Abstract: A key, which may be used in a user interface, including indicia formed at least in part from UV reactive material.

Abstract: A key backlight control method and circuit can be provided by illuminating only the keys to be operated with the power consumption for a key arrangement unit reduced. The key arrangement unit is configured by a plurality of keys and LEDs for respectively illuminating the keys. The LEDs are controlled by a LED control unit, FETs, a scan register unit, and a CPU unit such that only the LEDs corresponding to the keys required (or requested) in the processing mode (browsing mail, etc.) can be turned on in the mobile terminal equipment such as a mobile phone unit.

Abstract: A combined magnifier/lighting apparatus for hand held video games utilizes a directional light source and an angularly adjustable 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 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: External light is introduced by a light-introducing portion to be used as a light source for a backlight, so that the power consumption of the backlight of a liquid crystal display device can be suppressed. At the same time, the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display device can be increased to enhance the visibility in outdoors. Therefore, the portability of a mobile information terminal can be improved. Furthermore, the light-introducing portion covers an end portion of the main unit opposed to an axis, whereby the main unit is protected so that the life period of the mobile information terminal can be prolonged. The variety of the design of the mobile information terminal can be increased by using the transparency of the light-introducing portion.

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: An arrangement for providing indirect lighting to at least one coverable recess in a vehicle is provided. The at least one recess is arranged on the side of a control panel of a motor vehicle. In the recess electrical components are arranged and the recess is closed with a detachable cover. The inside of the detachable cover is equipped with a reflecting layer so that light from an existing light source in the vehicle is reflected into the recess so as to illuminate the electrical components.

Abstract: A light assembly including a tray (36) that is removably fitted in a housing (12). The tray has two parallel, angled slots (48). An LED (32) is mounted to a circuit board (34) so that its axis is angularly offset from the axis of the circuit board. When the light assembly is assembled, a side edge of the circuit board is seated in one of the tray slots. If a first one circuit board side edges is seated in a first slot, the LED has a first angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Alternatively, the second circuit board side edges is seated in the second slot so that the LED has a second angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. This allows selective control the angular orientation of the emitted light beam relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A keyboard structure utilizing a plurality of keys which are supported and extend from a surface of a housing. A translucent plate overlies at least a portion of the housing. A partition adjacent the translucent plate forms an envelope which extends around at least the majority of the perimeter of the housing. The envelope is illuminated by a suitable source of light.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for a storage device includes a frame for mounting to the storage device, a handle rotatably mounted to the frame, and a light conduit in the handle, said light conduit being adapted to transmit light signals from a first end of the light conduit to a second end of the light conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides keyboard members that can glow in the dark for illuminating a keyboard.

Abstract: A controller for a lighting system is integrated with a light or other device. The controller operates in a local mode to control the integrated light only and in a remote mode to function as a serial network protocol controller for a series of connected devices. In remote mode, an IR/RF remote control is used to change settings for any device connected to the controller. The controller generates a fast serial network protocol instruction sequence, such as a DMX-512 protocol instruction sequence, from the commands received relatively slowly from the IR/RF remote control. The controller can include an hours of operation counter for the integrated light and a global setting function for changing all connected devices simultaneously to a single setting.

Abstract: A system and method is described for distributing light within a light guide which is used for illuminating the user interface of an electronic device. The light guide is formed as a thin film and impressed with a pattern of input and output diffraction gratings to control the transmission of light into and out of the light guide to efficiently illuminate the user interface.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to lighting unit that comprises at least a trough, a plurality of slots on a light penetration member attached at the bottom of a base, and at least a LED disposed in the trough. Fasteners are attached to the end of the feet of each key to join the key to the slots on the light penetration member. Each key is capable to move up and down freely with respect to the base. The LED connects to a power supply, the LED lights. All relevant keys will have an appropriate luminosity.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard. The illuminated keyboard comprises a key switch, a backlight device, a light-condensing plate, a diffuser, a printed circuit board, and a light source. The key switch includes a seat and a cap, and the cap is disposed on the seat in a moveable manner. The backlight device is disposed beneath the key switch to illuminate the key switch. The light-condensing plate is disposed between the light guide and the key switch. The diffuser is disposed between the light guide and the key switch. The printed circuit board is disposed between the seat and the backlight device. The light source is disposed on the printed circuit board.

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

Abstract: 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 by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the 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. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: The invention is a new architecture for a high frequency (HF) ballast with wireless communication interface. The new architecture integrates the RF wireless interface into the ballast. A user control transmits an RF control signal to a second antenna at the ballast site which provides the RF signal to the ballast which activates the fluorescent lamp. The ballast includes a transceiver/receiver, a communication decoder, a power control stage and a power stage. The transceiver/receiver receives the RF signal and communicates it to the communication decoder which acts as an interface to the power stage control. The power stage control controls the power stage that activates the fluorescent lamp. The communication decoder, power control stage, power stage and transceiver/receiver are located within the ballast enclosure which is an important part of the invention. If the power stage control is digital it maybe combined with the communication decoder into one microprocessor or digital controller such as an ASIC.

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: In a portable computer, an LED holder is provided in the upper portion of an LCD and an LED is attached inside the LED holder. Light emitted from the LED passes through an aperture provided in the bottom portion of the LED holder and illuminates a keyboard. Furthermore, switching on or off the LED is manually performed by a switch installed in the portable computer and is also controlled from a utility program, etc., by a switching controller circuit installed inside a main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages for fitting to an equipment front panel, in particular for aviation equipment, the key comprising a bearing rim and a hollow key body terminated by a front, drive face covered by a mask etched with messages to be illuminated, said key body being connected to said bearing rim by means of a peripheral ligament, said body, said ligament, and said rim being made as a single piece of flexible material. According to the invention, a slab of translucent material subdivided into blocks by at least one opaque partition extending substantially perpendicularly to the front face is received inside the key body so as to extend as far as the front, drive face of the key.

Abstract: A keyboard illumination structure. The structure includes a base board, a circuit board, an elastic member, a bridge mechanism, a key cap and a centralized lighting element located in the keyboard. The lighting element may generate light to pass through the keyboard for indicating the positions of the button keys, vital keys or function keys so that users may locate the required keys rapidly.

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: An illuminated outlet for providing an illuminated electrical outlet that illuminates a surrounding area to allow visibility at night. The illuminated outlet includes a body member having a light emitting member. The light emitting member is operationally coupled to a power service for a building. The light emitting member emits light to illuminate the body member when the light emitting member is supplied with power from the power service. The body member is designed for coupling to a wall of the building. A face plate of the body member has a plurality of apertures. The apertures are designed for operationally coupling to the power service whereby the apertures are for permitting a plug of an appliance to be operationally coupled to the power service.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane or light pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane. In an alternative preferred embodiment, a light pipe is constructed to illuminate light laterally along a portion of its length to illuminate a plurality of key members.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

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 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: The present invention pertains to the provision of Light Emitting Polymer structure, which increases the versatility of the coloring and marking of surface areas of manufactured items, particularly fabric and garments.

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 by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the 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. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: A lighting device and protective cover for a screen for a hand held portable compact computer video screen system. The device contains a cover which substantially conforms to the size and shape of the screen of the electronic device and in addition it includes an unique lighting system which is part of the cover.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: An improved keyboard illumination structure comprises a base board, a circuit board, an elastic member, a bridge mechanism, and a key cap, and a centralized lighting element located in the keyboard. The lighting element may generate light to pass through the keyboard for indicating the positions of the button keys, vital keys or function keys so that users may locate the required keys rapidly.

Abstract: An operating theater lamp has a lamp body with a suspension, at least one functional assembly arranged in the lamp body and a control unit. A wall box is provided as a console and communicates with the control unit via a bidirectional communication connection.

Abstract: A pass-thru illumination apparatus and method for illuminating an object associated with a portable electronic or computing device. The apparatus includes a first plug and one or more ports, a body connected to the first plug, and one or more illumination devices attached to the body. The method includes plugging the first plug of the apparatus into the first port of the device and plugging one or more plugs of one or more peripherals into the one or more ports of the apparatus to accomplish at least one of powering the one or more peripherals and communicating the one or more peripherals with the device.

Abstract: A UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.

Abstract: An electroluminescent (“EL”) illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable electronic or computing device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The EL illumination apparatus includes at least one electroluminescent (EL) member to illuminate an object associated with the portable electronic or computing device, and a plug connected to at least one EL member for plugging the apparatus into the port of the portable electronic or computing device for powering at least one EL member by at least one power source. A method of using the apparatus includes plugging the plug of the EL apparatus into the port of the portable electronic or computing device, and lighting at least one EL member with the power source to illuminate the object associated with the portable electronic or computing device.

Abstract: An illuminating device and an information processing device are proposed to increase the portability of the reflex liquid crystal display. According to the present invention, in the display unit equipped with the reflex liquid crystal display of the notebook PC which is an information processing device, since the illuminating device, that is the front light unit having the predetermined light source and the light guiding plate to guide the light to be obtained from the light source is attached removable free so that the light will be irradiated evenly over the entire surface of the display screen of the reflex liquid crystal display via the light guiding plate, and the predetermined information to be displayed on the display screen will be transmitted through, as sufficient lights can be irradiated over the display screen under the poor lighting condition to the display screen of the reflex liquid crystal display, and can be easily detached when carrying the reflex liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A portable, adaptable, modular lighting system for use in television and movie sets and locations, and other similar applications is described. The system comprises a horizontal framework that is disposed on a plurality of vertical members in such a way as to allow the framework to move up and down relative to the vertical members. Lights, lighting fixtures, and other similar fixtures are attached to the framework in such a way as to enable the system to be remotely controlled. Specifically, in an embodiment of the invention, the lights, fixtures, and/or framework are computer controlled. As such, the operation, intensity, angle, height, and other similar specifications of the system can be pre-programmed, and the rig remotely operated, as needed. The system is portable, as the vertical members are equipped with moving means, such as rollers, that allow the entire rig to be moved from one set to another.

Abstract: External light is introduced by a light-introducing portion to be used as a light source for a backlight, so that the power consumption of the backlight of a liquid crystal display device can be suppressed. At the same time, the brightness of the screen of the liquid crystal display device can be increased to enhance the visibility in outdoors. Therefore, the portability of a mobile information terminal can be improved. Furthermore, the light-introducing portion covers an end portion of the main unit opposed to an axis, whereby the main unit is protected so that the life period of the mobile information terminal can be prolonged. The variety of the design of the mobile information terminal can be increased by using the transparency of the light-introducing portion.

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: Perimeter lighting systems for portable communication devices such as radiotelephones include a light distribution channel which is configured to capture light emitted by a device and directs it around perimeter portions of the device to allow for easier locating means in dark or low light conditions. The perimeter lighting system can be integrated into the housing of the device or can be provided as an after market case or belt clip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating a display screen located in a top portion of a handheld portable video game device having a port in electrical connection with a power source. The apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, the body adapted to be detachably mounted to the top portion of the handheld portable video game device, and a light emitting diode (“LED”) attached to the body and to be electrically connected to the utility port through the plug and the body. The LED is powered by the power source so as to illuminate the display screen of the handheld portable video game device when the apparatus is plugged into the port. The method includes the steps of providing the disclosed apparatus, plugging the plug into the port, mounting the body to the top portion of the device, and illuminating the device.

Abstract: A carrier for a hot-pluggable disk drive has a frame with a pair of side walls, a front bezel, and a rear connector assembly. The disk drive mounts to the frame within its confines. The carrier also has pipes for transmitting light to the front bezel. The light pipes extend along the side wall from the front bezel to the rear connector assembly. The carrier is installed in the disk drive docking bay of a computer system. The rear end of the docking bay has a docking connector for interconnecting with the rear connector assembly, which also interconnects with the drive. The rear connector assembly is provided with a retainer for supporting the rearward ends of the light pipes. When the carrier is seated in the docking bay, the light pipes precisely align with activity lights at the back of the docking bay. The light emitted by the activity lights is transmitted through the light pipes and displayed at the front bezel for viewing by the user.

Abstract: A backlight keyboard is connected to a host device via a signal line.

Abstract: An improved vacuum fluorescent (VF) display panel includes a VF display device having an integral VF light source that is shielded from viewer of the display, and that provides illumination for panel indicia formed in the vicinity of the VF display. The integral light source for indicia illumination is produced at one or more marginal areas of the VF display by secondary anode segments and an integral reflector structure that directs the light produced by the secondary anode segment(s) laterally through a transparent side glass of the display housing. A light-pipe structure adjacent the VF display receives the laterally directed light, and uses the received light to illuminate the panel indicia.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: A light pipe or illumination distributor of a backlit liquid crystal display panel in a hinge or tilt-up display for a laptop computer is coated with a highly reflective coating to control and eliminate the escape of light except through the front or exit face of the illumination distributor which is juxtaposed with the back side of a liquid crystal display panel. The highly reflective coating is further coated with a highly abrasion and shock resistant coating, such as an epoxy paint, to serve as the exterior of the computer display, thereby eliminating the need for a cover for the back of the display.

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: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.