Abstract: A lighting device including an LED, which is located immediately below a first illumination window, for illuminating not only the first illumination window but also a second illumination window. The lighting device includes a light guide plate for transmitting light from the LED. The light guide plate includes first and second recess groups defined at locations corresponding to the first illumination window. The light guide plate further includes a third recess group defined at a location corresponding to the second illumination window.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate (20) includes a transparent plate (21) and a light diffusion layer (22). The transparent plate includes a light output surface (212), a light input surface (211) opposite to the light output surface, and a plurality of spot-shaped recessed portions (213) formed on the light input surface. The light diffusion layer is coated on the spot-shaped recessed portions. A backlight module using the optical plate is also provided, a plurality of point light sources of which being positioned in one-to-one correspondence with the spot-shaped recessed portions. The backlight module using the optical plate can have a thin body with a good optical performance.

Abstract: Various manufacturing techniques may be employed to construct an appliqué for use in an instrument cluster. In one commonly employed technique, an appliqué may be formed by applying different colored ink layers onto a surface of a polycarbonate sheet using a silk screen printing. In some instance, an edge of an underlying ink layer may cause a visible step line on the face of the appliqué. To reduce or eliminate these visible step lines, an outer boundary area of the printing layers invention are defined as a dispersing dot pattern.

Abstract: A straw holder for supporting a drinking straw in the mouth of a bottle is presented. The holder includes a straw support portion dimensioned for placement across the mouth of a bottle. The straw support portion includes an aperture designed to receive a straw therethrough and to vertically support the straw with respect to the support portion. The holder further includes a bottle retaining portion that includes at least one turn extending around the retaining portion. The at least one turn includes a first turn having an end attached to the straw support portion.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing breakdowns of a switch by using plural light emitting diodes (LEDs) on a front panel (10) of the switch includes: plural port LEDs (31, 32, 33, 34, . . . 3n), a user interface (50) for generating an instruction to convert display modes of the port LEDs, a CPU (central processing unit) (60) coupled to the user interface for dealing with the instruction, an LED driver (70) coupled to the port LEDs for refreshing the displays of the port LEDs; a physics (PHY) module (80) coupled to the LED driver and used for obtaining the operation statuses of the ports; and a periodic service manager (90) coupled to the LED driver for triggering the LED driver periodically. Display modes of the port LEDs can be converted selectively, which reduces the number of port LEDs needed, and still allows administrators to conveniently diagnose any breakdowns of the switch.

Abstract: A backlight module and method of assembling the same. At least one fitting structure is formed on each of the top surface and side surface of an exterior frame of the backlight, and a fitting member is provided for each fitting structure. A plurality of fitting structures is formed on the fitting members to be engaged with the fitting structures of the top and side surfaces, such that the backlight films of the backlight module can be properly held between the exterior frame and the fitting members.

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.

Abstract: There is provided a display system for gaming cabinets comprising a backlit display and a mounting plate. The backlit display comprises a lighting source, an arcuate translucent face sheet, and a support frame for supporting said lighting source and said face sheet, said support frame comprising a hinged top cover, a base member, and an opposing pair of side clamp frame assemblies. The side clamp frame assemblies each retain a side edge of the arcuate face sheet. The mounting plate comprises a back panel for fixing to the back side of said backlit display and a base plate including a plurality of anchor holes for securing the display system to a cabinet.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling upper clamshell and preferably 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 or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members. In still additional preferred embodiments, the keyboard space bar includes a luminescent line or decorative design for indicating the space bar's function and position.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes: common electrodes for applying a voltage to opposite ends of a plurality of lamps; a lower member for receiving the common electrodes and positioning the common electrodes at the opposite ends of the lamps; upper members for positioning opposite to the common electrodes, each upper member having air inlet/outlets at opposite sides of the upper members and an unobstructed space between two inner side surfaces of the upper members for allowing a free flow of air between the inlet/outlets.

Abstract: An instrument gauge for motor vehicles which includes a large front face lens, an annular spacer ring, a dial plate and a light-diffuser plate, all of which have relatively large diameter/circumferences and each being preferably made from transparent/translucent plastic material. An outermost circumferential edge portion of the light-diffuser plate rests upon a radially outwardly directed flange which unites a large outer chamber of an inner gauge housing with a smaller chamber thereof. The inner housing is also preferably made of transparent/translucent material. Light rays emitted from behind the light-diffuser board are transmitted to outermost circumferential edge portions of the dial plate to fully illuminate the same beyond that heretofore provided which prevents the utilization of larger indica and renders the same more readily viewable.

Abstract: A direct-illumination backlight apparatus using LEDs includes a flat reflective plate, an LED light source, a transparent plate, a scattering pattern, and a light guide. The light guide serves to introduce a partial light from an LED light source at such an angle that the partial light is trapped inside the transparent plate, and the scattering pattern serves to scatter the trapped light beam at a position directly above the LED light source so that the scattered light beam escapes out of the transparent plate toward an LCD panel.

Abstract: An indicator lighting device in which light introduction efficiency into a indication portion can be improved, brightness is good and unevenness in lighting is small is provided; wherein an indicator 7 which has a translucent indication member (indication portion) 72 and a light introduction member (light introduction portion) 73 and is operated around an axis by a drive shaft 1 of a drive unit 2, light sources L which are disposed around the drive shaft 1 and illuminate the indication member 72 through the light introduction member 73 are provided, and the light introduction member 73 has a light receiving surface 73a for receiving light from the light sources L, a first reflective surface 73b for focusing light introduced from the light receiving surface 73a to a position of a rotation axis Va of the drive shaft 1, a second reflective surface 73c which is formed between the first reflective surface 73b and the rotation axis and reflects light from the first reflective surface 73b in a direction along the ro

Abstract: A backlight module without a light guiding plate and a diffusing plate is disclosed, in which a reflective layer having a light scattering structure is first disposed on a backplate and then at least a reflective mirror is provided on the reflective layer of the backplate. Further, a transparent plate is disposed on the at least reflective mirror. The backplate, the at least a reflective mirror, the reflective layer and the transparent plate form an enclosed space and thus the backlight module without a light guiding plate and a diffusing plate is completed. In another form of the backlight module without a light guiding plate and a diffusing plate, the light scattered structure is formed directly on the backplate. When a light-emitting unit emits a light source, the light source is uniformly given off through the light scattering structure, promoting use efficiency of the light source.

Abstract: An illumination push switch unit is provided in which driving units for driving first and second detecting units are formed at side walls other than adjacent side walls of peripheral walls of first and second sliders with a barrier walls of a case interposed therebetween, notch portions are provided at the bottom surface side of the barrier wall and the bottom surface sides of the adjacent side walls of the peripheral walls with the barrier wall interposed therebetween, and a space portion, which becomes an optical path toward the display surfaces of the first and second operation members, is formed between the top surface of the insulating substrate and the notch portions through the notch portions.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for a liquid crystal display panel. The assembly includes a lamp housing; a lamp; a diffuser plate; and a plurality of supports. Each support 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 cushioning member may be disposed around a section of the lamp and between the lamp and the first member for providing cushioning therebetween. The second member has an elongated body for supporting the diffuser plate when it attempts to sag or distort.

Abstract: A keypad assembly (100) for a communication device (200) utilizes two boards, a main circuit board (102) with electronic components including light emitting diodes (LEDs) (104) and a keypad board (108). A lightguide (106) is sandwiched between the two boards (102, 108), the lightguide having window protrusions (112) to accommodate the LEDs (104). The keypad board (108) has openings (116) within which the window protrusions (112) align in order to provide backlighting and sealing to the communication device (200).

Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having a display panel having at least one indicator light for indicating a status of a feature of the appliance wherein the indicator light is lighted by electro luminescent lighting. The electro luminescent lighting is also used on a control panel for a floor care appliance to backlight one or more switches used to control a feature or mode of the appliance wherein the backlighting indicates a status of the feature or mode associated with a particular switch. The switches and electro luminescent backlighting are embedded between layers of a thin film allowing the display and control panels to be mounted on a curved surface such as the handle of the floor care appliance.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly (10) having a transparent intermediate substrate (42) inside its housing (16) on which is applied a phosphor coated indicia (40) for giving the appearance of a depth dimension when energized by a UV light source (36). Multiple intermediate substrates (42, 48) can be positioned at different level within the interior region of the housing (16), each containing various indicia (40, 46, 56, 58) which emits luminescent light when irradiated by the UV light source (36). Multiple UV light sources (36, 52) can be set to project UV radiation of different wavelengths into the housing (16) with each of the phosphor coated indicia (40, 46, 56, 58) being selected from material types which are responsive to only one of the various UV wavelengths, so that each indicia (40, 46, 56, 58) can be selectively energized to display warnings, information messages, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle interior illumination structure comprising, in combination, an instrument panel 10 installed in a front interior area of a vehicle, and a light-guiding illumination member 2 disposed in the instrument panel. The instrument panel 10 is formed with a step portion S laterally extending at a height approximately equal to or above that of a mounting portion of a shaft of a steering wheel 35 to the instrument panel. The step portion S is defined in such a manner that a step upper surface 11f located on the upper side of the step portion and a step lower surface 12f located on the lower side of the step portion are formed in the instrument panel 10, and the step upper surface 11f has a rear edge 11p protruding in the rearward direction of the vehicle relative to a front edge 12p of the step lower surface 12f.

Abstract: A gauge of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a dial having indicia thereon. A pointer is rotatably mounted in the instrument cluster and movable to a plurality of positions relative to the dial. A light source is disposed in the gauge and adapted to direct light in a first direction. A light diverting member is disposed adjacent to the light source and receives light from the light source. The light diverting member includes a first and a second light exit areas. The first light exit area is adapted to direct a first portion of the light generally away from the dial. The second light exit area is adapted to direct a second portion of the light generally toward the dial.

Abstract: A light source with LED and optical protrusions is provided. It comprises an optical panel and at least one optical plate. The light source can be used together with a heat sink or an optical element to enhance its performance. The optical panel forms an optical surface having plural optical protrusions to reflect and mix lights emitted from the LEDs. The optical plate is inserted into at least one slot on the optical panel, and it comprises a heat dissipation core plate and at least one electric circuit layer. The electric circuit layer comprises LEDs and at least one control circuitry. The electric circuit layer can be attached to either single side or both sides of the heat dissipation core plate. The invention achieves good uniformity and high intensity of the combined lights with desired chromaticity.

Abstract: An electric device includes flat acrylic lens, and a blue light emitting diode. The lens includes bottom face upon which light is incident from the diode; front face from which light is emergent; pair of side portions opposed to each other and inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the front face and the bottom face; and back face arranged so that end portions of the pair of side can be connected, substantially making a right angle with the bottom face. The pair of side portions reflects the light sent from the bottom face in the direction of the front face. When the side portions are directed to the back face, an inclination angle of the side plate with respect to the bottom face portion gradually comes close to a right angle.

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 or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: An illuminated logo unit (300) includes a reflective device (320), a pattern panel (301), and an illuminator (311). The reflective device includes a bottom portion (323) and a circumferential portion (321). The circumferential portion defines a concavity (360). The pattern panel is disposed over the reflective device, and includes a pattern (304) and a transparent body (302). The illuminating means illuminator is received in the concavity. The illuminated logo unit further includes a transflective film (305) disposed under the pattern panel opposite to the bottom portion. Virtually all light emitting from the illuminating means illuminator is reflected more than once by the circumferential portion, the bottom portion and/or a transflective film before it reaches the pattern, This improves the overall brightness of the illuminated logo unit.

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 or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

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 or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: A backlight module having a light diffusing device is disclosed, comprising a frame, a reflecting plate, a top plate and at least one light source module, in which the reflecting plate having an upper surface is mounted on a bottom side of the frame and the top plate is mounted on a top side of the frame to space a predetermined distance from the reflecting plate. The light source module is mounted on the upper surface of the reflecting plate, including a light source and a light diffusing device mounted between the light source and the top plate. The light diffusing device has an un-uniform thickness which is inversely proportional to the distance between the light source and the top plate. Thus, the problem of non-uniform luminance distribution caused by a change in the distance between the light source and the top plate is eliminated.

Abstract: An instrument for a vehicle, by which an instrument board thereof can be seen as well at night as in the daytime is provided. In the instrument, an illuminating panel 50 including a prism sheet 50a transforms light from an LED 50b into planar light illumination for the instrument board 40, the prism sheet 50a on which prisms arranged in a sawtooth shape to form a prism alley P at a vehicle driver side thereof.

Abstract: A display panel includes a transparent image recording sheet having electrophotographically formed thereon at least a background portion, wherein space factor of pinholes per unit area of the background portion is no greater than 1×10?2%. A method of manufacturing the display panel is also disclosed. The background portion has a transparent optical density of 3.0 or greater and an image portion has a transparent optical density of 1.0 or less, and preferably 0.1 to 1. A toner used for electrophotographically forming the background portion and the image portion has a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 6,000 and a weight average molecular weight of 30,000 to 150,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography with respect to a portion of the toner dissolved in tetrahydrofuran, and has respective molecular weight distribution peaks in molecular weight ranges of 1000 to 10,000 and 100,000 to 1,500,000.

Abstract: An image display device of the present invention is provided with a liquid crystal display panel for displaying an image in accordance with an input of a chrominance signal, a sensor for sensing light characteristics of external light, and a chrominance signal converter for converting a chrominance signal to be inputted into an image display section in accordance with an output of the sensor. The chrominance signal converter includes a target display color setting section for setting a color to display as an image agreeable with chromatic adaptation characteristics of human, according to the output of the sensor, and a color reproduction section for reproducing a target color set by the target display color setting section, by using three primary color with chromaticities suitable for the output of the sensor. The target display color setting section converts the chrominance signal into a chrominance signal of the target display color reproduced by the color reproduction section.

Abstract: A backlighting display assembly for an LCD that utilizes a plurality of LEDs that are in spaced relation adjacent to the LCD such that the LEDs do not directly light the LCD and instead a reflective material such as a potted material is placed in parallel spaced alignment from the LCD and LEDs such that light is reflected off of the reflected surface to illuminate the interior LCD and open target areas of the circuit board of the assembly thus providing proper lighting for the LCD, transparent and semi-transparent areas of the graphic overlay of the control panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination device. When the light from the, light emitting element is guided to the first illuminating portion of the light guide plate, the light is radiated from the whole upper surface of the first illuminating portion to illuminate the upper surface side of the light guide plate. Also, when the light from the light emitting element is guided to the second illuminating portion of the light guide plate, the light is radiated from the whole lower surface of the second illuminating portion to illuminate the lower surface side of the light guide plate. The upper and lower surface sides of the light guide plate can be excellently illuminated with one light guide plate.

Abstract: An illuminable instrument panel display of an automobile vehicle includes a first plate having a thickness and defining opposed first and second surfaces. Portions of the plate define an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge that define a central region. Indicia is formed into the plate and adapted to pick up ambient and supplied light. A light source is located within the central region. A support is coupled to the plate so as to support the plate relative to the instrument panel whereby the light source is adapted to illuminate the indicia through the transmission of light through the inner peripheral edge within the thickness of the face plate.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a light guide plate including a light incident face, a light exiting face extended from one end portion of the light incident face, and a reflection face extended from another end portion of the light incident face. The reflection face includes a first reflection face extended from another end portion of the light incident face, and a second reflection face horizontally extended from the first reflection face. The backlight assembly additionally includes a light adsorption member disposed adjacent to the reflection face to prevent the light from reflecting. A reflection plate and optical sheets are disposed adjacent to the light guide plate, so that entire thickness of the backlight assembly is reduced. In addition, leakage of the light incident around the third light exiting face is prevented to improve the quality of the image displayed through the LCD device.

Abstract: A display for a vehicle, including a light source, an optical device to guide light from the light source and form the light from the light source into a light pointer, a head portion disposed above a meter surface to project the light pointer formed by the optical device on the meter surface from above of the meter surface, a driving device to rotate the head portion, and a height adjusting mechanism to adjust a height of the head portion to the meter surface to be capable of changing a length of the light pointer while projecting the light pointer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module includes: a liquid crystal display panel; an array of light sources emitting different color lights; and a light guide plate for mixing the different color lights emitted from the light sources, wherein the array of light sources is arranged near a middle of a rear surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A display emitting apparatus that irradiates an optically transparent display unit with Ultraviolet rays of light from below to cause luminescent layers provided on the display unit to emit colored rays of light to provide a highly colorful and very ornamental display (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A display device with a face, a pointer, a drive unit, a light guide, a housing member, a first light source and a plurality of second light sources. The face has translucent face indicia and a plurality of translucent indicators. The pointer is disposed on a front side of the dial face and is driven by an output shaft of the drive unit. The light guide, which is disposed rearwardly of the dial face and surrounds the output shaft, includes a guide structure into which a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart apertures are formed. Each of the apertures are aligned to an associated one of the indicators. The housing member is disposed rearwardly of the light guide and includes a plurality of light tunnels, each of which extending into an associated one of the apertures. The first light source disposed rearwardly of the light guide and disposed about the output shaft.

Abstract: An illuminated frame for displaying items, includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a divider, and an LED light source. The first compartment displays items. The second compartment houses the light source. The divider separates the first compartment from the second compartment, wherein the divider is made of a light impermeable material and has an aperture for allowing light to pass from the second compartment to the first compartment.

Abstract: The present invention is an automobile instrument panel lighting structure providing a gentle illuminant effect on the display card through a halo effect and illuminating the hand without having an external light-source, thereby facilitating a driver's reading when driving at the dark environment.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a light-emitting element and a light-emitting portion. An output light from the light-emitting element is guided by a frame-like member having serrations and radiated toward the light-emitting portion. This causes the light-emitting portion to emit light reliably, and improves the decorativeness of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lighting device for generating mixed colors comprises a light emission surface and a plurality of light sources of different colors, including an optical waveguide plate into which a plurality of cavities is provided. Each cavity accommodates a light source and has an upper side and side walls. The upper side faces the light emission surface and is coated with a first reflecting layer. The coupling of light into the optical waveguide plate takes place through the side walls.

Abstract: In a rotary electric component, an annular thin faceplate disposed around a rotary knob is provided with an illuminated display portion inner and outer circumferential portions of the rear surface of the faceplate are bonded and fixed to a holder, and the rotary knob and the display portion is assembled in cutout of a front panel. A large-diameter annular portion of the holder adhering to the outer circumferential portion of the faceplate protrudes forward farther than a small-diameter annular portion adhering to the inner circumferential portion. A protruding portion of the front panel extending around the circumferential edge of the cutout presses a region near the outer circumferential portion of the faceplate. As a result, the inner circumferential portion of the faceplate is reliably compressed against the holder a small-diameter annular portion).

Abstract: An optical image scanning device includes a casing having a document supporting plate and a top cover. The top cover has an underside surface coated with a fluorescent material thereon. An optic module includes a light source for projecting an exciting light onto the fluorescent layer whereby the fluorescent material is excited by the exciting light to emit a scanning light. The scanning light transmits through a light-transmittable document and projects an image of the document onto reflective mirrors for guiding the scanning light through a focusing lens. The focusing lens focuses the light onto a image sensing device. A reflective type light source is selectively arranged in the optic module for selectively projecting a light onto a document formed on a non-transmissive medium that is positioned on the document supporting plate.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a backlight for an LCD display. The backlight uses a two-dimensional array of single color or white LEDs and a diffusing or phosphor coated cover plate. Various electrical connections of the LEDs and various phosphor color-conversion techniques are described.

Abstract: An instrument gauge display for a vehicle dash includes a transparent dial having an upper surface partially covered by black paint and a lower surface covered with white paint. Uncovered areas on the upper surface define a plurality of graphical images that indicate a vehicle operating condition. A light guide, supported within a light housing, is positioned underneath the dial. The light housing and at least one light source is mounted to a printed circuit board, which is supported underneath the light guide by a vehicle structure. The light guide includes a plurality of scattering elements that are positioned generally underneath each of the graphical areas on the dial. The light source cooperates with the light guide and scattering elements to improve the light efficiency.

Abstract: A lighted switch device includes one rotary knob (first operating knob); first to fourth push knobs (second operating knobs); a case; a switch element and a light-emitting diode (light source), which are accommodated in the case; and an annular light conductor for transmitting exiting light from the light-emitting diode to the outer peripheral portion of the rotary knob. Plate-shaped light-shielding members are disposed at the first and third push knobs, and recesses for inserting ends of the light-shielding members are formed in portions of the second and fourth push knobs opposing their respective light-shielding members.

Abstract: A variably controlled LCD backlight is disclosed. The backlight includes a first light source that emits light within a first spectral power distribution and has a first radiant power output. A second light source emits light within a second spectral power distribution and has a second radiant power output. A detector detects the first and second radiant power outputs. A processor is connected to the detector and calculates chromaticity and luminance values of the emitted light based on the first and second radiant power outputs. The processor compares the calculated chromaticity and luminance values with desired chromaticity and luminance values, respectively. A controller is operationally connected to the processor and adjusts one or more of the first radiant power output and the second radiant power output in response to a difference between the calculated chromaticity and luminance values and the desired chromaticity and luminance values.

Abstract: A frame for a direct type back light device is provided. The frame includes a base and a plurality of side-plates. The base has a groove and an opening. The groove has a first end and a corresponding second end. The side-plates are respectively disposed on a periphery of the base so that a first slit and a second slit are formed at positions corresponding to the first and the second ends. The first and second slits have different sizes.