Abstract: A polarized light source for a display system includes an optical system to image light from a light source onto a display along a first optical path, a reflective polarizer to receive the light from the optical system along a first optical path, direct light of a first polarization of the display, and reflect light of a second polarization along a second optical path separate from the first optical path toward the optical system, a mirror in the second optical path to receive light having the second polarization from the reflective polarizer, and reflect it back to the reflective polarizer, and a polarization conversion system in the second optical path between the reflective polarizer and the mirror to convert the polarization of the reflected light of the second polarization to the first polarization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-mixing rod for homogenizing a light bundle, preferably for use in projection devices, wherein the intensity centroid of the light bundle moves in a longitudinal direction between a light inlet surface and a light outlet surface, and reflecting surfaces are present in the light-mixing rod, the surface normals of said reflecting surfaces being perpendicular or inclined relative to said longitudinal direction, with partial beams being reflected by said reflecting surfaces so as to guide the light bundle. Light emitting diodes having a direction of action oriented toward the interior space and having a defined radiation characteristic are provided in the lateral surfaces of the light-mixing rod and/or in the light inlet surface for the purpose of forming the light bundle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for polarizing light in a backlighting system of an electronic display to conserve energy. Embodiments of the invention may comprise an optically transparent material that includes an interface therein to separate randomly polarized light into vertically polarized and horizontally polarized components. The optically transparent material may have a re-polarizing layer thereon to change a polarization of one of the separated components, and a reflective edge disposed at an angle substantially parallel to the interface.

Abstract: An illumination structure includes an operation button having a front face on which is formed an identifying indication of ‘AUTO’ made by exposing an opalescent synthetic resin to easily penetrate light and the other parts are painted in black. It also includes an illuminating part provided on a back of the operation button, which illuminates a back of the identifying indication, and plural protrusions in a shape of ribs that regulate an intensity of light penetrating through the identifying indication. In this structure, the plural protrusions obstruct and diffuse the light beams that advance from the illuminating part toward the back of the identifying indication, thereby achieving uniform emission of the light beams from the whole identifying indication. Further in the manufacturing process of the operation button, contraction of a front face of the operation button accompanied with coagulation of the synthetic resin is dispersed by the plural protrusions.

Abstract: A mold frame receiving wires for supplying electric power to lamps in the mold frame, a backlight assembly having the mold frame and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the mold frame are presented. A mold frame installed in a direct illumination type backlight assembly has a first sidewall having first receiving spaces for respectively receiving first lamp sockets and at least one first return wire received in the first receiving spaces to be electrically connected to the first lamp sockets. The first return wire extends along the sidewalls of the mold frame. Accordingly, the mold frame may be reduced since the return wires are received and the lamp sockets are installed in the mold frame.

Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes a light-conducting element. The light-conducting element has at least one in-coupling element arranged between two adjacent light out-coupling elements. A light source is associated with a light in-coupling surface of the light in-coupling element. At least two light-diverting surfaces of the light in-coupling element are associated with respective ones of the light out-coupling elements. The light-diverting surfaces serve to divert light beams radiated from the light source into the respective light out-coupling elements. The light-diverting surfaces of the light in-coupling elements are convexed, or curved, outwardly and have a common focus position for the light source.

Abstract: The invention is a vehicle illumination assembly that provides a vertically extending guide member connected to the bumper of a vehicle. The guide member includes a longitudinal opening and a top opening that each provide entry into the hollow interior of the guide member. The longitudinal opening encompasses a first light source that is bright enough to shine light from one end of the vehicle all the way past a second end of a vehicle. The top opening encompasses a marker light that visibly alerts a driver to the width of the vehicle. The vehicle illumination assembly of this invention may include a guide member that connects to a base member attached to a vehicle bumper. The separate guide member rotates around its longitudinal axis to direct light into a variety of directions, selectable by the driver from within the vehicle.

Abstract: A light conduit to be used in conjunction with a light source in a hand-held electronic device for illuminating the keys and display of the device. The light conduit has a planar light guiding section with a plurality of light escape elements located in the keys to allow portions of the received light to escape for illuminating the keys. An light escapement section, located near the display, is extended from or optically coupled to the light guiding section to allow a further portion of the received light to escape from the light escapement section for illuminating the display. The light source can be located near the light guide section or near the light escapement section. light guide section or near the light escapement section.

Abstract: A panel light source device comprises light sources, a light guide, and a reflector. The light guide defines a bottom surface and a top surface, and comprises grooves disposed on the bottom surface for receiving the light sources and pairs of first inclined surfaces disposed on the top surface and corresponding to the groove. The grooves and the first inclined surfaces cooperate with each other to transmit the light from the light source into the light guide. The reflector is disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide and covers the light source.

Abstract: The illumination device comprises at least one light source, and a light pipe positioned at the front side of a license plate, and a light diffusing means. A light of the light sources is led, the light pipe emitting a leading light from the surface of the license plate face. The light emitted from the observed face is diffused by the light diffusing means. The light diffusing means is provided with, rugged portions of an observed face opposite to a light emitting face, or, a light diffusing layer composed of two or more kinds of light transmitting materials, refractive indexes of which are different each other, on the observing face, and a light led from a light leading face is reflected and diffused on the light diffusing layer.

Abstract: A solid transparent acrylic letter comprising a light source and sign board with said letter having on all the entire edges surround with flexible material with said flexible material containing said light source with a reflective material on one side of said letter, said sign board attaches said letter with studs, and electrical wiring joins said solid transparent acrylic letters.

Abstract: A device uses a convex or concave lens to converge incoming (background) light and project brighter light beams to the end of a light guide device, which then produces from its other end a light reflection in one or multiple directions for text or pattern display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear-projecting device including a light guide for distribution of light from a light source to a light projecting area, a spatial light modulating arrangement, the light modulating arrangement is arranged in relation to the light-projecting area such that the arrangement illuminates a sub-area of the light-projecting area, the light projection area is at least partly transparent.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for providing a substantially uniformly illuminated light emitting surface, the apparatus comprising first and second light sources generating flux patterns including light rays that diverge about first and second central light rays, respectively and a light guide member having substantially straight first and second en sections and a curved section, the first end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a first light axis, the second end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a second light axis, the curved section including first and second ends that are linked to the distal ends of the first and second end sections, respectively, the guide forming a front surface and an oppositely facing textured back surface along each of the end sections and the curved section, the curved section forming a bend such that the back surface is concave and the front surface is convex along the curved section length, at least a portion of the back surface ta

Abstract: An illumination device LK comprises a planar light guiding element 3 having a first face 3c and a second face 3d, which are substantially parallel to each other, and a predetermined number (equal to or greater than one) of light sources 2—1,2—2 for emitting light from a light emitting side along a main light emission axis A. The planar light guiding element 3 has inserting means 3h for inserting at least one of the light sources 2—1,2—2 separately so that the main light emission axis A is substantially parallel between the first face 3c and the second face 3d.

Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polarizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.

Abstract: An illumination device for illuminating a liquid crystal panel having a frame area and an effective display area surrounded by the frame area includes a light source for emitting light; an optical conductor including a light incident surface on which light emitted by the light source in allowed to be incident, a light output surface from which the light is allowed to be output, and a projection projecting from the light incident surface; and a light scattering section for scattering light, the light scattering section including an engaging portion which is engageable with the projection. The optical conductor and the light scattering section are located such that is an end of the projection of the optical conductors located outside the effective display area of the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: The illuminating device includes a light source and a light guide plate. The light guide plate has a first side surface receiving light emitted from the light source, a second side surface facing the first side surface, a third side surface, a fourth side surface, an emitting surface and an opposing surface. The third and fourth side surfaces are located between the first and second side surfaces so as to face each other, and the emitting surface and the opposing surface face each other. The light guide plate is formed from a first light guide layer and a second light guide layer. The first light guide layer has a plurality of reflecting films therein for reflecting light entering the light guide plate through the first side surface toward the emitting surface. The second light guide layer has no reflecting film.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lighting or signalling device for a motor vehicle, which comprises:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-efficiency circuit-equipped light emitting board, which is made so as to be usable as advertisement boards and signs, and can be used either indoor ones or outdoor ones. The light emitting board includes inner and outer frames, a display board, light emitting diodes, and a driving circuit for making the light emitting diodes to produce light. The display board allows light to travel through it, and has words, patterns, characters, drawings or signs adhered thereto. The display board is disposed between the frames in such a way that users can easily substitute it with a different one. And, the present board is watertight.

Abstract: A display includesa display lightguide, on which a shape of a display character is formed in three dimensions, a light source, emitting a light toward the display lightguide, anda light collection portion, provided between the light source and the display lightguide, and having a light reflection face formed like a parabolic face which employs a straight line perpendicular to a light receiving face of the display lightguide as an axis thereof.

Abstract: An illumination system for a computer system. In one exemplary embodiment, a light guide panel has a first end and a second end, wherein lights from a light source enter the light guide panel from the first end and exit through the second end. A light guide tube is coupled to the second end of the light guide panel. The light guide tube captures the lights that exit the second end and reflecting the lights downward illuminating at least a portion of a keyboard of the computer system. The chassis that houses the display assembly includes a plurality of holes created along the top edge of the chassis wherein the lights captured and reflected by the light guide tube exit through the plurality of holes.

Abstract: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.

Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light incident surface for receiving light, first and second light emission surfaces for emitting light at a first light emission angle with respect to the first and second light emission surfaces, and a light reflection pattern formed on the first light emission surface, for reflecting the light toward the second light emission surface. The reflected light from the light reflection pattern exits the second light emission surface at a second light emission angle with respect to the second light emission surface, and the second light emission angle is larger than the first light emission angle. The light reflection pattern includes multiple dots each having a prim pattern on their surface and light reflecting surfaces elongated in a selected direction. The adjacent light reflecting surfaces meet each other at their elongated edges to form a prism shape.

Abstract: An edge-lit luminaire includes a panel formed of a transparent material. The panel includes first and second opposing surfaces. At least one edge light source is positioned proximate to the panel. A plurality of prismatic reflective/refractive elements is spaced apart on a predefined pattern on the second surface. The plurality of prismatic reflective/refractive elements have a predefined contour for accurate ray direction control. The predefined pattern on the second surface includes predefined gradient spacing and size variables of the prismatic reflective/refractive elements for providing uniform ray emission across the panel. The plurality of prismatic reflective/refractive elements have a predefined relative spacing of the prismatic reflective/refractive elements based upon a position relative to the light source. Also the predefined relative size of each of the prismatic reflective/refractive elements can be based upon its position relative to the light source.

Abstract: A sheet of material and package made using the sheet of material. The sheet of material having an having an outer diffuse layer and an inner light piping layer adjacent the diffuse layer. The sheet transmits light to the outer surface of the outer diffuse layer. The outer diffuse layer has a specular area formed thereon through which light from the light piping layer can exit in a substantially non-diffuse manner from the outer surface of the outer diffuse layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are an illumination device capable of improving an optical efficiency of a light generated from a light source and a reflection type liquid crystal device using the illumination device. Between at least one light source and a first light guiding plate, which is provided to uniformly project the light incident from a first side towards a second side, a second light guiding plate for projecting the incident light towards the first side of the first light guiding plate is provided. A distance between a light projecting portion of the second light guiding plate and a light reflecting portion opposite the light projecting portion becomes narrow as an amount of light flux of the light emitted from at least one light source decreases. Accordingly, the light efficiency can be improved by increasing the probability of variation in optical routes for the light generated from each light source, though the number of the light sources disposed at a side of the second light guiding plate is increased.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided which can reduce a movement blur and a tailing phenomenon on a motion picture display while a drop in display brightness is suppressed, and which can suppress power consumption, can be made small and light, and can prolong the lifetime, and a liquid crystal display device using the same is provided. A light source control part of a control circuit synchronizes a latch pulse signal outputted from a gate driver control part to a gate driver, and outputs light emission control signals to respective light source power supply circuits. The respective light source power supply circuits change emission states of cold cathode fluorescent lamps to one of a first to a third emission states on the basis of the inputted light emission control signals, and illuminate an LCD panel from a rear surface of a display area.

Abstract: An illuminated street sign illuminated by LEDs. A light engine comprising a light engine carrier, at least one LED, a heat sink and optionally a reflector and/or lens system is used to illuminate a street sign. The light engine can be retrofit into existing illuminated street signs after removal of the fluorescent tube, attached to the interior of conventional housings or be integrally formed with the housing of an illuminated sign. A pair of light engines are mounted in the housing at an angle to direct the light to the opposite side panel. Each light engine has a reflector. An additional reflector can be mounted n the base of the housing.

Abstract: A shock mount to support the static weight of a housing while at the same time effectively attenuating shock or vibration imparted to the housing with the shock mount having a shock isolator for supporting the weight of the display and a bezel extending around the display with the bezel comprising a second shock an d vibration isolator that coacts with the first shock set of shock isolators to further attenuate shock and vibration forces to the system.

Abstract: High luminance display devices, typically utilized in applications requiring sunlight readability, require unique design methodologies as the thickness approaches a maximum of one-inch. The present invention relates to a high-intensity light generation engine and associated light transmission apparatus for transmitting the light generated by the engine to a remote location. The invention is especially applicable for use in constructing a back lighted display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), of minimal thickness, i.e., one-inch or less. A display of minimal thickness is achieved by separating a light source and other peripherals from the display device, using a remote enclosure. Such a display is most suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions where space is at a premium, such as in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method sensing the absolute position of a gauge. A pointer having a predefined rotation with a circular travel pattern. At least one light emitting diode that generates an optical signal. An optical sensor placed in a fixed position along the circular travel pattern of the pointer. A pointer driver for driving the pointer.

Abstract: A light emitting device for optic fiber decoration, includes a flash control IC, a plurality of different colored LED's, a variable resistor and a light-sensitive resistor, driven by 4.5V DC voltage to control the flash control IC, with output from the flash control IC controlling each LED to alternatively and gradually change flashing lights. Each LED projects lights into optic fibers, producing romantic light changes in the optic fiber decoration. The invention can be used to replace the light-emitting device, including light bulbs, a motor, color discs and such sophisticated structures in a conventional optic fiber decoration, and provides safer use, more energy saving and higher efficiency than conventional types.

Abstract: A display-unit-use display control method controls display of pixels in a display unit including a large number of light emitting elements in a row direction and a column direction, the light emitting elements having brightness, which changes in accordance with a value of current supplied thereto. A current is supplied, the current supplying conductor from one or each end part thereof in a column direction, the current supplying conductor supplying the current to the light emitting elements. The pixels are displayed line by line in accordance with a selection timing, and the display of pixels is deleted line by line in accordance with a deletion timing. It is so arranged that with respect to a certain line, a period from a time at which the pixels get displayed in accordance with the selection timing to a time at which the display of the pixels gets deleted is shorter than a period between start and end of the selection timing.

Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a Vertical Carousel (VC) or Vertical Lift Module (VLM), which has a common light source or light source grid, consists of LED's and the like incorporated into the body of the machine in proximity to the access point operator's workstation. When a storage carrier/tray is delivered to the access position, the common light source transmits light through one of a light transmitting element to an access face of the storage compartment position in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required (i.e., the number of compartments within the tray can vary in size and number) individually for different trays, and are delivered over a grid pattern of light sources for annunciation.

Abstract: A lighted running board assembly having a mounting bracket and a framing network secured to such bracket. An illuminated step pad is secured to and supported by the framing network, such step pad including a light source, such as an LED, housed within a light housing member and disposed in a cavity of the framing network. Light is projected through a translucent surface of the step pad.

Abstract: A display device is described in which a fiber optic plate provided with light scattering particles is used for effective front lighting of a display, for example, a liquid crystal cell. The fiber optic plate is lighted from the side.

Abstract: The exploding-like firework light has a stand for supporting a lamp post to allow flashing forth upwardly from below continuously till the top end thereof, the lamp post has a hollow ball provided on the top thereof; the hollow ball is provided near the center thereof with an internal central flashlight adapted to generating strong flashing in an exploding mode, and a plurality of radiating levers are connected to the hollow ball to provide an effect of radiation outwardly as a firework; the flashlight is controlled and driven by a voltage riser and a relay to make a power source having the voltage thereof dropped control all the other lamp pipes or lamp strings by using a low voltage transformer through a central processing unit. Thereby a safer exploding-like firework light more suitable for outdoor use for a long period and having its packing volume reduced is formed.

Abstract: A method of adapting a golf course for playing golf at night using a glow-in-the-dark golf ball includes selecting an elongated flexible light source and placing it around the perimeter of a golf course putting green, fairway, bunkers, and other hazards and anchoring the placed elongated flexible light source to the earth with anchoring stakes. The golf hole may have the rim illuminated and may have a night visible flag. The selected and placed elongated flexible light source is partially buried to provide a smooth surface thereover. The elongated flexible light source, such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS), may be placed in a flexible transparent polymer tube or channel and may be an electro-illuminescent wire or incandescent bulbs or LED spaced within a polymer tube or an elongated fiberoptic lighted from one end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illuminating structure in which one or more optical wave guides, such as optical fibers, are embedded in a hardened material, the material having hardened with the fibers or guide embedded therein. Visible from the surface of the illuminating structure (for example, flush with, recessed within, or protuberant from the surface), the end of each optical fiber or guide is exposed, or a light diffuser is positioned at the end of a fiber so that when a light source is applied to the optical fiber, the surface of the illuminating structure is illuminated. The structure may be used as, for example, a floor tile, a road sign, or a side portion of a swimming pool. Advantageously, the illuminating structure is resilient and can withstand applications of weight and abrasion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display assembly including a display screen, a planar light guide, a light source, a light bar, and a frame. The frame is integrally molded with the planar light guide to form a single component, wherein the top and said bottom of the light guide is not obstructed by the plastic frame. The planar light guide is disposed above the display screen and provides mechanical support of the display. The light bar is disposed between the planar light guide and the light source, and acts to couple light from the light source into the planar light guide.

Abstract: An illuminated back-lighted display unit that is capable of displaying a variety of different types of artwork, messages, logos, or pictures in various applications within a home, commercial building, vehicle, or anywhere a miniature back-lighted display is desired. The display unit has a main housing which contains a light source that may include a diffuser and a cover lens or glass that includes one or more layers of the artwork to be displayed. The cover glass is trimmed with a trim bezel, and when assembled, the unit is provided with some means of mounting the assembly to the window or other structure through which it will be viewed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optically marked surface. In the preferred embodiment, the optically marked surface (15) comprises a light source (16), a surface to be marked (18), optical material (19) capable of illumination by the light source, the optical material, the surface and the light source being so configured and arranged that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface. The present invention also discloses turf comprising artificial or natural turf fibers and fiber optic filaments extending between the turf fibers. The present invention also provides a method of marking a surface comprising the steps of providing a light source, providing a surface to be marked, providing an optical material capable of illumination by the light source, configuring and arranging the optical material, the surface, and the light source such that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface, and illuminating the optical material.

Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a horizontal carousel has a common light source array consisting of LED's and the like inside the system's rotating or movable carrier loop at a picking or storage access area behind the shelves of a selected carrier. When that carrier is at the desired access position, the common light source transmits light through light transmitting devices to an access face of the carrier at the picking or storing location in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be flexible light pipes arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a spread illuminating apparatus for improving the machinability and durability of a molding die for a transparent substrate and obtaining an excellent light reflection. In a light reflection pattern comprising grooves and substantially flat portions adjacent to the grooves and formed on an upper surface of the transparent substrate in parallel to the optical axis of a bar-like light conductive member located close to an end surface of the transparent substrate, the grooves are each formed substantially trapezoidal in section with their bottom surface defining a shorter side of trapezoid.

Abstract: An integrated light guide for use in an electronic device having a plurality of key buttons to allow a user to input signals in the device, the light guide having a plurality of domes used as touch areas of the key buttons and a plurality of light escapement areas disposed at the domes. When coupled to a light source, a portion of the light received by the light guide from the light source escapes from the light escapement areas to illuminate the key buttons. Preferably, each dome has one or more electrically conducting patches provided under the dome such that when a touch area is pushed by the user, these patches are caused to interact with an electronic circuit placed under the light guide for activating a key.

Abstract: A fiber optic light-emitting panel having one or more braided fiber optic strand assemblies formed into a light-transmitting device. The fiber optic light-emitting panel includes a plurality of three or more fiber optic strands braided together to form a braided fiber optic strand assembly. Each of the fiber optic strands includes a single optical fiber or a plurality of optical fibers to form a bundle. Each of the fiber optic strands within the braided fiber optic strand assembly has at least three (3) bends per inch along the length thereof for transmitting light laterally at the bends to form the light-transmitting device. The fiber optic light-emitting panel includes plastic ties for connecting at least two (2) of the braided fiber optic strand assemblies to form the fiber optic light-emitting panel.

Abstract: A portable vehicle inspection system including a series of mats into which two lengths of flexible, polymeric side light transmitting optical fiber extend along channels placed near the edges of the mats, and at a distance to be within the tracks of wheels of a vehicle passing thereover, with the polymeric fiber optic including notches and a reflector directed to provide a steady, uniform flood of light up to the underside of a vehicle to be inspected, and between the inspection zone, and the light source, the polymeric optical fiber is covered by an opaque jacket to prevent light from radiating outward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illumination and entertainment by light emitted from a guide via scattering provides a new form of visible lighting. An illumination source is coupled to an optical guide to produce a beam within the guide. The beam is disrupted by a emitting surface which may have design features embedded thereon. The disruption causes scattering of the beam, producing an illuminated body. The disruption may be a matte coating on a side wall of the guide, a lens with a matte image thereon at the end of the guide, or other discontinuity that results in an entertaining or pleasing illumination pattern.