Abstract: A light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear optical elements having a primary axis running the length of the optical elements, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the primary axis of the linear optical elements. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting device, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear prisms having peaks, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the peaks of the linear prisms.

Abstract: A lighting fixture is disclosed which provides a substantially uniform elongated light output, yet is powered by only a minimum number of inexpensive light emitting diodes. The lighting fixture has a curved back surface and a selected focal area to provide a substantially uniform output. Multiple LEDs may be controlled by a controller to provide special lighting effects. Each of the side surfaces and the back surface may include a reflector. The lighting fixtures preferably have flat end surfaces so they may be placed end-to-end to create an elongated light bar of any desired length.

Abstract: An illuminated control assembly which comprises a light guide having a an outer illumination section and an end illumination section. The assembly also comprises at least one outer light conducting leg and at least one end light conducting leg. Each leg has a light receiving portion proximate to light source and distanced from the illumination sections. Each leg also has a light delivering portion, wherein the light delivering portion of the outer light conducting leg is in light communication with the outer illumination section and the light delivering portion of the end light conducting leg is in light communication with the end illumination section. The assembly also comprises a control member having a light duct. The control member is connected to an input receiver and the control member is in light communication with the end illumination section wherein light from the end illumination section is transmitted through the light duct.

Abstract: A photoconductor panel for lighting a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed in an electronic product having a liquid crystal module and a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed on the bottom of the liquid crystal module. The photoconductor panel has a photoconduction face facing the liquid crystal module. At least one side of the photoconduction face has multiple photoconduction sections for conducting light beam to the photoconduction face. At least one light source is disposed on one side of the photoconduction face. A portion of the photoconductor panel is further formed with multiple through holes corresponding to the touch sections of the keyboard and the touch buttons. The circumference of each through hole is formed with at least one second photoconduction section for conducting light beam upward.

Abstract: A pointer instrument, in particular in a motor vehicle, has two pointer shafts (3, 8) which can each be driven by a separate pointer drive (13, 9) and are arranged one next to the other, and two scales (1, 2) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another and are each intended for one pointer (4). One of the pointer shafts (8) is arranged eccentrically, while the other pointer shaft (3) is arranged concentrically with respect to the two concentric scales (1, 2). The pointer which is assigned to the eccentric pointer shaft (8) is embodied as an optical pointer (6) which has a lightguide (7) which is arranged radially on the eccentric pointer shaft (8) and can rotate with the pointer shaft (8), and a lightguide system (10) which is formed from fixed lightguides (11, 11a), the lightguides (11, 11a) of which each start at a small distance from the movement path of the free end of the rotatable lightguide (7) and lead to display segments (5) on the assigned, concentric scale (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting signboard having a curved structure. The above lighting signboard having a curved structure includes a light guide plate which is formed in a curved plate shape for thereby being attached to an outer surface of a circular column structure, a back plate which supports the light guide plate, and a front plate which implements a lighting by a light from the light guide plate and supports the advertisement plate which is curved along the shape of the circular column structure. A diffused reflection member is inserted in a portion remotely distanced from the light source for thereby scatter-spreading the light from both ends of the same, and the light from the light source is spread through the light guide plate for thereby lighting an advertisement film attached on a front surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A photoconductor panel for lighting a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed in an electronic product having a liquid crystal module and a keyboard. The photoconductor panel is disposed on the bottom of the liquid crystal module. The photoconductor panel has a photoconduction face facing the liquid crystal module. At least one side of the photoconduction face has multiple photoconduction sections for conducting light beam to the photoconduction face. At least one light source is disposed on one side of the photoconduction face. A portion of the photoconductor panel is further formed with multiple through holes corresponding to the touch sections of the keyboard and the touch buttons. The circumference of each through hole is formed with at least one second photoconduction section for conducting light beam upward.

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 keyboard illumination structure. The structure includes a base board, a circuit board, an elastic member, a bridge mechanism, a key cap and a centralized lighting element located in the keyboard. The lighting element may generate light to pass through the keyboard for indicating the positions of the button keys, vital keys or function keys so that users may locate the required keys rapidly.

Abstract: An illumination optical system that illuminates a plurality of image display elements comprises; a color separating optical system that separates light emitted from a light source into a plurality of color light components; and a plurality of light-guiding optical systems, each of which guides light component to a corresponding one of the plurality of image display elements. An illumination area on the image display element that is illuminated by at least one of the plurality of light-guiding optical systems is larger than those on the image display elements illuminated by the other ones of the plurality of light-guiding optical systems. This provides a compact projection type image display apparatus which can project bright images.

Abstract: A motor vehicle cigar lighter of the luminous type comprises a lighter body which is a receptacle for a luminous and removable heating plug which consists of a fixed part and a moving part. The moving part is displaceable axially in the fixed part. The moving part includes a push button and a light guide for propagating light received by it from an external light source when the plug is in position in the body. The light guide is an element of the fixed part of the heating plug, and surrounds the push button.

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: Disclosed is a surface light source device suitable for backlighting film images in film scanner. The surface light source device comprises: a light source for emitting a light toward an optical path; a first reflector provided so that a reflective surface of said first reflector is vertical to the optical path; a second reflector provided between said light source and said first reflector so that a reflective surface of said second reflector is parallel to the optical path; an exit diffusing plate; and a plate on which a diffusing patter is provided, said plate being provided so as to be tilted with respect to the optical path in a direction such that light from the light source is reflected toward the second reflecting surface.

Abstract: A composite knob having a plastic core with a front wall. A narrow passage or slit extends through the front wall of the core. A thin, elongated planar light pipe formed of a first piece of a clear light transmitting plastic and a second piece of a colored light transmitting plastic overlay attached to the light emitting edge or face of the first piece of clear light transmitting plastic. The colored plastic overlay is secured to the first piece of clear light transmitting plastic by pairs of notches and hooks which interlock during the molding of the overlay to the clear portion. The light pipe is positioned in the plastic core with the colored overlay located in the narrow passage and visible through the core from the exterior of the knob. In another embodiment, a window is formed in the front wall of a translucent plastic core. The light pipe is positioned in the translucent plastic core so as to transmit light through the window of said translucent plastic core.

Abstract: A vehicle display lighting device the lighting device includes a light emitting assembly arranged along the outer circumference of the display dial in front of the front surface. The light emitting assembly directs lights across at least the front surface of the display dial. The lighting device also includes a control assembly for controlling the operation of the light emitting assembly. The light emitting assembly may one or more light sources for emitting light, and a transmitting assembly for radiating the light from the light source across at least the front surface of the display dial.

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.

Abstract: In a spread illuminating apparatus including a transparent substrate which has a light reflection pattern with grooves formed to be inclined with respect to an optical axis of a light source, an optical path conversion means comprising grooves and flat portions is formed on a side surface of a light conductive member, where the depth of the grooves increases in proportion to the increase in distance from either of spot-like light sources toward a deepest groove formed at a predetermined position. The deepest groove is formed at a position off the center of the light conductive member by a predetermined distance toward either of the spot-like light sources, whereby the distribution of the amount of light emitted from the light conductive member toward the transparent substrate can be appropriately modified so as to level off the unevenness in brightness on the screen.

Abstract: A display is provided having five light-emitting elements, constituting a first light source, are provided on the surface of a wiring board. These sources illuminate a graduated board and a light-emitting indicator. A single light-emitting element, constituting a second light source, is provided on the surface of the wiring board as an illumination light source for use on the graduated board so as to oppose a concave portion of the light-guiding plate via the opening portion of the holder on an outside of one of the respective light-emitting elements.

Abstract: An article (10) comprises a transparent material (42) having interior and exterior surfaces (44 and 46). A coating of paint (48) is applied to the exterior surface (46) of the transparent material (42). Indicia (12) are formed in the coating of paint (48) by a plurality of interrelated line segments (50). Each line segment (50) of the plurality of line segments (50) extends parallel to each other line segment (50). The article (10) further comprises a light source (40) actuatable for directing light against the interior surface (44) of the transparent material (42) and through the line segments (50) to illuminate the indicia (12). The indicia (12) are discernible from the coating of paint (48) when illuminated by the light source (40) and are indiscernible from the coating of paint (48) when not illuminated.

Abstract: Solid optical guide (10) with microprisms (20) of refractive index n, for uniformly illuminating a surface (4) in grazing incidence at an angle &thgr;1 in which a plane angle &dgr; of the cross-section develops with respect to the surface (4) a substantially perpendicular face (15) and a substantially parallel face (14), in which microprisms (20) are structured in hollows, one facet (21) of said microprisms oriented towards the face (15) has its edge (22) formed with the parallel face (14) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&agr;)} with respect to the axis of the guide and its edge (23) formed with the perpendicular face (15) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&ggr;)} with respect to the perpendicular to the surface to be illuminated, the values {right arrow over (&agr;)} and {right arrow over (&ggr;)} being determined from characteristics n, &thgr;1 and &dgr; of the guide.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment a vehicle instrument, comprising: a housing; a light pipe disposed in said housing; an applique disposed on a face of said light pipe; and a retainer disposed over said face of said light pipe, said retainer having structure pressing against an outer periphery of said applique to hold said applique against said face of said light pipe, said applique having no other means of attachment to said face of said light pipe.

Abstract: An illuminated control assembly which comprises a light guide having a an outer illumination section and an end illumination section. The assembly also comprises at least one outer light conducting leg and at least one end light conducting leg. Each leg has a light receiving portion proximate to light source and distanced from the illumination sections. Each leg also has a light delivering portion, wherein the light delivering portion of the outer light conducting leg is in light communication with the outer illumination section and the light delivering portion of the end light conducting leg is in light communication with the end illumination section. The assembly also comprises a control member having a light duct. The control member is connected to an input receiver and the control member is in light communication with the end illumination section wherein light from the end illumination section is transmitted through the light duct.

Abstract: A hidden rib for the reflector of an LED display is disclosed, wherein a hollowed optic displaying section is formed in a reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section is connected by a hidden rib, the rib is installed at a plane lower than a surface of the reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section on the reflector can be filled with diffusion agent (or adhered with diffusion film on the reflector) so that the surface of the reflector is formed as a flat smooth plane. When light from the light emitting diode radiates out through the optic displaying section and the epoxy. The light can be diverged to the whole optic displaying section so that the continuous text or pattern optic displaying section does not be interrupted for presenting a beautiful appearance and a clear text or pattern.

Abstract: A thin panel lit cluster including a graphics appliquéwith 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: In a light unit that converts a false linear light into which a light from a point light source has been converted by a columnar light guide, into a planar light by a plate-shaped light guide, the point light source is arranged only at an end of the columnar light guide at which an angle between a longitudinal direction of the columnar light guide and ridge lines of recesses and projections forming a prism surface is obtuse. Thus, a positional relationship between the point light source and the ridge lines is set so that a main irradiation direction of band-shaped light emitted from the columnar light guide and which has been obtained by converting the light from the point light source to a false linear light is not substantially orthogonal to the ridge lines of the recesses and projections forming the prism surface of the plate-shaped light guide. Consequently, light obtained by totally reflecting this band-shaped light is unlikely to be viewed.

Abstract: A combination instrument for a motor vehicle, having a front frame and a display panel and a plurality of display instruments and warning lights which are arranged on a printed circuit board and are provided for displaying information on the display panel. The front frame is produced integrally with light shafts which lead from the warning lights to the display panel. In the region of the warning lights, the display panel is formed by a diaphragm screen which is adhesively bonded to the front frame and is produced as a film. The light shafts simultaneously serve as spacers for the printed circuit board.

Abstract: For a rotary switch (7) fastened on a dividing wall (1), it is proposed to illuminate the adjusting knob (4) by means of transmitted light by providing as a light guide (20) a conical ring (28) formed with continuations (29, 30, 31) formed on in the axial direction, the continuations (29, 30, 31) reaching through the dividing wall (1) and being aligned with light-emitting diodes (8, 9), which are located on a printed-circuit board (6) assigned to the rotary switch (7). The light guide (20) is fastened on the dividing wall (1) indirectly by fastening the housing (3) and is secured against twisting by suitable indentations (47, 48, 49) in the dividing wall (1).

Abstract: An illuminated switch member assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an applique coupled to a faceplate and substantially parallel to a circuit board such that a first light channel is defined. The assembly also includes a switch member casing coupled to the faceplate such that a second light channel is defined by the walls of the casing. And, an actuator is connected to the circuit board through a contact mechanism and to the button member casing. The assembly further includes a light filter attached to the applique and disposed between the faceplate and the circuit board such that the light filter substantially divides the first light channel from the second light channel. Furthermore, a light source is disposed within the first light channel and emanates a light. Upon activation of the assembly, the light emanates from the light source and through the first light channel and the light filter.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.

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 light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of prisms, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting means, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of prisms, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures. A preferred embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a first collimating film having a first surface with a subwavelength optical microstructure thereon and a second surface with linear prisms having an included angle of greater than about 95 degrees, and a second collimating film having a first surface with a subwavelength optical microstructure thereon and a second surface with linear prisms having an included angle of less than about 85 degrees.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a uniform illumination to a part provides a backlight unit in the form of a light panel located beneath the part. A reflector, generally hemispherical in shape, is located over the part to receive reflected light from the backlight. A first plane-polarizing material is positioned over the backlight, also beneath the part, and a second plane polarizer is located adjacent an aperture at the apex of the hemispherical reflector. A camera, mounted external of the reflector, is positioned to receive light passing through the second polarizer. Transmitted light from the backlight is polarized by the first polarizing material as it is transmitted to the reflector. Light directly received by the camera is filtered-out by the second polarizer, while reflected light that illuminates the part can substantially pass through the second polarizer into the camera.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminous pointer which can offer an increased commercial value with its glowing surface having the ability to glow generally uniformly. The luminous pointer is constructed of a pointer element 1 which is made of a light-transmitting material and forms an indicating portion (glowing surface) 2, a light-blocking cover 10 which covers a central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1 and opens rearward, and a shielding element 12 which covers the rear side of the central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1. The pointer element 1 has in its central region of swing motion R reflecting parts 4 to 7 for reflecting illuminating light fed from the rear side at least toward its tip end, and the shielding element 12 has exposing parts 123 for exposing the reflecting parts 4 to 7 of the pointer element 1 and is formed of a light-transmitting material which makes it possible to adjust the amount of transmission of the illuminating light.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). An additional covering glass for protecting the pointer (4) can thus be dispensed with.

Abstract: A radiating direction control unit 1 of a lighting device for a vehicle for controlling a radiating direction of the lighting device 6 in accordance with the pitch angle of the vehicle. The radiation direction control unit includes an axle level detector 2 which detects a change in the level of a front or a rear axle of the vehicle, and a vehicle inclination detector 3 for detecting an inclination of the vehicle in the transverse direction. A pitch angle of the vehicle is determined based on respective signals emitted by the axle level detector and the vehicle inclination detector. A radiation direction controller corrects a radiating direction of the lighting device only when a change in the inclination of the vehicle in the transverse direction is not detected by the inclined attitude detection means 3. Accordingly, the radiating direction of the lighting device 6 is not changed due to a change in the vehicle attitude which does not affect the pitch angle of the vehicle.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer member for an instrument panel. A hollow tubular shaft member conveys light from a light source through its hollow interior to the pointer member for illumination. A rotating mechanism, such as a gear mechanism and/or motor mechanism is connected to the tubular member for rotating the tubular member and pointer member.

Abstract: A meter that has a dial plate, a pointer, a light transmitting plate disposed at a rear side of the dial plate and a light source. The light transmitting plate has a shaft hole into which a shaft of the pointer is inserted, and a convex portion formed into a substantially conical shape protruding toward a rear side of the light transmitting plate in the vicinity of the shaft hole. The light source is disposed at a rear side of the light transmitting plate to face the convex portion. Light emitted by the light source enters the light transmitting plate from the convex portion at a relatively large incidence angle and illuminates the dial plate from the rear side of the dial plate.

Abstract: A rotatable knob for a control apparatus which is less complex than similar devices and which provides greater self-illumination than do similar devices. In the case of the present rotatable knob, a total reflection surface (13) is established wherein the obverse side (14) of the total reflection surface (13) forms a mantle of a conical or cup-shaped frustum upon which segment-like 90° prisms (16) are radially arranged. Accordingly, the present rotatable knob may be used in operational components for radios, air conditioning units, and the like in motor vehicles.

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 LCD 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: Lighting device for instruments on a dashboard especially of motor vehicles with at least one light source for the at least partial illumination of the instruments of the dashboard in this manner that between the at least one light source and the instrument—fields which are to be illuminated at least one selective light filter which is transluceable for a shortwaved, blue spectral range and closes at least approximately the middle and long spectral range, is arranged.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton has a display assembly which is movable relative to a fixed part containing a switch assembly. The display assembly contains a plurality of solid state light generating devices which can individually or in combination provide illumination with variable coloring characteristics. A flexible circuit element connects these devices to electronic circuitry in the fixed part which controls the coloration of the display.

Abstract: A straight cold cathode fluorescent lamp is detachably held at the back of a dial plate by a plurality of fork-shaped holders to illuminate a plurality of scales formed on the front surface of the dial plate and accommodated in the reflector which is also detachably fixed to a casing of the indicator instrument. A circuit board is also detachably fixed to the reflector.

Abstract: A pointer instrument (1) has two pointer flags (3, 4) which can pivot in a common plane about a common axis (2). For this purpose, the pointer flags (3, 4) can each be deflected independently of each other in the region of a separate sector of a circle by a pointer drive (6, 6′), by of a mechanism (5, 5′). By this means, the pointer instrument (1) has a compact overall size and, at the same time, is easy to read.

Abstract: When a knob dial 18 is turned on, a predetermined LED 15c to 15e corresponding to a rotational position of the knob dial 18 is turned on. Then, a beam of light is supplied to a predetermined indicator lens 29a to 29f via a predetermined light path 30, and the indicator lens 29a to 29f can be illuminated. In this structure, the optical path 30 is formed into a sector-shape. Therefore, even if the knob dial 18 is set at an intermediate position, the beam of light emitted from LED 15c to 15e is supplied to the indicator lens 29a to 29f via the optical path 30. Accordingly, the indicator lens 29a to 29f can be illuminated to the utmost.

Abstract: In an illumination lamp mounting structure for use in a measuring instrument, a lower case 21 includes a front surface opening portion 22 and a rear surface opening portion 23, a movement supporting intermediate wall 24 interposed between the front surface opening portion 22 and rear surface opening portion 23 of the lower case 21 is formed integrally with a light source supporting intermediate wall 25 which is situated nearer to the front surface opening portion 22 than is the movement supporting surface of the movement supporting intermediate wall 24. and on the light source supporting intermediate wall 25, there is supported an illumination lamp 32 which is used to illuminate the display plate 33 transmissively.

Abstract: In a light illuminating type manipulation and display apparatus including a light source and rotary knobs having a plurality of stop positions and indicator sections which are illuminated and displayed with the light from the light source at each of the stop positions. In the apparatus, light reflecting bodies having a plurality of light reflecting surfaces corresponding to a plurality of the stop positions of the rotary knobs are disposed, and the light from the light source is reflected from each of the light reflecting surfaces of the light reflecting bodies and illuminates the indicator sections located at each of the stop positions. With this arrangement, the quality of the apparatus can be improved with reduced power consumption.

Abstract: A light leakage preventing structure of a combination meter includes: a plurality of scale plates being arranged so that their edges face each other with a gap being provided therebetween; and a light shielding member to be mounted to rear surfaces of facing portions of the edges. In the structure: the edges of the facing portions of the scale plates are formed into a flat plate shape; and the light shielding member has a dark space opened towards the facing portions.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure (1000) is configured to receive light from a light source (1020) and distribute the light to output ports. The structure includes a central portion having top and bottom surfaces, peripheral edges and an opening (1070) for receiving the light source (1020). A first waveguide (1010) extends above the top surface of the central portion. The first waveguide (1010) has an input face (1030) at an end nearest the opening (1070). The first waveguide (1010) extends from the opening (1070) toward a peripheral edge of the central portion.

Abstract: An improved electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles is disclosed that includes a signal light mounted behind the electrochromic mirror. The electrochromic mirror has a signal light area formed in its reflective coating by removing a portion of the reflective coating and aligning the signal light with this signal light area. The portion removed is laser ablated to leave lines devoid of reflective material separated by lines of the reflective material. The signal light area may be formed in the reflective coating of the electrochromic mirror regardless of whether the reflective coating is applied to the rear or front surface of the rear element of the electrochromic mirror. If the reflective coating is applied to the front surface of the rear element (i.e., the third surface), the reflective material used is also electrically conductive so as to function as one of the electrodes for the electrochromic mirror.