Abstract: A backlighting apparatus for radiating light on a flat surface to be illuminated comprises a light source having a linear light emitting portion, a light shield section, provided along an outer periphery of the light source on the side of the to-be-illuminated surface, for shielding light traveling directly from the light source toward the to-be-illuminated surface, and a first optical element provided in a longitudinal direction of the light source such that the first optical element faces the light source, the first optical element having a reflection surface for reflecting light emitted from the light source toward the to-be-illuminated surface. A cross-sectional shape of the reflection surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light source is determined such that light reflected by the reflection surface of the first optical element has a substantially uniform illuminance distribution on the to-be-illuminated surface.

Abstract: A lighted keyboard comprising numerous small grain of wheat type lamps embedded in translucent mounting blocks fixedly positioned between keypads wherein the keypads are constructed of translucent material with a reflective back coating so that when the keypads are in their upper most position the keypad translucent material contacts the fixedly secured translucent block thereby allowing light to be transmitted from the translucent block into the keypad however when the keypad is depressed lighting is blocked resulting in a darkened keypad. The intensity of the lighting system is also automatically controlled by ambient light conditions wherein increased ambient light results in lower voltage supply to the numerous small grain of wheat type lamps and wherein increased ambient light decreases voltage to the grain of wheat type lamps. The lighted keyboard is also equipped with a manual resistor switch allowing a user to manually adjust the intensity of the keyboard lighting if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control knurl for the rotary adjustment of a potentiometer in an automotive vehicle which minimizes light loss of the light guide in a control knurl. The light guide of the control knurl reflects the light from inside onto the peripheral surface of the control knurl. A bright protective coating encompasses the light guide and reflects the beams of light which emit from the boundary surface of the light guide. Light loss is also avoided by not applying protective coating on mirror surfaces which redirect the light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative lighting laminate that can be made to glow or illuminate while shielding the laminate's light source components from view. The decorative lighting laminate is made from a decorative laminate that includes a transparent base layer and a thin translucent decorative covering layer. In a preferred embodiment, the base layer is made from a clear polycarbonate material and the decorative covering layer is made from an organic fluoropolymeric, such as a polyvinyl fluoride or a polyvinylidene fluoride polymeric material.

Abstract: As regards a surface light source device for use with back-light or the like of a transmissive display panel, the efficiency of the cooling structure for the device will be improved and dust and dirt will be prevented from adhering. The surface-light source device has a housing, a diffuser panel, a reflective plate, lamps, and an electric circuit portion. The housing has a window portion located ahead, a base portion located behind and side portions forming a flat space by connecting the two. The diffuser panel is mounted to the window portion of the housing. The reflective plate is supported by the side portions and partitions the flat space into a closed space ahead and an open space behind to be interposed therebetween. The lamps are housed in the closed space, and are positioned right above the reflective plate and right under the diffuser panel to radiate light toward the diffuser panel. The electric circuit portion is housed in the open space, and is electrically connected to the lamps to light them up.

Abstract: An indicating instrument has a generally straight illumination lamp and a light conducting plate. The light conducting plate has V-shaped notches near the lamp at the back thereof and curved surfaces at the front thereof. The V-shaped notches have inclined surface for receiving light from the lamp and transmitting it to the curved surfaces. The light from the lamp is totally reflected by the curved surface to illuminate a dial plate effectively.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device including an LCD panel having liquid crystal cells, a color filter, and fluorescent lamps for back lighting located at a rear side of the LCD panel. The light generated by respective fluorescent lamps has different wavelength distributions. Thus, the color of the display can be easily and accurately adjusted by a user. Particularly, the color can be adjusted according to user's choice or circumstances, improving an image.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for an optical viewing device that includes an optical subassembly for viewing an illuminated object plane. The illumination assembly includes a base member having an imaging window formed therethrough, a plurality of LEDs fixed to the base member in a plane substantially coplanar with the imaging window for projecting light upwardly away from the base member, and a non-mirrored reflector for redirecting light emitted from the LEDs back through the imaging window toward the object plane to illuminate the object plane. The non-mirrored reflector is positioned so as to house the LEDs, and includes a central aperture for providing optical communication between the illuminated object plane and the optical subassembly.

Abstract: A mirror assembly including a semitransparent mirror which passes about 1% to about 30% of a broad band of visible light, and which reflects less than about 80% of a broad band of visible light; and a light assembly positioned adjacent to the semitransparent mirror and which emits visible light which is passed by the semitransparent mirror, the luminous intensity of the mirror assembly being about 0.5 to about 120 candelas.

Abstract: It is made possible to locate arbitrarily a light guiding device and a light emitting means. A notch (11) having a triangular cross-section is formed on a bottom (inner) side of a light guiding device (10) formed so as to have a rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, a light emitting source (12) is provided under the notch (11) of this light guiding device (10). The light emitting source (12) is mounted on a circuit board (13), and controlled according to the state of control or setting in, for example, the electronic appliance. When the light ray from the light emitting source (12) is irradiated toward the notch (11), the emitted light ray is reflected by a reflective face (14) formed by the notch (11) so as to be a plane and a front face (15) of the light guiding device (10) becomes luminous. In addition, the irradiated light ray is partially transmitted through the reflective face (14), and a top face (16) of the light guiding device (10) also becomes luminous.

Abstract: Disclosed are a backlight and avionics display using the same to provide light to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. In the backlight, a day mode light source positioned on a first side of the LCD device and adapted to provide a first source of light for use by the LCD device during day mode operations. A night mode light source positioned on the first side of the LCD device is adapted to provide a second source of light for use by the LCD device during night mode operations. A sculptured transflector positioned between the day mode light source and the night mode light source has, at a first side adjacent the day mode light source, a transflective material and a plurality of arcuate or parabolic surfaces in order to maximize a percentage of light from the day mode light source which is reflected toward the LCD device.

Abstract: A light source for a display panel of the type used in notebook computers. The light source consists of a housing having diffusively reflecting bottom and side interior surfaces that form a cavity. The housing defines an aperture that is juxtaposed with a rear surface of the display panel. A first series of LEDs is mounted within the cavity around the perimeter of the aperture and is shielded from the aperture by perimeter baffles that extend around the periphery of the aperture. A second series of LEDs is mounted within the cavity on the bottom wall of the housing. A series of baffles is interposed between the second series of LEDs and the aperture. A series of light quality enhancing films is interposed between the cavity and the display panel. The light source produces light of a uniform character with relatively high intensity and whiteness.

Abstract: An illumination for a display and/or a part of a display in an illumination color with a display and/or a part of a display which can be transilluminated by a source of light of a different color than the illumination color. The source of light is arranged on the side of the display and/or the part of the display facing away from an observer and a color filter 5 is arranged between source of light and the display and/or a part of the display. The color filter 5 is a split filter through which a part of the light from the source of light can pass unfiltered and a further part of the light from the source of light can pass filtered.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a light source for emitting black light and an instrument cluster display including at least one graphic feature that is illuminable by black light. The invisible black light illuminates only the graphic features when contacted by the black light from the light source without illuminating the surrounding portions of the instrument cluster display. Preferably, the light source includes first and second light sources positioned on opposite sides of the instrument cluster display. The light sources are each a single bulb for emitting ultraviolet light. The light sources are positioned between reflectors and the instrument cluster display such that the reflectors are positioned for redirecting black light initially emitted towards the reflector onto the instrument cluster display. The graphic features are preferably made of a phosphoric material.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with lightpipes and lightpipe arrays designed to redirect light from a mounted light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), or from an array of mounted light sources. The lightpipe and lightpipe array are advantageously designed to be mounted to a surface not directly in contact with the light source(s) or the surface on which the light source(s) is (are) attached and to redirect light such that light exits the lightpipe at an elevation between the elevation of the light-emitting end of the light source and the elevation of the surface mounting such light source after a plurality of light reflections within a lightpipe(s). Several methods for attachment of the lightpipes to a mounting panel are described. A preferred embodiment of the invention features attachment of the lightpipe or lightpipe array to a mounting panel using a bezel or bezels which substantially prevent interference from stray light sources and prevent light from mixing between lightpipes of an array.

Abstract: Illumination device for the dial (4) of a display device formed by a case (1) sealed by a crystal (8) arranged above the dial (4) and held by a fitting ring (9), said device including at least one light source (13, 33, 35, 43, 53) arranged in at least one recess arranged in at least one light guide (20, 30, 40, 50) positioned at the periphery of the dial (4), said guide having a polished internal surface (21) oriented towards the dial (4) and an external surface (22) held in a space delimited by the dial (4), the crystal (8) and the inner wall (10) of the fitting ring (9), characterised in that all or part of said external surface (22) of the guide is arranged to allow a progressive increase along the guide (20, 30, 40, 50) of the quantity of light diffused by said external wall gradually as one moves away from one of the light sources (13, 33, 35, 43, 53).

Abstract: Integrated display panel assemblies include a light conducting panel having opposite sides and an end portion for receiving light from one or more light sources for conduction through the panel. On one of the sides of the panel is a first light emitting area for causing a portion of the conducted light to be emitted from the panel for backlighting an LCD or other display supported by the panel in overlying relation to the first light emitting area. The remainder of the conducted light passes beneath the first light emitting area to other light emitting areas on the panel for illuminating other displays associated with the other light emitting areas.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color illumination to automotive instrument panel instruments. In one embodiment, an instrument panel or individual instrument is supplied with a plurality of differently colored illumination sources. The intensity of each color is individually controllable, allowing the user to select both intensity and hue of instrument illumination. In one embodiment, an instrument panel illumination system comprises three light sources that produce nominally white light and three associated diffusing filters, one red, one green, one blue. In another embodiment different colors of illumination are provided by light sources producing different colors of light, such as, for example, a plurality of high intensity red, green, and blue light emitting diodes ("LED's"). In one embodiment, a plurality of triplets of red, green and blue high intensity LED's are mounted above a white diffusing filter.

Abstract: An instrument panel having a light source and a transparent cover in front of the light source. The transparent cover has a first surface at the front side of the cover and a second surface at the back side of the cover, and is formed of a polymeric wall and a polymeric film. The polymeric film has a reflection-reduction layer thereon and is bonded by intermolecular forces to the wall so that the polymeric film is on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the cover and the reflection-reduction layer is sandwiched between the film and the wall. The reflection-reduction layer is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of (a) oxides of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, or alloys thereof, (b) hydroxides of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, or alloys thereof, and (c) semi-metals and metals which are non-alkali metals and non-alkaline earth metals, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof.

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 figure defining system (39, 43, 46, 57) defines a first figure as a pointer (43) on a background plate (39) and a second figure as a character plate (46) with characters and divisions, a figure illuminating system (39a, 43a, 47, 49, 55a, 51, 53) includes a rear light transmitting plate (47) for illuminating the pointer (43) as a figure element of the first figure to be visible, the rear light transmitting plate extending along a first plane, a top light transmitting plate (49) for illuminating the characters and divisions as figure elements of the second figure to be visible, the second light transmitting plate extending along a second plane crossing the first plane, and a common light source (51) disposed in a corner chamber partially defined by an end face of the rear light transmitting plate and an end face of the top light transmitting plate, and a half mirror (41) arranged between the first and second planes for displaying a combination of an optical image of the first figure, as it is transmitted thro

Abstract: Multiple lens component (10,110) includes a transverse body section (12,112) for mounting along a front panel surface and defining a plurality of lens sites (14;114,116). Each lens site includes a rear projection (16;124,126,128,130) extending rearwardly from the body section to extend through a corresponding panel aperture (18;120,122) and define a light transmission path to the lens site from rearwardly of the panel (20,118). The component includes panel-mounting latches (30,132) on the rear projections, and further includes additional latches (32,134) enabling mounting thereto of a lamp assembly (28).

Abstract: An automobile dashboard display device including a panel that includes indicator numerals and letters that are printed with an acrylic resin bound phosphor pigment wherein the display is illuminated with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A transparent pointer has a rear surface coated with white paint and the remainder is covered by a highly reflective metal layer except for a light emitting indicator strip and a light receiving surface. Stationary high flux LEDs mounted behind the pointer illuminate the light receiving surface. Received light is efficiently reflected to the indicator strip to produce a bright line suitable for viewing through a dark face plate to achieve a dark dead front appearance. To avoid reflections from the pointer the reflective layer is covered with a black film.

Abstract: A meter assembly for motor vehicle comprises a meter case including rear and front housings which are coupled. The front housing has an opening formed therethrough. A meter unit is installed in the meter case. The meter unit includes a dial board facing toward the opening of the front housing, a transparent pointer movable over the dial board and a light emitting unit located in front of the pointer to emit light to illuminate the transparent pointer from within. A semitransparent dark cover covers the opening of the front housing.

Abstract: An instrument panel has a front side for facing toward a driver and a back side for facing away from the driver, a light source, a subdial surface in front of the light source, and a transparent cover in front of and spaced away from the subdial surface. The transparent cover is substantially (preferably, at least 50%) rounded outwardly toward the driver. The instrument panel may include graphics on or in the cover. Due to the curvature of the cover, the graphics may have an outermost portion which is closest to the driver and an innermost portion which is further from the driver. Preferably, the outermost portion of the graphics is narrower relative to the innermost portion so that the graphics appear to be in a plane parallel with the driver.

Abstract: The illuminating sleeve includes a rear face which is covered by an opaque mask.

Abstract: A light display in which black or ultraviolet radiant energy or "black" light or black light blue is introduced between a totally reflective mirror and a partially reflective or one-way mirror. The ultraviolet light impinges upon an object positioned between the two mirrors which is either fabricated or molded at least in part by fluorescent plastic or coated or impregnated with a fluorescent paint or dye. The object then emits visible light which is incident upon the fully reflective mirror to reflect back at the object and the partially reflective mirror to create an infinity mirror effect of the fluorescent object.

Abstract: A surface light source apparatus is constituted such that an overhang portion overhanging a light source is provided on part of an end surface where the light source of an optical guide plate is arranged in such a manner that it is flush with the front surface of the optical guide plate and that an incident light control unit formed from a resin for diffusing and attenuating light is provided integratedly on at least an overhang portion side out of the overhang portion and the end surface of the optical guide plate, and accordingly light from the light source is transmitted through the overhang portion, radiated in an illumination direction, and diffused and attenuated by the incident light control unit to equalize the amount of light so that it can be used as illumination light. Thereby, the total area of the light emitting portions is increased.

Abstract: The control knob includes a chamber into which a translucent polycarbonate jewel light pipe assembly of a first color, such as blue, and a translucent polycarbonate jewel cap of a second color, such as white, are inserted. The jewel cap is engaged against said jewel light pipe assembly and includes a bulbous portion which protrudes or stands proud through an axially oriented slot in the sidewalls of the control knob thereby forming an indicator for the control knob. In ambient illumination, such as during the day, the indicator appears to be the color of the jewel cap, such as white. However, when the dashboard is electrically illuminated, such as during the night, the illumination is collected by the jewel light pipe, and the color of the jewel light pipe assembly, such as blue or blue-green, is projected through the cap assembly and the indicator appears to be blue or blue green.

Abstract: An optical housing (30) includes an optical pedestal (10), a light-blocking mask (31), and a translucent light diffuser (32). The optical housing (30) is used to inspect a work piece (51) placed on a top surface (21) of the optical pedestal (10). Diffusive light is transmitted from the translucent light diffuser (32) into the optical pedestal (10) via a portion of an optically polished bottom surface (11) that is uncovered by the light-blocking mask (31). In the optical pedestal (10), light is reflected by an optically polished inclined surface (23) and refracted by another optically polished inclined surface (25). When light is transmitted away from the optical pedestal (10) after being refracted, it is a collinear light beam and substantially parallel to the top surface (21) of the optical pedestal (10).

Abstract: An LED display device having an LED array for a meter on a printed circuit board. A diffusing radiation lens array is disposed facing the LED array. A cover lens is overlapped on the lens array. The cover lens transmits LED light which passed through the lens array. The cover lens has at least a scale mark, a character and a sign. A sheet is interposed between the lens array and the cover lens. The sheet limits radiation of predetermined diffused light from the lens array while partially transmitting the diffused light. The cover lens has a scale mark dent and a character dent formed on its rear interior surface, and displays the scale mark and character by means of an LED light from another LED array.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel method for balancing an illuminated display panel to achieve a predetermined level of illumination uniformity from indicia formed on the panel. One embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of first fabricating an unbalanced display panel having light translucent and absorptive layers deposited on a panel substrate with indicia formed in the light absorptive layers. The unbalanced panel is illuminated and the amount of light from the indicia formed in the panel are measured to identify illumination deficient indicia. A carbon dioxide laser beam is then focused onto the illumination deficient indicia so as to etch portions of the light translucent layer underlying these indicia and increase the amount of illumination from these indicia. In an alternative embodiment, an illuminated display panel is partially fabricated by applying a light translucent layer to a display panel substrate.

Abstract: Light-reflecting structures are provided on the lower surface of a cover mounted over the keys of a keypad assembly. The light-reflecting structures reflect light from a vertical-emitting source, such as an LED, to the side surfaces of the individual keys of the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly embodying the present invention provides an efficient and low-cost structure for illuminating the keys of a keypad without the use of lightguides or separate sources of light for each key, thereby also providing a desirable low profile keypad assembly.

Abstract: A bright bulb with a parabolic or elliptical reflector project light through a duct with internal reflective walls to a liquid crystal display having the same or smaller area than the reflector area. The duct tapers from a circular entrance aperture to a rectangular exit aperture and enhances brightness and uniformity. An IR mirror between the lamp and the duct reflects heat to the lamp. A holographic diffuser at the exit aperture further improves uniformity. The LCD polarizer is mounted on the diffuser and spaced from the liquid crystal cell by an intervening cooling air passage to minimize heating of the cell. The display is suitable for HUD applications.

Abstract: A display device for use in a vehicle includes display lamps for displaying various states, and a centralized control substrate on which electronic parts for driving the display lamps are mounted. The centralized control substrate is extended backwardly of the display lamps in a direction to visually recognize the display lamps.

Abstract: A three-piece instrument cluster assembly including a circuit board, a light sheet assembly and a retainer for retaining the circuit board and light sheet assembly. The light sheet assembly is positioned between the circuit board and retainer. The instrument cluster assembly is provided with at least one alignment element and corresponding alignment receivers for mating engagement with each corresponding alignment element for aligning the circuit board, the light sheet assembly and the retainer.

Abstract: A lighting system utilizing an optical fiber is provided. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, light rays from a light source are focused into an outer end of the optical fiber wound in a spiral shape. The light rays are focused in by a ball lens. In one embodiment, the spiral shape optical fiber is enclosed by a casing having a reflective inner surface along the periphery and the bottom; however, there is an aperture in the casing to permit light rays from the light source to reach the outer end of the spiral shape optical fiber.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a color liquid crystal display backlight system for daytime and nighttime use. Night vision imaging system retirements are met so that light emissions from the 630 nm to 930 nm range are substantially reduced or eliminated. Separate daytime and nighttime light sources are utilized. The NVIS compatible nighttime source is positioned to be out of sight of a user and produces an appropriately filtered, substantially collimated beam which diffusively reflects from the inside walls and base of the display housing before it illuminates the display surface. Intensities of both daytime and nighttime light sources can be controlled.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus is constituted by: a housing; a liquid crystal panel comprising a liquid crystal disposed between a pair of substrates each provided with electrodes, the liquid crystal panel being affixed to the housing; and a backlight for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, detachably affixed to the housing. A light-transmissive plate, such as a diffusion plate, allowing transmission of light from the backlight is further disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the backlight so as to define an almost closed first space in cooperation with the liquid crystal panel, whereby the first space retaina its almost closed state even when the backlight is detached from the housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a graphic for a backlit component, such as a button for an illuminated graphic display of an automobile instrument panel. The method involves a process by which molded plastic backlit buttons are manufactured without the use of hazardous chemicals or materials, and instead utilizes laser energy to produce substantially opaque regions on the button for forming a graphics image. Backlit buttons are preferably formed from a substantially transparent polymeric material in which is present pigmentation that is reactive to laser energy. A graphic image is then created on the button by selectively exposing a portion of the backlit component to laser energy. As a result, the exposed portion becomes substantially opaque while remaining portions of the backlit component remain substantially transparent. As such, the exposed and unexposed portions of the button cooperate to produce the graphic image when the button is backlit with a suitable light source.

Abstract: A low power consumption illumination device includes a housing, with a display forming at least one surface of the housing. The display bears at least one inscription formed of a non-radioactive luminescent coating. An activation device for the phosphor-containing luminescent coating includes a battery or storage capacitor powered light which is programmed to emit a flash of light on appropriate intervals for periodic reactivation of the phosphors. The light is preferably in the UV frequency range. The display it thus enabled to emit light over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A mirror with an information display includes a mirror glass having a display section. In one embodiment, the mirror glass has a pyrolitic coating on a front surface and an opaque backmasking on the rear surface. Semi-transparent material, such as light control film, is disposed on the rear surface of the mirror glass at the display section. The display section is normally highly reflective of ambient light, but transmits light from a light source disposed behind the mirror glass when the light source is activated. In an alternate embodiment, light is directed from a light source onto the mirror glass at an angle, such that the light can be viewed by an adjacent vehicle, but the light does not interfere with the driver's reflective view in the mirror glass. Light from a light source is directed toward the outboard side of the mirror apparatus but is not visible when viewed from the inboard side of the mirror apparatus by the driver.

Abstract: The hand held, battery operated remote control with key lighting for controlling an appliance from a remote location comprises: a housing having openings through an upper wall thereof; a plurality of transparent or translucent push-buttons each extending upwardly through one of the openings; one of the push-buttons being a light actuation button; a plurality of switches each associated with one of the push-buttons; a light emitting circuit located inside the housing and including at least one light emitting element positioned in the housing at a location not under a push button, light dispersing structure for illuminating one or more of the push-buttons with light from the at least one light emitting element, and circuitry for maintaining the light emitting circuit activated for a short period of time after said one of the switches is closed by depression of the light actuation button.

Abstract: An improved display system includes a selectively energizeable light source which is disposed within a housing. A panel, formed of transparent material, is connected with the housing and has an outer side surface which is exposed to ambient light and an inner side surface which is exposed to light from the light source when the light source is energized. Indicia is disposed between the light source and the panel. The indicia is observable through the panel when the light source is energized and is obscured when the light source is de-energized. An array of pyramidal projections are disposed on the outer side of the panel. The array of pyramidal projections extend across the indicia so that light from the light source passes through the pyramidal projections to enable the indicia to be observed when the light source is energized. The panel is formed of a polymer. The surfaces of the pyramidal projections are repaired by a thin film of a monomer of the same composition as the polymer forming the panel.

Abstract: In a display housing, first and Second liquid-crystal panels are disposed in parallel with each other, and a fluorescent lamp is positioned beside both ends of a gap between these panels. Thus, when used for a transmission type display, e.g. an OHP, the first liquid-crystal panel for light shutter is set in a transmission condition to transmit light from a light source for the OHP or the like and to irradiate the second liquid-crystal panel for displaying an image, thereby projecting the image in a magnified size onto a screen or the like. When used for a direct-vision type display, e.g. a monitor for a personal computer or the like, the first liquid-crystal panel is set in a shading condition to effect diffuse reflection of light from the fluorescent lamp by the first liquid-crystal panel and to irradiate the second liquid-crystal panel, thereby providing a direct-vision image.

Abstract: A lighting device for a zigzag-operated shift lever, wherein an indicator plate is light-transmissible, the indicator plate has a two-layer structure having an upper member, in which the upper surface other than the area of a position indicator is shaded and the position indicator is illuminated by lighting means, and a lower member, in which the light from the lighting means is transmitted to the peripheral portion of a operation groove at the indicator plate so that the peripheral portion of the operation groove is illuminated. A portion of the light from the lighting means passes through the upper member so that the position indicator is illuminated. Because nothing shades the upper surface of the lower member, the remaining portion of the light is repeatedly reflected by the border between the upper and lower members and by the lower surface of the lower member. The light is transmitted to the peripheral portion of the operation groove within the lower member.

Abstract: In a display apparatus using projected illumination for display elements, a translucent fluorescent filter is disposed between the light source and the display element. The filter modifies the visible spectrum of light illuminating the display element. A single light source can be used to achieve a color that is not present or is very low in the original source without added complexity in a control panel. Acceptable luminance levels are achieved in multi-colored control panels with a single light source.

Abstract: A backlit component is provided which is suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit component can be formed as a molded plastic button for use in a display group forming a keypad, in which minimal variability of backlighting intensity can be readily achieved within the backlit component as well as within the display group. The backlit component is preferably molded from a translucent substrate in which at least one phosphor additive is dispersed. The phosphor additive is preferably uniformly dispersed such that the backlit component is characterized by a substantially uniform backlighting intensity upon the phosphor additive being excited by an appropriate light source in proximity to the backlit component. The light source can be received within a recess formed in the backlit component, or spaced apart from the component, in which case light emitted by the light source may be transmitted by a recess or light pipe integrally formed in the component.

Abstract: Back lighting for an transmissive display panel such as a transparency or a liquid crystal display for direct viewing or image projection is afforded by a light source spaced from the display panel and an intervening light coupler comprising a tapered duct with reflective inner walls such as a frustoconical mirror. The small end of the duct is adjacent the light source and may include a diffuser film to enhance light uniformity at the display. Light reflection from the reflective walls provides off-axis viewability with substantially uniform brightness. The light coupler is useful in a vehicular head up display.