiding plate comprises a first region and a second region. The first region is covered by a non-transparent material. If a light is emitted into the light guiding plate, the light can be emitted out from the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dafron Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiang Chiang, Chih-Chung Yen, Liang-Ta Yeh
  • Patent number: 8205996
    Abstract: A light switch cover having a light switch identifier to identify light coupled to a particular light switch. To this end, the light switch identifier may be positioned adjacent the light switch and/or a designation (number, letter or both) may be established for the light switch identifier and the light switch. The light switch cover may include a small clear cover behind which a label is positioned which identifies the particular light (or other device) that the corresponding light switch is operable to control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Combs
  • Patent number: 8186866
    Abstract: A metallic panel assembly having multilayer arrays of micropores includes a backlight module and a panel body. The backlight module is constituted of a first and a second light-guiding plate. First and second light-guiding microstructures are provided on the first and second light-guiding plates. A first and a second set of light-emitting units are disposed on one end of the first and second light-guiding plates, respectively. A first and a second shielding unit are disposed on the first and second light-guiding plates and the first and second sets of light-emitting units respectively. The panel body is disposed on one side surface of the first light-guiding plate. The panel body has thereon a plurality of hollowed portions with the hollowed portions encircling a key body. The key body has thereon a plurality of micropores. The plurality of micropores is arranged to form a pattern of each key body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Ichia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Li Liu, Che-Tung Wu
  • Patent number: 8172414
    Abstract: An illuminating device, for illuminating display designed parts on a display panel, includes at least one light source arranged at a rear side of the display panel, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Kinya Tamura
  • Patent number: 8142036
    Abstract: A device is disclosed having a keypad and an adjacent light guide with at least one light source. At least one reflector is provided, having at least an area thereof adjacent to the light source. At least a portion of the reflector is located either between the light source and the keypad or between the light guide and the keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Muh Fong Chung, Sian Tatt Lee, Choon Guan Ko, Fook Chuin Ng
  • Patent number: 8107155
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for reducing visible artifacts such as Moiré, or interference, patterns, in displays. One embodiment includes a display device comprising a plurality of light modulators and a plurality of illumination elements configured to direct light to the light modulators. The directed light of the plurality of illumination elements collectively defines an nonuniformly varying pattern of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ion Bita, Gang Xu, Mark Mienko, Russell Wayne Gruhlke
  • Patent number: 8056216
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing non-backlighted illuminating keypad includes preparing a transparent plastic thin plate; forming a plurality of keycaps on a surface the plastic thin plate; forming a light gathering layer on another surface of the plastic thin plate opposite to the keycaps; attaching the plastic thin plate onto an electronic ink layer; and attaching an first elastic layer on the electronic ink layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ichia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Chih Chang, Chang-Li Liu
  • Patent number: 8052294
    Abstract: A back light unit for a liquid crystal display device for improving uniformity of the light and dispensing with optical sheets. The back light unit includes a light source having a holographic pattern formed on a surface thereof opposite the display device which is to display a picture, and a reflective plate under the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man Hoan Lee, Sung Keun Lee
  • Publication number: 20110228513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display instrument (1), particularly for a motor vehicle, wherein the display instrument comprises a display surface (5) visible from a viewing direction (11) and a light source (7) illuminating the display surface, wherein the display instrument comprises a reflector (6) for reflecting the light emitted by the light source, wherein emission of the majority of the light emitted or reflected by the light source to the display surface or substantially parallel to the main extension plane (12) thereof is provided for.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventor: Manfred Suess
  • Patent number: 8016442
    Abstract: An illuminated indicating device includes a dial plate, a pointer, a first light source, a light guide and a light filter. The first light source emits a beam of light and the light guide diverts the beam of light into a first light to the pointer and a second light to a front side of the dial plate. The light filter includes a first filtering portion and a second filtering portion. The first filtering portion is located in a path of the first light to allow a first color of light to pass through and the second filtering portion is located in a path of the second light to allow a second color of light to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahira Kato
  • Patent number: 8016441
    Abstract: An illuminated instrument cluster utilizes a single light emitting diode to backlight the entire dial surface. The LED is aligned with a light guide then directs light into a cavity of a light housing. The cavity includes a surface that reflects light upwardly onto a back surface of the dial face to provide the desired illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Christian Tanguy
  • Patent number: 8007156
    Abstract: A nonimaging light assembly for flashlights, including a light source and a lens symmetrical about an optical axis for receiving light from the light source and producing therefrom a light beam having concentrated and divergent components resulting in a high intensity core beam surrounded by a smoothly transitioning lower intensity surround beam. In a preferred embodiment utilizing a light emitting diode as the light source, the combined light beam produced by the light assembly has a substantially circular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Narkis E. Shatz, John C. Bortz
  • Patent number: 7956952
    Abstract: A liquid crystal module includes a liquid crystal panel and a back light unit. The back light unit has a rear frame, a light guide plate and a lamp reflector assembly. The lamp reflector assembly including a light source, a lamp reflector and a lamp socket. The lamp reflector has a front plate, a rear plate and a side plate with a tab. At least one of the front plate and the rear plate has a fixing hole. The lamp socket has a fixing protrusion that is fitted into the fixing hole of the lamp reflector, and a slit that receives the tab of the lamp reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7954965
    Abstract: A display for measured quantities can include a gauge with a set of indicia spaced around the gauge to indicate the measured quantities. A window can be formed in the gauge that extends along the set of indicia. An elliptical reflector can be positioned such that a first focus of the elliptical reflector is on the same axis as the center of the gauge with this axis perpendicular to the axis connecting the foci. An optical device can be mounted on a shaft and be arranged to redirect a light beam from a second foci of the elliptical reflector onto the elliptical reflector to generate a virtual pointer in the window. Means can be provided for turning the shaft to rotate the optical device. A light source can project the light beam onto the optical device. Rotation of the optical device can enable the virtual pointer to be selectively aimed at the set of indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Boyd, Kang Li, George Wu
  • Patent number: 7934463
    Abstract: A gauge can include a face plate and an indication area disposed about a gauge center. The indication area can have a shape that can be defined by a bottom boundary, a top boundary, and first and second ends joining respective ends of the top and bottom boundaries. The top and bottom boundaries can be spaced apart from the gauge center by first and second radial distances. The indication area can be angled rearward relative to the face plate with the top boundary being spaced rearward from the face plate. A plurality of indicia can be disposed on the face plate. The gauge can further include a laser system disposed behind a rear side of the face plate and arranged to rotate and reflect a laser beam to a position adjacent or relative to a specific one of the plurality of indicia based on a signal output from a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Cook
  • Patent number: 7926964
    Abstract: An illuminated control for a gas range or the like provides arcuate reflective chambers capped by diffusers to create a substantially continuous glowing circular sector indicating the status of a possibly low visibility gas flames. Line power may be used for direct drive of light emitting diodes illuminating the reflective chambers through the use of discrete series-connected voltage dropping resistors distributed to prevent heat concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Claprood
  • Publication number: 20110044021
    Abstract: An indicating instrument, such as for an instrument cluster, may employ a dial with numerous lighted indicia and numerous lighted graduations, to individually demark the indicia. The indicia and graduations may be viewable on a first side of the dial, while on a second side of the dial, a frustum of a rectangular pyramid may be located immediately behind, relative to a viewer, each graduation. A light emitting diode may provide light into and through the protruding frustum, and a reflector case mounted to the dial may direct light from the light emitting diode into the frustum. Light directed into the frustum may pass through the frustum, through the graduation, and out of the graduation to the first side of the dial. Instead of a frustum, a recessed portion with four sloping and converging sides into the dial may be utilized to produce an illuminated graduation with a three-dimensional appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Takahira Kato
  • Patent number: 7893373
    Abstract: An electroluminescent apparatus includes a protection layer characterized by two or more non-overlapping regions and a back electrode layer which includes two or more back electrode regions. Each of the back electrode regions overlies a corresponding one of the non-overlapping regions in the protection layer. A bottom insulation layer includes two or more bottom insulation regions, each of which overlying a corresponding one of the back electrode regions. The apparatus includes two or more electroluminescent segments, each of which overlying a corresponding one of the back electrode layers. A transparent electrode layer includes two or more transparent electrode regions, each overlying a corresponding one of electroluminescent segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshisada Takeda, Wataru Kudo
  • Patent number: 7887222
    Abstract: A vehicle display with a housing having a gauge port, an interior wall around the gauge port, and an appliqué port extending from an exterior side of the vehicle display and intersecting the gauge port. A light source provides light into the gauge port and directs the light outwardly from a front side of the housing. An appliqué has a first locking feature. The appliqué port at least partially receives the appliqué between the front side of the housing and the light source. The light from the light source illuminates a portion of the appliqué. The first locking features releasably engages a second locking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcelo R Fanfa, Dimitri Baudon
  • Patent number: 7874689
    Abstract: A display device includes: a display element for showing information as a screen image; and an ornamental member disposed on a display surface of the display element and having a shape corresponding to the screen image. The ornamental member includes a light transparent element and a light nontransparent element. The screen image includes a designed image on a position of the display surface corresponding to the light transparent element. The display element outputs a screen image light from the display surface. The screen image light corresponding to the designed image passes through the light transparent element so that the screen image light is outputted from the ornamental member to the display side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Seigo Tane, Satoshi Sugiura, Akira Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7855709
    Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight, the present invention provides a detection-use pixel having the same constitution as respective pixels constituting a liquid crystal display part in the liquid crystal display panel and being formed on a region other than the liquid crystal display part, a light detector detecting light from the backlight through the detection-use pixel, and a controller adjusting the intensity of the light from the backlight in response to a signal from the light detector to adjust the change of the characteristics and chromaticity in the liquid crystal display panel properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Kamei
  • Patent number: 7841733
    Abstract: A display device such as a light box comprises: a housing; a light source accommodated in this housing; and at least one diffusely translucent display face illuminated by the light from this light source. Orienting means are added to the light source so as to obtain a directional characteristic of the light emitted by the light source such that the light source directly illuminates at least one wall almost exclusively. This at least one wall is diffusely reflective such that a part of the light incident thereon is reflected to the display face. This has an almost constant luminance as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Matthijs Dirk Meulenbelt
  • Patent number: 7828470
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method provides a plurality of graphics. The method backlights the graphics by using reflected light and/or blocking direct light. The method also highlights one of the graphics by using direct light that overpowers the backlighting of the one of the graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Flextronics Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Fedorenko, Gary Warren
  • Patent number: 7800708
    Abstract: A backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A light source is disposed along only one of the first side or second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from either the first side or second side. Each segment light source is selectively turned on and off in a particular pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Brott, Dale L. Ehnes, David J. Lundin, Michael A. Meis, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7798091
    Abstract: A meter device for a vehicle with enhanced visibility that is easily discriminated from other meter devices. A speedometer includes a meter panel having an indication surface that indicates a running speed, and a finger moving in an area above the meter panel. A light guide surrounds a rim part of the meter panel. The light guide is formed with a light guiding member which guides light from a light source. A rim frame section of the light guide protrudes over the indication surface from a back side of the meter panel toward a front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Suita, Pairuch Worakasemsuk
  • Patent number: 7780325
    Abstract: A luminous turning button for an electric circuit, including a handle mounted to pivot about an axis to actuate at least one electric switch unit and that is illuminated by a light source substantially disposed along the axis. The handle includes a cap forming a disk and a gripping tab that protrudes in a diametral plane. The cap is made of translucent or transparent material capable of allowing the light to travel to the outside, the gripping tab being hollow and covering an integrated mechanical base made of opaque material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Virginie Collomb, Claude Rousseau, Alain Tardivon, Patrice Thizon
  • Patent number: 7780304
    Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster lens assembly for achieving a desired smoked lens effect in a vehicle instrument panel includes a first layer having an associated polarizing orientation for transforming incident light into polarized light having a first orientation that corresponds to the polarizing orientation. A second layer receives the polarized light and shifts the first orientation of the polarized light to a second orientation that is different than the first orientation. A surface receives the polarized light from the second layer and at least partially reflects the polarized light in a direction toward the second layer. The second layer shifts the second orientation of the polarized light to a third orientation that is different from the polarizing orientation of the first layer to prevent the polarized light from being transmitted to a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Vyacheslav B. Birman
  • Patent number: 7771069
    Abstract: A gauge assembly that is illuminable by a light source is provided. The gauge assembly may include a dial face having a translucent portion forming at least a perimeter of the dial face and a cover disposed behind the dial. The cover may define a plurality of graduated lines, at least one of the graduated lines having a first portion extending behind the translucent portion and a second portion extending outward from the perimeter of the dial face. The first portion may be visible through the translucent portion when the gauge is illuminated by the light source and obscured by the translucent portion when the gauge is not illuminated by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Reben Werman, Takahira Kato
  • Patent number: 7753540
    Abstract: An illuminable indicator (40) has an opaque base (42); a cover (44) for the base (42), the cover (44) having a formed design (46) therein having a given circumference with an area (48) defined by the circumference, the area (48) provided with a reflector (49) and at least the formed design being translucent; and mounting means (50) formed in the base for receiving a light engine (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Swantner, Douglas G. Seymour
  • Patent number: 7750917
    Abstract: A method for selecting paints is disclosed. This method includes the steps of selecting true paint colors, displaying device-dependent colors corresponding to the true paint colors in a simulated full size room and interacting with the buyers to change the displayed colors and select the desired colors. The method also includes the step of dispensing paints corresponding to the selected colors. The displayed colors are generated by multiple color and/or white LEDs to provide a wider gamut of displayable colors and more color saturation and chromatic. A full-size apparatus for displaying paint colors using device-dependent colors is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Carl Minchew, Patrick Tak Fu Chong
  • Patent number: 7731374
    Abstract: An illuminated gauge for a vehicle instrument panel includes a single LCD having at least a first display configuration and a second display configuration different from the first display configuration. A pointer is selectively actuatable to operate within one of the first and the second display configurations. A selector is used to switch between the first and second display configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Takato
  • Patent number: 7726862
    Abstract: An annular light guiding unit for portable electronic device comprises a first surface, a second surface located opposite to the first surface, and a wall connecting the first surface and the second surface together. The wall is defined a plurality of first wedged walls therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Po Lin
  • Patent number: RE42975
    Abstract: The present invention features a system for uniformly distributing luminance and a high degree of collimation from a back light module for flat-panel, liquid crystal displays (LCDs) simultaneously. A constant and uniform luminance output of the back light module in two directions is obtained through appropriate selection of lamps, geometry and optical components. An appropriate balance of lamps, lamp spacing, diffusers and light collimating optics are chosen to produce a high brightness back light module with very high intensity output over two very large surfaces. Variations in intensity over the illuminated area are minimized using light recycling in conjunction with the reflective diffusers and collimating optics. Precision collimators eliminate light beyond a defined angle, as required in tiled or monolithic flat-panel LCDs with predetermined display specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Donald P. Seraphim, Dean W. Skinner