Abstract: A backlight for a display device, such as a liquid crystal display device, includes a light guiding plate having a front and a rear surface. The front and rear surfaces may be parallel to one another, or may instead be non-parallel. To the extent that such surfaces are non-parallel, one surface may be inclined at a single, or multiple angles with respect to the other surface. The backlight further includes a light source that is coupled to an edge of the light guiding plate by means of an energy conserving coupling section, and which provides light that is conditioned and transmitted through the light guiding plate. Light extractors are disposed on at least one side of the light guiding plate to assist in the transmission and conditioning of the light that is provided to the light guiding plate by the light source.

Abstract: A high visibility emergency signaling device includes a base configured to be secured to an external support raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam, and power supply means for such light-emitting means. Optical means are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space and/or on the ground.

Abstract: Direct-lit backlights and associated methods and components are disclosed in which a transflector that partially transmits and partially reflects incident light is shaped to form at least one concave structure facing a back reflector of the backlight. This provides at least one recycling cavity therebetween, the at least one recycling cavity substantially filling the output area of the backlight. At least one light source is disposed behind the output area to inject light into each cavity, and can be positioned in the recycling cavity or behind an aperture in the back reflector. The cavities are preferably shallow and wide, having a width-to-depth ratio of at least 5 or 10, and can provide uniform brightness and color at the output area with sparsely distributed light sources and in a thin profile backlight.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes at least one transparent plate unit. The transparent plate unit includes a light output surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of spherical depressions, a diffusion layer, and at least one lamp-receiving portion. The bottom surface is opposite to the light output surface. The diffusion layer is formed on the light output surface. The spherical depressions are formed at the bottom surface. The lamp-receiving portion is defined in the bottom surface. A backlight module using the present optical plate is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal layer, as well as a backlight unit and a display device including the same. A composition for the thermal layer comprises a thermally conductive material, about 10 to 40 parts by weight of a binder based on 100 parts by weight of the thermally conductive material, about 5 to 30 parts by weight of a filler based on 100 parts by weight of the thermally conductive material, and about 5 to 40 parts by weight of a curing agent based on 100 parts by weight of the binder. A backlight unit according to the present invention comprises a light source, a reflector reflecting a light emitted from the light source and the present thermal layer disposed on one surface of the reflector. The thermal layer is formed by applying a mixture of the thermally conductive material, the binder, the filler and the curing agent.

Abstract: A backlight unit comprises a reflecting plate, a light guide plate disposed over the reflecting plate, and a plurality of optic films disposed over the light guide plate. The backlight unit further comprises a lamp horizontally spaced apart from the light guide plate, and a reflecting film corresponding to an upper portion of a space between the light guide plate and the lamp.

Abstract: A display unit illuminated from in front of a display area, the display unit including a display area for presenting visual information to a user of the unit, a lens element spaced apart from and extending across the display area, and a source of illumination at a peripheral edge of the lens element for providing front illumination of the display area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarization-sensitive light homogenizer and a backlight and display using the same. The homogenizer improves the spatial luminance and color uniformity, increases the luminance in a direction normal to the homogenizer and provides increased luminance through polarized light recycling within the light homogenizer and backlight. In one embodiment, the homogenizer includes a polarization-sensitive anisotropic light-scattering (PDALS) region, a non-polarization-sensitive anisotropic light-scattering region, and a substantially non-scattering region. In a further embodiment, the non-scattering region is birefringent. The spatially non-uniform incident light flux from a backlight including one or more non-extended light emitting sources is scattered efficiently by the NPDASL region and is incident on the PDALS region which backscatters light orthogonal to the polarization state desired for efficient illumination of a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: Precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway are provided. Such PAPIs include a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway and structured or configured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway. Each light assembly includes a light source comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs.

Abstract: An illumination light source includes an incoherent solid state light source adapted to emit light over at least one light emission surface and having a total light emission surface area S0; a light circulation device including at least one light receiving surface adapted to receive the light from the incoherent solid state light source, and a light extraction area having a first surface area S1; and a light extraction device for extracting the light from the light circulation device at the light extraction area, wherein S1<S0. Accordingly, the apparent brightness of the light is increased by distributing it over a smaller area.

Abstract: Provided is a light emitting device of an electronic device, provided with a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector and a display unit, which is configured in such a manner that the light generated by the operation of the DLP projector can be re-used as a backlight light of the display unit. The disclosed light emitting device includes a first mirror for projecting a light of the DLP projector on a flat area provided ahead of the first mirror in an intermediate operation state of the first mirror; a light concentration mirror for converging the light projected on the flat area, the light concentration mirror being provided at a position adjacent to the flat area; and an optical fiber for transferring the light converged by the light concentration mirror to the display unit and enabling re-use of the transferred light as a light for a backlight of the display unit.

Abstract: A light apparatus includes one or more light pipes and/or diffusers to transfer and/or diffuse light from a few point light sources to a broader area and to other points. A hollow light pipe includes a light transmissive sidewall that encompasses an interior space, which receives and hides control circuitry for the light sources therein. A bottom end surface of the hollow light pipe is disposed adjacent to one or more light sources and transmits the light therefrom over a relatively large, uniform area. A solid core light pipe has a light receiving end and a light dispersion end having a reflective facet therein. The reflective facet includes a depression forming a reflective surface angularly displaced from a longitudinal axis of the solid core light pipe. A light diffuser surrounding a point source of light is adapted to cause the point source to look like a flame.

Abstract: An optical device guides illuminating light from a light source and includes a light-guiding unit including an incidence face which the illuminating light from the light source is incident upon, an emission face which emits the illuminating light and has a larger area than the incidence face, and a reflection face which guides rays of the illuminating light which are incident from the incidence face to the emission face, and a holder which secures the light-guiding unit in position with the light source. The light-guiding unit and the holder are connected together on the emission face side of the light-guiding unit.

Abstract: A direct type back light includes a case holding a plurality of lamps. The lamps may be “U” shaped and have curves arranged at a centerline of the case to face each other with a gap there between. A reflecting plate is positioned below the plurality of lamps. A luminance control sheet is provided above the reflecting plate and below the lamps in several of, or all of, the gaps. The luminance control sheet may have a lower reflectivity or a higher reflectivity than the reflecting plate to remove a bright line or a dark line in the center of the display, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle for lighting in a longitudinal emission direction. The lighting and/or signalling device has: at least one light source emitting light rays; and at least one light guiding sheet in which the light rays issuing from the light source spread by successive reflections, such that the guide sheet comprises at one end a reflective layer so as to redirect the light rays into the at least one sheet, and in that an output contour the sheet, at the end remote from the reflective layer, comprises a reflective profile, in particular inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of said sheet, so as to reflect the light rays reflected generally in an emission direction which is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A display device includes a first light source for emitting first light in blue, a second light source for emitting second light, and a color filter. The filter has a translucent sheet, a first printed area part for passing the first light to provide a first display excluding an overlapped portion of the first display and a second display and preventing the second light from passing therethrough, a second printed area part for passing the second light to provide the second display excluding the overlapped portion and preventing the first light from passing therethrough, a third printed area part for dimming and passing the first and second lights to provide the overlapped portion, a background printed area part for preventing the first and second lights from passing therethrough, and a white light converting part for the first light passing therethrough into white light.

Abstract: A backlight unit, in which an incident surface of a light-guiding plate is formed in a shape of a curve, or a curve-shaped structure is formed in a housing to improve the light efficiency. The backlight unit includes a light source emitting light; a housing surrounding the light source; a light-guiding plate guiding the light emitted from the light source to an LCD panel, wherein the light-guiding plate has an incident surface formed in a shape of a curve; and a reflective sheet formed under the light-guiding plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backlight unit which illuminates a display panel from a rear surface thereof, including at least: tubular lamps arranged in parallel to the panel; and a reflecting member which reflects light from the lamps toward the panel, wherein the reflecting member is divided into a first region opposed to an area near an electrode provided in an end portion of the lamp and a second region nearer to a middle area than the first region, the first region having a higher reflectance than the second region. In another backlight unit, a reflecting member is divided, with respect to the arrangement direction of the lamps, into an end lamp near region which is opposed to a lamp arranged in end portion and a middle region which is nearer to a middle area than the end lamp region, the end lamp region having a higher reflectance than the middle region.

Abstract: A discharge lamp device is provided that includes a light source device including a reflective surface. In the light source, noble gas not including mercury is excited to provide stable light emission and ozone or the like is prevented from being generated. This discharge lamp device includes airtight container (10) in which both end sections of a glass bulb are sealed. Airtight container (10) is filled with a discharge medium mainly including noble gas. One end section of airtight container (10) includes first electrode (11). Airtight container (10) is externally attached to insulating holder (20) having a square plate-like shape that includes penetration hole(s) (21) at one or a plurality of position(s). Holder (20) is fitted to second electrode (12) shaped to be a U-like groove so that a fixed interval between airtight container (10) and second electrode (12) is maintained.

Abstract: An illumination system using filament lamps including a filament lamp, a reflector having a first and second focal points, the filament lamp disposed proximate to the first focal point of the reflector to emit rays of electromagnetic radiation that reflect from the reflector and converge substantially at the second focal point, wherein a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the filament lamp impinges directly on the reflector and a portion of the electromagnetic radiation does not impinge directly on the reflector and wherein the system further includes an additional reflector constructed and arranged to reflect at least part of the portion of the electromagnetic radiation that does not impinge directly on the reflector toward the reflector through the first focal point of the reflector.

Abstract: In the rear of a liquid crystal display arranged with an inclination to a line of sight reflected by a concave mirror, a backlight and a focusing lens member are arranged in such a manner that the backlight and the focusing lens member are positioned on a plane perpendicular to the line of sight reflected by the concave mirror, and the focusing lens member focuses beams of illumination light from the backlight in such a manner that the beams of illumination light stays within a range of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An illumination system, preferably for illumination in a car, comprising at least one plain or slightly curved, solid light guide (4) made of transparent material, said light guide receiving light from a light (2) source and being provided with means (5, 6) for extracting light from said light guide, the means for extracting light from said light guide have. Reflecting surfaces (7, 8, 9, 10) the slopes of which are varied as a function of the position of the extracting means in the light guide as well as the position of a reading plane, so as to direct the light flux to a desired reading plane position. Preferably the illumination system a laminated structure of light guide layers, said layers being formed of a light guide layer for diffuse homogeneous illumination (1) and at least one light guide layer (4) for spot illumination of a reading plane.

Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.

Abstract: An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may also be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light pipe having an improved structure of prisms. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises an inner-surface including a linear array of prisms; and a substantially smooth outer-surface, wherein a pitch of prisms in a first region is wider than a pitch of prisms in a second region. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises a hollow base pipe; and an insertion inserted into the base pipe and having a structured surface including an array of prisms, wherein a pitch of prisms in a first region is wider than a pitch of prisms in a second region.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a light source that emits light-source light, a light recovery member that is disposed close to the light source in the vicinity of a lateral side of the light source, and has a light receiving surface inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an optical axis extending from the light source to the front to face the optical axis or the vicinity of the optical axis, and a rod integrator that uniformizes light-source light from the light source and light-source light reflected by the light recovery member.

Abstract: Luminaire with directional side-light extraction comprises a light pipe with a light-carrying core, and with a light-extraction structure along a first longitudinal side of the luminaire, confined to a radial swath of the luminaire, along the longitudinal axis of the luminaire, of substantially less than 180°. The second end of the light pipe has light-saving means for directing saved light from the second end towards the first end. The light-extraction means is adjustable to accommodate angular distributions of light from various light sources.

Abstract: A display comprises a light source and a light redirecting polymeric film containing a structured surface on at least one side of the film and bearing a polymeric coating over at least part of the structured surface wherein the coating exhibits a variable thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display comprising a light source and a light redirecting polymeric film containing a structured surface on at least one side of the film and bearing a discontinuous population of adherent beads bonded to the structured surface.

Abstract: An LED lighting apparatus includes an LED provided on a base, a rod-like light-guiding body having translucency that protrudes from the base, and a light reflector disposed in a vicinity of an upper end of the rod-like light-guiding body. Light from the LED is incident on a lower end of the rod-like light-guiding body, exits from the upper end via the rod-like light-guiding body, and is reflected by the light reflector.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a panel, a first light source, a second light source, a first light guide plate, a second light guide plate, and a processor. The panel includes a first area for displaying a first data and a second area for displaying a second data. The first light guide plate corresponding to the first area reflects the light provided by the first light source to the first area. The second light guide plate corresponding to the second area reflects the light provided by the second light source to the second area. The processor determines the states of the first light source and the second light source. The first or second light source is not operated all the time so as to conserve the power.

Abstract: A retro-reflect type light pipe, an illumination device including the same, and a projection display including the illumination device are provided. The retro-reflective type light pipe includes an incident portion through which light is incident, a guide portion which guides the incident light such that the incident light propagates internally therewithin while being reflected at inner walls thereof, and which thereby mixes the incident light thus providing uniform light. A retro-reflective portion, provided at one end of the guide portion, re-reflects the incident light toward the incident portion. The illumination device includes a light source, the retro-reflective type light pipe, and an optical path-changing member provided between the light source and the retro-reflective type light pipe, which changes the direction of the light emitted from the light source such that the light from the light source propagates toward the retro-reflective type light pipe.

Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned between the light source and the output surface of the light guide, and an interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surface of the light guide is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.

Abstract: An optical touch panel including a support defining a generally planar surface, an optical illumination assembly arranged along and above at least part of a periphery of the support to define a detection region, at least one light detector, arranged to detect changes in the light received from the optical illumination assembly produced by the presence of an object in the detection region and detection circuitry receiving at least one output from the at least one light detector and providing an output indication of the two dimensional location of object impingement in the detection region.

Abstract: An optical device guides illuminating light from a light source and includes a columnar light-guiding unit having an incidence face which the illuminating light from the light source is incident upon, an emission face which emits the illuminating light and has a larger area than the incidence face, and reflection faces which guide rays of the illuminating light which is incident from the incidence face to the emission face while bringing the rays to total internal reflection, and holders which secure the columnar light-guiding unit in position with respect to the light source, in which the columnar light-guiding unit and the holders are connected together in a single piece only on the reflection faces on the emission face side of the columnar light-guiding unit.

Abstract: A planar light-source device is obtained in which, in the space between a point light source and the peripheral portion of a through-hole in a case, rays that leak into or are absorbed into a space outside a hollow region can be reduced, whereby the number of rays that propagate into the hollow region can be increased. A point light source is installed from outside a case, through through-holes formed in the case and a reflection sheet, and a reflector formed on the reflection sheet to correspond to the point light source is slanted with respect to the bottom side of the case, depthward along the through-hole, in a region enclosed by the peripheral portion of the through-hole of the case and by the point light source.

Abstract: A lighting device of the invention includes: a plurality of light sources; and an optical waveguide, wherein light emitted from the plurality of light sources is incident from a side of the optical waveguide and then emitted from one main plane of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a first inclined plane for reflecting light emitted from a first light source and then emitting the light from the one main plane, and a second inclined plane for reflecting light emitted from a second light source and then emitting the light from the one main plane at an exit angle different from the light emitted from the first light source, and wherein each of the light sources is independently driven.

Abstract: An improved architecture for a projector comprising a light source in the form of a lamp with a curved reflector with a distinctive focal distance for converging the light beam of the lamp; a so called cold mirror; an integration rod; a relay optics system consisting of a plurality of lenses followed by a light valve, wherein the architecture allows for the use of light sources with different focal distances.

Abstract: An improvement in LED lighting simulative of neon lighting comprises a light cable (3). A clamp (2) coupled to the cable (3) holds an end of the cable (3) in a predetermined bend, and an LED (14) is optically coupled to the cable (3). A support (11) is coupled to the clamp and includes a surface (34) adjacent to the cable (3) to reflect light incident on its surface, which is a diffuse reflector. A clip (4) retains the cable (3) on the support (11). The clamp (2) is at least partially opaque and shields an end of the cable (3) to simulate a neon tube. The LED light source (14) comprises a housing (12) to which the clamp (2) is coupled, and comprises an LED emitter and a reflector. The clamp (2) is mounted on a substrate (21) and at least one additional sign element mounted to the substrate, such as an LED backlit sign element.

Abstract: A device display includes a light guide with an optical fiber embedded in an optically transparent material, a pixel array that has a pixel aligned with a first end of the optical fiber, and a reflective mechanism provided at a second end of the optical fiber. The reflective mechanism is capable of reflecting light, received by the pixel, back to the pixel via the optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an illumination system for use in display systems employing spatial light modulators. The illumination system comprises a fastening mechanism for securing the bonding of the walls of the light integrator of the illumination system. A heat dissipation mechanism can be alternatively provided for reducing the temperature of the illumination system by dissipating the heat thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) of similar or differing wavelengths; a reflector for collecting energy from two or more LEDs into an approximately composite beam; and a housing for distributing this energy into a common aperture. A heat sink and electronic control for the individual LEDs is included. The LEDs have different color outputs and are selectively controlled to determine the color of light from the apparatus. In one embodiment there are at least two LEDs, at least two reflector cavities, a common combining cavity or zone, a mounting each of the LEDs within the reflector cavities and a housing. The LEDs are mounted on the heat sink And selectively driven to modulate the intensity of selected ones of the LEDs according the nature of the frequency bands in the driving signal, e.g. mixed color outputs according to the control of a musical signal.

Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surfaces of the light guides is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.

Abstract: A light guide panel is disclosed. The panel comprises a plate for dispersing light and at least one light-emitting diode (LED) coupled to the plate for providing the dispersed light. When the panel is coupled to a keyboard, the at least one LED is under a portion of the keyboard such that when the at least one LED is illuminated, the light from the LED does not distract a user. Accordingly, by strategically placing LEDs within the panel and providing the LEDs under appropriate portions of the keyboard, the device utilizing the keyboard can be smaller than when a conventional light guide panel is utilized. In addition, a further improvement in illumination is provided when a mechanism is provided which reflects light escaping from the edges of the panel back into the panel.

Abstract: The invention is an illumination system that incorporates a light emitting diode and a side-emitting light-recycling lens. The side-emitting light-recycling lens recycles part of the light internally generated by a light emitting diode back to the light emitting diode as externally incident light. The light emitting diode reflects a portion of the recycled light, thereby increasing the effective brightness of the light emitting diode. The light reflected by the light emitting diode is directed though the side-emitting light-recycling lens and exits the illumination system, thereby increasing the output brightness and efficiency of the illumination system. The light emitting diode reflects externally incident light with a reflectivity greater than 40 percent.

Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surfaces of the light guides and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.

Abstract: Precision approach path indicator systems (PAPIs) effective in providing approach slope guidance for aircraft approaching an airport runway are provided. Such PAPIs include a plurality of light assemblies positioned on or in proximity to an airport runway and structured or configured to be effective in providing approach slope guidance light signals to a pilot of an aircraft approaching a runway. Each light assembly includes a light source comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably a first array of LEDs and a second array of LEDs.

Abstract: A luminaire with improved lateral illuminance control comprising a light pipe with a longitudinal center is disclosed. A light-extraction means applied to a radial swath of the light pipe has a longitudinal portion having dimension along its length, centered about a slice on the light pipe longitudinally; said slice being orthogonal to the longitudinal center and located in a propagation plane through which light propagates to a virtual target area intersecting the propagation plane. The light pipe intervenes between the radial swath and the target area. A first average efficiency point of the light-extraction means corresponds to the minimum distance to the target area being at least approximately 20% less than a respective, second average efficiency point corresponding to a respective maximum distance to such area. The light-extraction means efficiency varies from the first average efficiency point to the second average efficiency point though more than one non-zero value.

Abstract: An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image. The ornamental device may also be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a plane light source device having enhanced efficiency of use of light and high brightness uniformity. A plane light source device of the present invention is provided with a housing having an opening section, a scattering plate arranged at the opening section for scattering incoming light and a light source arranged at one side face in the housing, wherein a regular reflection section for regularly reflecting light incoming from the light source is provided in the vicinity of the light source at the bottom surface of the housing that is opposite to the scattering plate and a scatter reflection section for irregularly reflecting light incoming from the light source is provided so as to be adjacent to the regular reflection section.