Particular Application Patents (Class 362/602)
  • Publication number: 20120140512
    Abstract: A backlight module and a wire positioning/holding device for the frame structure thereof are disclosed. The backlight module mainly includes a frame and a light source module. The light source module is disposed on the lateral side or on the bottom of the frame. The wire holding device mainly includes a main body and a winding pillar. A first guide slot is disposed on the main body, and the first guide slot has an inlet end and an outlet end. The winding pillar extends from the main body and is situated at one side of the first guide slot. The winding pillar and the main body together form a wire holding portion. The wire holding portion is disposed corresponding to the outlet end of the first guide slot to receive the wires of the light source module coming out of the outlet end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chi-Chen Cheng, Chi-Chung Lo
  • Publication number: 20120140434
    Abstract: A display panel and a light source device used therein are provided. The display panel includes a light-guide thin-film circuit substrate, a light source and a polarizing layer. The light-guide thin-film circuit substrate has a light entrance end and a light exit top surface, and the light source is disposed corresponding to the light entrance end. The polarizing layer is disposed on the light-guide thin-film circuit substrate and parallels the light exit top surface of the light-guide thin-film circuit substrate. The light produced by the light source enters the circuit substrate through the light entrance end, guided and transmitted through the circuit substrate, and then leaves the circuit substrate through the light exit top surface and enters the polarizing layer. The light after passing through the polarizing layer is turned into a polarized light having flat light source effect as a backlight source for the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsin-Tao Huang, Deng-Kuen Shiau, Chun-Chi Hsu, Chun-Chung Hsiao, Mao-Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20120133862
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a light diffuser film including a transparent thermoplastic resin, the light diffuser film having an embossed pattern on at least one side thereof, the embossed pattern having an average roughness (Ra) of about 1.5 ?m or less, and a peak count (Rpc) of about 100 peaks/cm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Jin Hui CHO, Sung Kook KIM, Jin Woo LEE, Cheol Ho KIM, Sung Eun LEE, Sun Hong PARK
  • Publication number: 20120134172
    Abstract: A one-way see-through illumination system is constructed from a light guide panel, a front-illumination image film, and a light injector. The light injector injects light into the light guide panel at a suitable angle for total internal reflection of the injected light at the surfaces of the light guide panel. The image film includes a half-toned front-illuminable image pattern that extracts light from the light guide panel. When active, light from the light guide panel front illuminates the image pattern for viewing by a front-side view, while a back-side viewer can see through the image pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin G. Donahue
  • Publication number: 20120134174
    Abstract: A backlight device wherein LEDs which are arranged side by side at a first arrangement interval (P1) are provided to each LED unit. The LED units are mounted to a flexible board at a second arrangement interval. A light guide plate is disposed in such a manner that an end surface thereof is spaced from the LEDs by a distance (H). The light guide plate is disposed so as to satisfy the following relationship: first arrangement interval (P1)?distance (H)?second arrangement interval (P2). Specifically, the LEDs are arranged side by side in such a manner that the first arrangement interval (P1) is not less than 0.1 mm but not greater than 3 mm and the second arrangement interval (P2) is not less than 5 mm but not greater than 15 mm. The light guide plate is disposed in such a manner that the distance (H) is not less than 1 mm but not greater than 7 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED
    Inventors: Naoto Hirohata, Yasuhiro Ueki, Nobuyoshi Yamagishi, Takuya Kakinuma, Mikio Okumura
  • Publication number: 20120134173
    Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed that is configured for mounting in or on a motor vehicle. The lighting device comprises a light guiding element and a light source. The light guiding element has a light entry face and a light exit face. A depth of the lighting device perpendicular to the light exit face corresponds essentially fully to the depth of the light guiding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventor: Wolfgang Mueller
  • Publication number: 20120134175
    Abstract: Provided are planar lighting device that is excellent in luminance uniformity and light use efficiency and a display device including the planar lighting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Fumie Kunimasa
  • Publication number: 20120127750
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The backlight module comprises a plurality of first light guide units, a plurality of first light sources, a plurality of second light guide units, a plurality of second light sources and a reflective layer. The first light sources are disposed at one side of the first light guide units. The second light guide units are disposed on the first concave portions of the first light guide units. The second light sources are disposed at one side of the second light guide units. The reflective layer is formed between the first light guide units and the second light guide units. The present invention can enhance the number of the locally dimmed regions and the independent light adjustability of each region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chengming He, Yicheng Kuo, Jie Ren, Weiwei Zheng
  • Publication number: 20120127753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique which makes a backlight used in a liquid crystal display device thin and light-weight. The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which includes a display panel and a backlight arranged behind the display panel, wherein the backlight includes a film-like light guide member, a film-like light semi-transmissive member adhered to a first surface of the light guide member which faces the display panel in an opposed manner, a film-like reflective member adhered to a back surface of the light guide member opposite to the first surface, and a spot light source arranged at a position of the light guide member at which light is incident on the light guide member from the first surface or the back surface. A refractive index of the light semi-transmissive member is set smaller than a refractive index of the light guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicants: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20120127573
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical valve or light valve for providing large area collimated illumination from localized light sources, and system and method thereof for 2D, 3D, and/or autosteroscopic displays. An optical valve may include a stepped structure, in which the steps include separated extraction features which may be optically hidden to light propagating in a first direction. Light propagating in a second direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the optical valve. Such controlled illumination may provide for efficient, multi-user autostereoscopic displays as well as improved 2D display functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: REALD INC.
    Inventors: Michael G. Robinson, Graham John Woodgate, Jonathan Harrold
  • Publication number: 20120127751
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a plate made substantially of an optical material, the plate comprising: a first surface and an opposing second surface for guiding light components between the first surface and the second surface by reflection; a plurality of edge surfaces configured for receiving the light components into the plate; and a plurality of light diffractive elements distributed on the first surface for directing part of the light components out of the first surface by diffraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jyrki Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20120127752
    Abstract: Provided are an optical member and a display device. The display device includes a light source, a plurality of wavelength converting particles, an approximately, and a display panel. The wavelength converting particles convert a wavelength of light emitted from the light source. The accommodating part accommodates the wavelength converting particles and has a curved surface. The display panel is configured to display images using light changed by the wavelength converting particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JI YOUNG JUNG
  • Patent number: 8182114
    Abstract: A display. A casing includes an opening. A light guide plate is disposed in the casing. A display panel is disposed in the casing and is adjacent to the light guide plate. A light-guiding member is movably disposed in the opening and includes a first light-permeable portion, a second light-permeable portion, and at least one non-light-permeable portion. The first light-permeable portion is opposite the second light-permeable portion. The non-light-permeable portion is disposed between the first and second light-permeable portions. When the light-guiding member is moved to a first position, the second light-permeable portion connects to the light guide plate and light in the exterior of the casing enters the light guide plate via the first and second light-permeable portions. When the light-guiding member is moved to a second position, the non-light-permeable portion connects to the light guide plate and the light does not enter the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventor: Tien-Chung Tseng
  • Publication number: 20120120080
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide has a surface, such as an edge, into which light is injected. The surface is treated to create a diffusive interface with a light source. For example, the surface may be subjected to abrasion to form a frosted surface that acts as the diffusive interface, or a diffusive structure may be attached to the edge, with the attached diffusive structure functioning as the diffusive interface. The diffusive interface diffuses light entering into the light guide, and can thereby increase the uniformity of light propagating within the light guide. The light guide may be provided with light turning features that redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lai Wang, Douglas Carl Burstedt, Kollengode S. Narayanan, Kebin Li, Ion Bita, Marek Mienko, Russell Wayne Gruhlke
  • Publication number: 20120120677
    Abstract: The novel structure of a backlight unit using color-scan backlight drive which structure can relieve the color mixture problem is provided. A backlight unit including: a light guide plate including (j+1) (j is a natural number) reflective walls that are columns having height in a direction perpendicular to a bottom face and being extended in one direction parallel to the bottom face and that are provided in parallel; an r-th columnar transparent layer provided in a region sandwiched between an r-th (r is a natural number, 1?r?j) reflective wall and an (r+1)-th reflective wall of the (j+1) reflective walls; and an r-th light source provided on a side surface of the light guide plate to let light into the r-th transparent layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Hidekazu Miyairi, Kouhei Toyotaka
  • Publication number: 20120120326
    Abstract: Provided is an edge-light illuminating device capable of preventing formation of a gap between point light sources and edge faces of a light guide plate, and also capable of allowing heat expansion of the light guide plate. An edge-light illuminating device 1 for illuminating a liquid crystal panel from behind includes a rectangular-shaped light guide plate 2, a wall 3 surrounding the light guide plate, a plurality of holding members 4 disposed between edge faces 7 of the light guide plate and the wall and arranged to hold the light guide plate within the wall, and two rows 6 each consisting of point light sources 5 aligned along the edge faces 7a, 7b on two adjacent sides of the light guide plate, wherein some of the holding members, which are opposed to the point light sources while interposing the light guide plate therebetween, are elastic holding members 4a having elasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiki Takata
  • Publication number: 20120113671
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to quantum dot (QD) structures for lighting applications. In particular, quantum dots and quantum dot containing inks (comprising mixtures of different wavelength quantum dots) are synthesized for desired optical properties and integrated with an LED source to create a trichromatic white light source. The LED source may be integrated with the quantum dots in a variety of ways, including through the use of a small capillary filled with quantum dot containing ink or a quantum dot containing film placed appropriately within the optical system. These systems may result in improved displays characterized by higher color gamuts, lower power consumption, and reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: SRIDHAR SADASIVAN, John R. Linton, David R. Gildea, Seth Coe-Sullivan, Suchit Shah, Robert J. Nick
  • Publication number: 20120113331
    Abstract: Provided is an edge light type illuminating device and the like that can suppress uneven brightness even when a reflective sheet is warped. The edge light type illuminating device includes a light source 2, a substantially transparent light guide plate 3 that is disposed with an end surface 13 thereof facing the light source 2 and that allows light that has entered through the end surface 13 to travel while reflecting repeatedly off a front surface 23 and a rear surface 33, a plurality of scattering sections 4 that are dispersedly disposed over the rear surface 33 of the light guide plate 3 and that scatter the light that has entered through the end surface 13 of the light guide plate 3, causing the light to go out through the front surface, and a reflective sheet 5 that is disposed on the rear surface 33 side of the light guide plate 3 and that reflects light leaking from areas of the rear surface 33 where the scattering sections 4 are not provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiki Takata
  • Publication number: 20120113672
    Abstract: Light-emitting quantum dot films, quantum dot lighting devices, and quantum dot-based backlight units are provided. Related compositions, components, and methods are also described. Improved quantum dot encapsulation and matrix materials are provided. Quantum dot films with protective barriers are described. High-efficiency, high brightness, and high-color purity quantum dot-based lighting devices are also included, as well as methods for improving efficiency and optical characteristics in quantum dot-based lighting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: NANOSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Dubrow, William P. Freeman, Ernest Lee, Paul Furuta
  • Publication number: 20120113673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light emitting device a light transmissive substrate, a light emitting structure disposed on the light transmissive substrate, comprising a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive type semiconductor layer, a conductive layer disposed on the second conductive type semiconductor layer, a first electrode part disposed on the conductive layer, with at least predetermined region in contact with the first conductive type semiconductor layer, passing through the conductive layer, the second conductive type semiconductor layer and the active, and a first insulation layer disposed between the conductive layer and the first electrode part, between the second conductive type semiconductor layer and the first electrode part and between the active layer and the first electrode part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Min Gyu Na, Sung Kyoon Kim, Myeong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8172444
    Abstract: A light guide display includes a printed overlay layer, a first light guide layer, and a second light guide layer. The printed overlay layer includes an input region with a symbol that is at least partially translucent. The first light guide layer is disposed on a back side of the printed overlay layer to illuminate the symbol of the printed overlay layer in response to illumination of the first light guide layer. The second light guide layer is disposed on a front side of the printed overlay layer, opposite the first light guide layer. The second light guide layer includes a separate symbol that is distinct from the symbol of the printed overlay layer. The second light guide layer illuminates the separate symbol of the second light guide layer in response to illumination of the second light guide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chuan Hoe Chan, Sian Tatt Lee, Choon Guan Ko, Fook Chuin Ng
  • Publication number: 20120106194
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lighted tile system, comprises a first tile. The first tile comprises a tray that comprises a floor, one or more walls coupled to a perimeter of the floor, and a cavity defined at least in part by the floor and the one or more walls. The first tile also comprises a ceiling coupled to the tray and located substantially opposite the floor of the tray, and a substrate located between the floor of the tray and the ceiling. One or more light sources are coupled to the substrate to shine a light from the one or more light sources in a substantially uniform pattern towards the ceiling. The ceiling is at least partially translucent to permit at least part of the light from the one or more light sources to shine through the ceiling. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20120105768
    Abstract: A backlight module comprises a light source, a reflective plate, a light guiding plate and a back plate. The light source is provided on the light entering side of the light guiding plate, the reflective plate is arranged around the periphery of the light source, and the back plate is provided under the reflective plate and the light guiding plate. A first mating section is provided on the reflective plate, and a second mating section is provided on the back plate. The first mating section is mated with the second mating section to connect and fix the reflective plate to the back plate. A liquid crystal display comprising the backlight module is not deformed when it is subject to an instantaneous external force, thus insuring the interior space of the reflective plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sangjig Lee, Shangrong Liang
  • Publication number: 20120106193
    Abstract: The backlight assembly includes a light source part and a light guide plate. The light source part generates a first light beam. The light guide plate has a plurality of light guide blocks. Each of the light guide blocks has a light incident surface, an opposite surface, a light emitting surface, and an inclined surface. The light incident surface receives the first light beam. The opposite surface is located opposite to the light incident surface, has a convex shape with respect to the light incident surface, and reflects the first light beam and converts the first light beam into a second light beam. The light emitting surface emits the second light beam. The inclined surface is inclined with respect to the light emitting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: GUK-HYUN KIM, Moon-Gyu Lee, Hyun-Deok Im
  • Publication number: 20120105761
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, a backlight unit positioned in the rear of the display panel, a plurality of brackets attached to a non-display area of a back surface of the display panel using an adhesive, a back cover positioned in the rear of the display panel, and a side cover including a first portion parallel to a width direction of the display panel and a second portion which is connected to the first portion and is positioned parallel to a longitudinal direction of the display panel. An end of the back cover is positioned in the second portion of the side cover. An edge of at least one side of a front surface of the display panel is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Moungyoub LEE, Sunghwan Kim, Jonghyun Byeon
  • Publication number: 20120106122
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including a front substrate and a back substrate, a plurality of brackets attached to a non-display area of a back surface of the back substrate using an adhesive, and a backlight unit positioned in the rear of the display panel. The backlight unit includes a frame including at least one protrusion, a light guide plate disposed between the frame and the display panel, the light guide plate including at least one groove or hole corresponding to the at least one protrusion of the frame, an optical layer disposed between the light guide plate and the display panel, and a light source disposed on the side of the light guide plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Inkeun RYU, Sangdon Park, Moungyoub Lee, Kyoungmok Kim, Yunjoo Kim, Jonghyun Byeon
  • Publication number: 20120105508
    Abstract: A backlight device according to the present invention includes a lamination of two light guide layers, namely, a first light guide layer (1) and a second light guide layer (3). The first light guide layer (1) includes a plurality of first light guide sections (1a) arrayed in a vertical direction. The second light guide layer (3) includes a plurality of second light guide sections (3a) arrayed in a horizontal direction. The first light guide sections (1a) are provided correspondingly with first light sources (2) and the second light guide sections (3a) are provided correspondingly with second light source (4). These light sources are independently controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takeshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 8162514
    Abstract: An illumination device with a fire-fighting function includes a transparent hollow casing, fire-fighting water, a light-emitting unit, and a light-guiding unit. The transparent hollow casing has a receiving space. The fire-fighting water is filled into the receiving space of the transparent hollow casing. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed beside one or more lateral sides of the transparent hollow casing. The light-guiding unit is disposed over the transparent hollow casing. Hence, when fire accident happens, the transparent hollow casing will melt and crack due to the developed over-heat, and the fire-fighting water is sprayed out from the receiving spaces in order to extinguish one part of flames. Therefore, the present invention can be used as a lighting device or can be used as a fire-fighting device when fire accident happens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Harvatek Corporation
    Inventor: Bily Wang
  • Patent number: 8157399
    Abstract: A control unit including a keypad having a plurality control indicators, a light producing device configured to illuminate the control indicators, and a light blocking device disposed between the control indicators and the light producing device and configured to selectively restrict or transmit light from the light producing device to the control indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Tony Leung
  • Publication number: 20120087146
    Abstract: A light-emitting device includes: a light guiding member; a plurality of light-emitting elements; and a reflection member. A light reflection/exit surface of the light guiding member has a concave-convex pattern including a plurality of convex portions reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting elements inward. On the assumption that L is a distance between the light-emitting elements, t is a thickness of the light guiding member, an incident angle ? of the light on the light reflection/exit surface is an angle between a line segment obtained by projecting a light path from the light-emitting element to the light reflection/exit surface and a line segment extending from a central point of the light-emitting element to the light reflection/exit surface, and ? is a maximum angle range of reflected light, a value of the angle range ? decreases as a value of the incident angle ? increases in a range of 0<?<tan-1 (L/t).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20120081917
    Abstract: A light emitting key structure is provided. The key structure includes a base, a reflective sheet, a circuit board, an elastic member, a linkage mechanism, and a key cap sequentially disposed one on another in order. The reflective sheet is disposed on the base. The circuit board is made of a light guide material. At least one light source is bonded to a lateral side of the circuit board. The circuit board, together with the light source bonded to the lateral side thereof is disposed on the reflective sheet. The elastic member is directly coupled to the circuit board. The key cap is featured with a light transmission characteristic. Therefore, in operation, the light emitted from the light source can be directly guided into the circuit board, and then outputted from the light transmissive key cap, thus achieving the light emitting effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Mang-Shiang Lee, Chung-Li Tsai
  • Patent number: 8143813
    Abstract: In controlling an ambient lighting element, a category of data being rendered by a host is identified, ambient lighting data associated with the identified category is retrieved, and the retrieved ambient lighting data is rendered in correspondence with the rendered data. The retrieved ambient lighting data may be an ambient light script arranged to determine temporal portions of ambient lighting data. The ambient lighting data may be associated with the category based on user input. A sub-category of the data may be identified and the retrieved ambient lighting data may be modified with additional ambient lighting data associated with the sub-category. An association of a category with ambient lighting data may be edited by a user. A default association of a category to ambient lighting data may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ronaldus Maria Aarts
  • Publication number: 20120063163
    Abstract: A backlight structure includes a light guide plate, at least one light source module, and a reflective cover. The light guide plate has a light incident side and a light-exiting surface, wherein the light-exiting surface is formed at an edge of the light incident side. The light source module includes a substrate and at least one light emitting element, wherein the light emitting element disposed on the substrate emits light to the light incident side. The reflective cover has a first reflecting portion and a second reflecting portion, wherein the second reflecting portion extends from the first reflecting portion disposed between a surface of the substrate and the light incident side of the light guide plate and covers a part of the light-exiting surface, so that the reflective cover reflects light emitted from the light emitting element to the light guide plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ching-Kun Lai
  • Patent number: 8128253
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light emitting system (1) for surfaces (2) of floor bottoms, walls or similar surfaces (2) of buildings for indoor or outdoor applications, in particular walkable or drivable surfaces (2), whereas the system comprises a laminar and plane base floor material (3) for flooring the surface (2), featuring a top surface (4) characterized in that on said top surface (4) of said base floor material (3) is layered a light guiding structure (5) for propagating light, which is coupled into said structure (5), whereas said structure (5) features an emission surface (6), arranged coplanar to the top surface (4) of said base floor material (3) for emitting the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Joachim Opitz, Stefan Peter Grabowski
  • Patent number: 8128270
    Abstract: There is provided an illuminated surface mounted on a base surface. The illuminated surface includes a plurality of transmissive tiles configured to allow light to pass therethrough. Each of the transmissive tiles includes an exterior surface, an attaching surface and a plurality of lateral sides disposed between the exterior and attaching surfaces. The attaching surface is affixable to the base surface. The transmissive tiles are arranged in spaced relation to each other to define a cable channel. The cable channel is defined by opposing lateral sides of adjacent transmissive tiles. A fiber optic cable is in optical communication a light source and receives light therefrom. The fiber optic cable includes a longitudinal axis and a first segment disposed within the cable channel. The first segment is configured to radially radiate light along the longitudinal axis into the lateral sides of the adjacent transmissive tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Trujillo
  • Patent number: 8123373
    Abstract: People conveyor (2) having an endless people transportation band (4) and an endless handrail (6), a glass balustrade (8) arranged laterally to the transportation band (4) and supporting the handrail (6), and a profile (10, 12) having an U-shaped channel (38) for engaging the glass balustrade (8) and comprising an illumination cavity (44), wherein a plurality of LEDs is arranged in the illumination cavity (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Andreas Vogt, Frank Wiegand, Frank Kirchhoff, Bernward Engelke
  • Publication number: 20120033442
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a transparent light guide plate, a light source provided on at least one end surface of the light guide plate, and a mask provided on a front surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate is formed of a plurality of reflecting and scattering portions having reflecting and scattering surfaces that reflect a light emitted from the light source and emit the reflected light from a front surface side. The mask allows an observer to visually recognize the light reflected from a reflective portion for the right eye, using the right eye, and the light reflected from a reflective portion for the left eye, using the left eye, whereby the reflected light beams can be stereoscopically recognized due to binocular parallax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuru KAMIKATANO, Takashi TSUMANUMA
  • Patent number: 8096692
    Abstract: A surface light-emitting device includes a transparent plate having two main surfaces and a light source. The light source is arranged adjacent to a side of the transparent plate so that the light source radiates light to the inside of the transparent plate from the side of the transparent plate. One main surface of the transparent plate is formed with a plurality of cone-shaped dimples, which reflect radiated light toward the other main surface of the transparent plate. The surface light-emitting device may further include a black sheet arranged adjacent to one main surface of the transparent plate formed with the plurality of cone-shaped dimples. The surface light-emitting device can be used as a guide device for an input/output interface unit of an automated transaction apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: PFU Limited
    Inventor: Yutaka Yoneda
  • Patent number: 8096671
    Abstract: An illumination panel has four peripheral edges constructed of an upper plate and a lower plate. Each of the plates has aligned peripheral edges and an upper and lower surface. The upper plate is fabricated of an optically reflective material. The lower plate is fabricated of an optically diffusive material. Each of the illumination panels includes a peripheral frame formed of four edge pieces. Each of the edge pieces is in a cross sectional configuration to receive and support the peripheral edges of the plates. A pair of opposed recesses face each other in the edge pieces. A printed circuit board with a plurality of light emitting diodes is supported in the edge pieces by the recesses. An electrical connector is adapted to disperse electrical power to the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: NMERA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kent Cronk, Owen Boyd Stephens
  • Patent number: 8083389
    Abstract: A medical examination apparatus is provided. The examination apparatus includes an examination area in which an examinee is examined using an imaging device. The examination apparatus includes at least one planar lighting device emitting homogeneous light via its light radiating surface. The lighting device includes at least one light source by which at least part of the examination area and/or of the area peripheral to the examination area can be illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Helmreich, Martin Ramsauer, Michael Richenberger
  • Publication number: 20110305036
    Abstract: A display device includes a light guide plate, a first light source device, a second light source device, a display panel, and an image light source synchronization unit. The first and second light source devices are disposed adjacent to two opposite sides of the light guide plate respectively. A plurality of first micro structures are formed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate and capable of deflecting a light beam from the second light source device towards the right-hand side and deflecting a light beam from the first light source device towards the left-hand side. The image light source synchronization unit is capable of displaying the left-side image when the first light source device is turned on and the second light source device is turned off and displaying the right-side image when the first light source device is turned off and the second light source device is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Han-Wen TSAI, Ming-Feng Kuo
  • Patent number: 8075982
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive light-extracting drawing surface including a light guide operable to receive a light source, wherein light is extracted from a light guide when pressure is applied to the drawing surface by a marking instrument. A resultant light-emitting drawing can be erased or can be made permanent. An optional multi-layered film disposed on the light guide allows drawings to be created in fluorescent, luminescent, phosphorescent, or photochromic colors. A background sheet containing designs may be inserted behind the light guide. The drawing surface can be embodied as a pressure-sensitive light-extracting “paper.” The invention may be embodied as a drawing tablet, a drawing tablet add-on to a modular graphic display device, or a toy drawing tablet for tracing alphabets, numerals, and characters from comic books, cartoons, and movies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Gerard Donahue
  • Patent number: 8021009
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes an interior that can be illuminated by a light source and is surrounded by walls and a door, wherein the interior is illuminated by the light source from the direction of the door, in particular wherein the door has at least one glass area, light from the light source is coupled into the glass area from the direction of an edge, with the result that the light is at least partially guided in the glass area, and the glass area has elements through which some of the light which is guided in the glass area is conducted into the interior. This manner of illumination prevents articles in the interior from having a silhouetted appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Knöll, Gerhard Nüssler
  • Patent number: 7988310
    Abstract: A sheet-shaped lightguide member has a first surface (11A), which is divided into at least two areas. The sheet-shaped lightguide member has the first surface (11A) and a second surface (11B) that face each other and a peripheral edge surface (11C). The lightguide member receives light through at least a part of the peripheral edge surface, guides the light, and emits the guided light from the first surface (11A) serving as a light exit surface. The lightguide member is divided into the at least two light exit areas (14A, 14B) and has a light-blocking part (18) provided along a boundary between mutually adjacent light exit areas to block transmission of light between the adjacent light exit areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Yamada, Hiroto Isoda, Kenji Kusano
  • Patent number: 7976206
    Abstract: A light bulb includes a bulb body, a light guide, and at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The bulb body includes a light-transmitting shell and a conductive base. The light-transmitting shell is mounted to the base. A circuit board is fixed at one side of the base and is in electrical connection with the base. The LED is mounted to the circuit board that is arranged at one side of the base, and the LED is in electrical connection with the circuit board to provide an internal light source. The light guide is arranged inside the bulb body and has an end forming a cavity that receives the LED therein, whereby the light guide is set erect on the base. As such, advantages of easy manufacturing, reduced costs, operation safety, increased angular range of illumination, and extended lifespan can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: U-How Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Ju Wu, Ping-Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 7963688
    Abstract: The present invention has a configuration is one example in which a second body is connected to be rotatable around a rotational axis to a first body. A light emitting element that emits light and a first light guiding member, which propagates light emitted from the light emitting element as well as irradiating light from an irradiating unit, are housed in the first body. A light receiving element that receives light and a second light guiding member, which lets in light from the light collecting portion irradiated by the irradiating unit as well as propagates light in the light receiving element, are housed in the second body. Complimentary location regions of the irradiating units and light collecting portions are multiply provided between the first light guiding member and the second light guiding member, thereby multiply forming propagating paths of light from the irradiating units to the light collecting portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Kanji Satake
  • Patent number: 7959340
    Abstract: The aim is to provide backlighting in a liquid-crystal display unit for a display and/or operator control unit, in particular on a domestic appliance. To achieve this, a backlighting layer, to which at least one backlighting source can be coupled, is located beneath an LCD layer and at least one supplementary backlighting layer is located beneath the backlighting layer. The supplementary layer can be coupled to at least one additional backlighting source assigned to the layers and permits the respective supplementary backlighting layer to emit light from the additional backlighting source(s) in respective defined masked zones through the backlighting layer and through the LCD layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Georgios Kofidis, Gerhard Mager, Bernhard Siegmar
  • Publication number: 20110128469
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stacked-type backlight plate for use in a display device and a display device incorporating the backlight plate. The backlight plate includes light guide devices, each including a light incident face, and a front face and a back face arranged opposite and parallel to each other and disposed adjacent to the light incident face, wherein the front face has a light exiting region remote from the light incident face. The back face of a light guide device is substantially parallel to the front face of an adjacent light guide device, so that the back face is overlapped in part with the front face to expose the light exiting region of the front face. The backlight plate also includes light sources disposed in a manner corresponding to the light incident faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: DYNASCAN TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: TSUNG-I WANG
  • Patent number: 7946746
    Abstract: A surface light source device includes a plurality of light guide plates spliced together side by side and forming a plurality of jointing interfaces. A plurality of LEDs is attached to a side face of each of the light guide plates. The LEDs are arranged in a linear LED array along the side face of each of the light guide plates. At most one linear LED array is arranged at the jointing interface between each two neighboring light guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Intergrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Hui Hsieh, Jyh-Ming Chen, Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 7949213
    Abstract: In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination apparatus that comprises a first light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide panel is edge illuminated by a light source positioned behind the array display elements. The light from such a light source is coupled to a second light guide disposed behind the array of display elements and positioned laterally with respect to the light source. The light in the second light guide is coupled into the first light guide using a small optical coupling element such as a turning mirror. In some embodiments the second light guide may comprise the backplate of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marek Mienko, Gang Xu, Ion Bita, Russell Wayne Gruhlke, Alberto Emerico Brewer