Abstract: An apparatus is provided including an image projection lighting device. The image projection lighting device may be comprised of a base housing, a yoke, and a lamp housing. The lamp housing may be comprised of a lamp and a first light valve. The image projection lighting device may be further comprised of a communications port, a processing system, and a memory. A cutoff value representing an amount of accumulated operating time at which the lamp may begin to operate improperly may be stored in the memory. An accumulated value representing an actual accumulated amount of operating time of the lamp may also be stored in the memory. The processing system may prevent the lamp from operating when the accumulated value is within a limit of the cutoff value, unless the processing system grants a request for a variance.

Abstract: A light for use with computers containing light emitting diodes, which may be directional, on one or more movable supports which is powered via the computer's USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices to be connected through the same port powering the light.

Abstract: A light distribution plenum includes a shell having an interior surface substantially defining a cavity. A light source receptor is configured to receive light from a light source into the cavity in use. A first optical avenue is associated with the shell and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a first control device. A second optical avenue is associated with the shell, is spaced from the first optical avenue, and is configured to direct a portion of the light to a second control device. At least one selective optic is at least partially within the light distribution plenum and is configured to interact with at least some portion of the light. An illuminated control assembly including a light distribution plenum, a motor vehicle including an illuminated control assembly, and a method of illuminating first and second control devices are also provided.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a display unit having a first reflective plate and a second reflective plate forming a reflective-plate unit, and a third reflective plate. The first reflective plate is bonded to an external frame, and the second reflective plate is connected to a reflective-plate hinge. In addition, the third reflective plate is pivotally connected-to the reflective-plate hinge, and a diffusion plate is bonded to the third reflective plate. Light emitted from a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp is guided by an optical waveguide and illuminates the entire surface of a liquid crystal panel. In addition, a part of the light is reflected by the second reflective plate, is incident on the diffusion plate bonded to the third reflective plate, is efficiently diffused by the diffusion plate, and uniformly illuminates an operation unit such as a keyboard.

Abstract: An accessory lighting assembly for selectively illuminating user selected areas such as, for example, compact computer devices, books and other desired areas. The lighting assembly comprises a base portion for mounting to the user-selected area, a pivotable extension, and a pivotable light portion with a light source. The light source is selectively directed toward a user selected area for illumination and may be pivoted between a working position where light source is adapted to be directed toward the user selected area and a storage position where the light source is housed within a recess formed in the extension. A rechargeable battery pack provides electric power and the light source may be a fluorescent light bulb.

Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a lens element which redirects light emitted from a display screen onto a keypad, keyboard or a control pad placed in front of or adjacent to the display screen such that without disturbing the display of other information on the display screen, the light emitted by the display screen illuminates the keypad, keyboard or control panel without the need for auxiliary light sources or auxiliary power sources. A simple program or program modification controls the display screen to provide appropriate light to the lens element.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like.

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: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: A multiparameter lighting fixture, which includes a locking system for pan and/or tilt, either of which may include a manual input device and an actuator. The locking systems for pan and tilt can be manually locked or unlocked by a technician using their respective manual input devices and automatically locked or unlocked by their respective actuators. A yoke of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more than one rotational position in relation to the base housing. In addition, the lamp housing of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more that one rotational position in relation to the yoke. The locking systems for pan or tilt can be automatically locked by an appropriate actuator in response to an electronic control system.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) suited to use in an operating theater includes one or more lightheads, each having a housing (28) and a bezel (50) extending therefrom. A light source (38) is disposed within the housing. A handle (36) extends below the bezel and is rotatable relative thereto. A lighting control input means (60), associated with the bezel allows adjustment of the intensity of light emitted by the light source. A sterile cover (54) can be placed over both the handle and the bevel, allowing the input means to be manipulated by pressure on the cover with the thumb of the operator's hand, while simultaneously grasping the handle in the palm and fingers.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle includes a base, which is adapted to mount to a vehicle, and a handle portion, which is movably mounted to the base. The handle portion is adapted to connect to a vehicle latching mechanism. The handle assembly includes at least one switch mounted to the handle portion and an electrical circuit, which is adapted to connect to a locking control system for the vehicle latching mechanism. The switch is adapted to open and close the electrical circuit to generate electrical signals to the locking control system to unlock the vehicle latching mechanism.

Abstract: An illumination device that can use a white light diode in a flexible arm plugs into, and is powered through, a utility power jack of a portable computing device or a utility port of a portable computing device.

Abstract: Computer light structure with extensible electric conductive wire, including a main body, a housing, an upper cover and a plug unit. A clip device and a lighting device are disposed on the main body. The housing encloses a lower side of the main body to define an interior space in which a winding device is accommodated. The clip device serves to clip an external article such as the panel of a portable computer for fixing the lighting device thereon to provide sufficient illumination. After used, the electric conductive wire can be quickly and smoothly wound back by the winding device to avoid tangle of the wire. In addition, the plug unit is clipped by the clip device to avoid random placement.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is configured by disposing an EL element inside a stationary housing including, about its top side, an operating part including a plurality of arranged push buttons as well as inside a movable housing openably mounted to the stationary housing and having a display part at its surface, and connecting a control circuit to the EL elements, the operating part and the display part. The control circuit controls light emission of the respective EL elements of the stationary housing and the movable housing to illuminate the operating part and the display part, so that the lighting apparatus simple in structure is capable of various illuminations.

Abstract: An illumination device for portable computers includes a plug adapted for insertion into a socket of a portable computer and a monolithic base that is connected to the plug. An arm of the base has a lower portion extending upwardly from a proximal end of the bottom portion and an upper portion curving inwardly toward the plug in a distal direction. A passageway extends from the distal end to the arm's upper portion. A bulb socket adjacent the arm's upper portion is adapted to support and provide current to an LED. The bulb socket is positioned to permit at least some of the LED light to be emitted in a generally downward direction, so that, in use, light shines on the computer keyboard. Circuitry extends through the passageway and is connected for providing current from the plug's proximal end to the bulb socket.

Abstract: A system which allows users to download or create their own light shows, without knowing anything about controlling lighting equipment, in an online visual Windows application. The show(s) can then be downloaded into a playback controller suitable for use by a disc jockey (DJ) or similar non-specialist operator. The downloaded shows can be adapted to the user's arrangement of lighting equipment.

Abstract: An evacuation lighting system comprising a plurality of lights, control circuitry and a power providing system. The lights comprise low voltage lights which are at least one of embedded in, and positioned proximate, a ground surface. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to the plurality of lights. The power providing system is electrically coupled to at least one of the control circuitry and the plurality of lights. The power providing system further comprises a UPS power supply, a grid power supply and a source switching circuitry capable of selecting one of the UPS power supply and the grid power supply. The control circuitry is capable of selectively controlling each of the plurality of lights, to, in turn, direct an individual in an evacuation. A method for using the same is likewise provided.

Abstract: A light controller device to control illumination characteristics of a light system, the device comprising a plurality of switches wherein each switch is operable to select at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors, a plurality of lights to illuminate at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors based on which switch of the plurality of switches is selected, a viewer window where the plurality of lights illuminates through the viewer window when the switch is selected, and a structure to hold the plurality of switches, plurality of lights, and viewer window.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a number of buttons for being actuated by users, and includes a space formed between the buttons, and includes an electric circuit. One or more illuminating members and one or more optical elements are disposed on the space of the keyboard and disposed close to each other. The illuminating member is coupled to the electric circuit of the keyboard and to be energized to generate light through the optical element, and to light the buttons of the keyboard. The illuminating members are not required to be electrically coupled to the other electric power source separately.

Abstract: An illuminated display is disclosed which allows characters to be displayed with near type-set like appearance. This is accomplished by using an appropriately formed and placed rib to connect the optically opaque inner member with the optically opaque base.

Abstract: Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.

Abstract: A wireless control system for lighting or the like has a central processor that receives commands from keypads and other control devices, and sends commands to dimmers and other controlled devices. The central processor also receives status reports from the dimmers and sends updates to the keypads, in order to ensure that displays on the keypads are up to date.

Abstract: A portable light device includes an electrical connector (110), an electrical cord (120) coupled to the electrical connector, a retraction mechanism (130) coupled to the electrical cord, and a light source (140) coupled to the electrical cord. The electrical cord electrically couples the light source to the electrical connector, and the retraction mechanism is capable of retracting the electrical cord.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for interacting one or more individuals. The apparatus and method allow a playing surface to interact with a user or a physical object. The physical object is associated with goods suitable for use with the system, such as balls, foot ware, racquets and other suitable goods. The system is capable of tracking each user and tracking each physical object. The system is illuminable in a spectrum of colors under control of a computer. The computer can control the illumination of the system based in part on detected movement or predicted movement or both, of a user and of a physical object. Moreover, the system provides a number of pressure sensitive surfaces to detect and track a user. The system is suitable for placement on a floor, a ceiling, and one or more walls or any combination 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: Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: A housing for computer or the like includes a front wall, a refractive planer member attached to the housing and having a rib or a swelling engaged into the housing, and a light device disposed in the housing for generating light through the planer member and toward the rib and the swelling, and for allowing the light to be seen through the rib or the swelling. The rib has two curved ends for flushing with the curved sides of the housing. The planer member includes a curved recess formed in a bulge and facing toward the light device for receiving the light generated by the light device.

Abstract: A combined magnifier/lighting apparatus for hand held video games utilizes a directional light source and an angularly adjustable flat reflective surface disposed opposite the directional source in a frame spaced from the display screen of the hand held device. The use of a directional light source and the adjustable flat reflective material provides an increased and more diffused lighting effect while eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light-emitting regions for illuminating corresponding push buttons, and is disposed beneath the push buttons. The EL element is connected to a switching contact and a controller. An light-emitting operation of the EL element is controlled by the controller to illuminate a certain push button. The keyboard including the above components can provide multiple functions for illuminating the push buttons although having a simple structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: In a button for an electronic device, a red numeral pattern 21, a green kana pattern 31 and a black English character pattern 41 are printed on a key top 11 as plural kinds of patterns. By selectively causing a red LED 51 and a green LED 52 that function as a light source of a backlight to emit a light, red, green and orange lighting colors of the backlight are obtained. According to the color of the pattern used according to a mode, the lighting color of the backlight is switched.

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for illuminating a display screen of a handheld portable video game device having a utility power jack or communication port in electrical connection with a power source. The apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the utility power jack or communication port, a body connected to the plug, and an illumination device including one or more illumination devices attached to the body and electrically connected to the utility power jack through the plug and the body. The illumination device is powered by the power source when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack. Preferably, the one or more illumination devices include one or more Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”).

Abstract: A reflection mechanism for illuminating insignia on a computer system is provided. The reflection mechanism uses one or more angled reflectors that diffuse light through transparent insignia provided in the housing of the computer system. Such use of angled reflectors reduces hot spots typically attributable to direct light projection and provides uniform illumination of the transparent portions of the insignia.

Abstract: An ejector handle mounted to an electronic circuit card provides leverage to assist in engaging and disengaging the electronic circuit card from engagement with an electronic shelf. The ejector handle transmits light, such as by using light pipes, from an end of the handle adjacent to the faceplate of the electronic circuit card to a distal end of the handle where the transmitted light exits for viewing by maintenance personnel. A visual indicator assembly on the electronic circuit card supplies the sources of light that are coupled to and transmitted through the ejector handle. Indicia on the surface of the ejector handle identifies the corresponding function of the lights.

Abstract: An illuminator for a hand-held gaming or other electronic device is provided. The illuminator includes at least one light source contained within an enclosure that is rotatably mounted to a bracket. The bracket is rotatably mounted to a member secured to the gaming/electronic device. The bracket and light source enclosure can be rotated into multiple positions during use. During non-use, the bracket and light source enclosure can be rotated into a compact area for ease of transport. A diffuse light source, comprised of the combination of a fluorescent light and a diffuser, minimize ‘hot spots’ on the screen of the gaming/electronic device.

Abstract: Computer light structure with extensible electric conductive wire, including a main body, a housing, an upper cover and a plug unit. A clip device and a lighting device are disposed on the main body. The housing encloses a lower side of the main body to define an interior space in which a winding device is accommodated. The clip device serves to clip an external article such as the panel of a portable computer for fixing the lighting device thereon to provide sufficient illumination. After used, the electric conductive wire can be quickly and smoothly wound back by the winding device to avoid tangle of the wire. In addition, the plug unit is clipped by the clip device to avoid random placement.

Abstract: Safety and sports equipment, as well as apparel and accessories, including one or more wire-like or flat electroluminescent lamps for illumination. The lamps may be powered by battery, solar energy, or any other suitable means of energy. The lamps may further be secured to an object, embedded within a rigid surface, or recessed within a material. The lamps may be either permanently, temporarily, or removably secured to the 6object that is being illuminated.

Abstract: A keyboard that provides a light source with a translucent sheet placed under the key pad having the raised keys protrude through the keyboard shell.

Abstract: A faceplate (indicating operation status of an apparatus) includes a bezel and a light-pipe, which are integrated into a piece. The faceplate can be injection-molded with an optically clear plastic. The light-pipe includes a lens and a light guide. The lens focuses light from a light source toward the light guide and is shaped so as to focus and collect the light within a boundary of the light guide. The surface of the light guide includes a number of mini refracting lenses to promote illumination of the light. Alternatively, an ink can be applied on the surface of the light guide to promote the illumination of the light. Further, a diffusing lens can be formed on the surface of the light guide to promote illumination of the, light. The faceplate can include multiple light-pipes.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) includes an adaptable fascia (12). The fascia (12) has a first appearance when not in use, and a second, different appearance when a user has been identified by the terminal (10). This enables a card issuer to associate its corporate color scheme with a user, so that when the user operates the terminal (10), the terminal can adapt the fascia to present the color scheme of the card issuer in a method of use.

Abstract: The present invention of an indicator light device on a computer front panel has a light conduct post seat disposed on an indicating front panel on one side in a computer casing. The indicating front panel is a diaphanous panel body. Both sides of a light conduct post seat are inserted and protruded by a plurality of communicating light conduct posts. The outer ends of the light conduct posts are in convex shapes while the inner ends are concave shapes to allow the light source generated by the illuminant to be conducted outward as well as displayed by the indicating front panel. Through the implementation of the present invention, it is not necessary to drill extra holes on the indicating front panel when more temporary indicator light devices are required.

Abstract: A computer powered light on a support base with one or more light emitting diodes on one or more flexible necks which is powered via the computers USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined to allow for additional devices to be connected to a computer through the computer powered light.

Abstract: An illuminating device has a housing, an illuminating element coupled to a first end of the housing, and a base coupled to a second end of the housing, the base having a clipping mechanism for securing the base to an independent element. A cable is also provided for providing power from a computer device to the illuminating element. The illuminating device can also include a power control unit for switching the supply of power between the computer device and a power source that is retained inside the housing.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a lens element which redirects light emitted from a display screen onto a keypad, keyboard or a control pad placed in front of or adjacent to the display screen such that without disturbing the display of other information on the display screen, the light emitted by the display screen illuminates the keypad, keyboard or control panel without the need for auxiliary light sources or auxiliary power sources. A simple program or program modification controls the display screen to provide appropriate light to the lens element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable full switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (10) can control a plurality of light sources (12) via corresponding light drivers (11) to effect various lighting schemes in response to facilitating various operating modes and/or operational states of the operator. Preferably such lighting schemes are both selectively assignable by a user to specific modes/states and themselves uniquely definable by a user.

Abstract: An illumination device mainly comprises a front housing, a rear housing, an illumination set and a light-unification lamp shield. A front lamp holder and a rear lamp holder are disposed on a top edge of the front housing and the rear housing respectively, and a white-ray fluorescent tube is connected to the rear end of the illumination set, which is located between the front housing and the rear housing. The fluorescent tube in the illumination set is extendedly buried between the front lamp holder and the rear lamp holder for emanating light onto a screen of the game machine without reflection.