Abstract: An illuminated garment includes a base layer having knitted looped threads that hold in position a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fibers are laid into the base layer during the same knitting cycle as the base layer and are configured to emit light through the respective sides of the optical fibers and along the length of each optical fiber in response to receiving light from a light source through at least one end of the respective optical fibers.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a lighting device, a vehicular interior component, and a light guide member mounting member with which the light guide member is mounted on the vehicular interior component. The lighting device includes a light source and a long light guide member. The vehicular interior component includes a through hole and a receiving member that includes a stopper hole near the through hole. The light guide member mounting member includes a support portion and a fitting portion that extends from the support portion and is fitted to the stopper hole. The support portion includes a curved wall that has a space defined by the curved wall and receives and supports a portion of the light guide member in the space to be opposite the through hole such that the light exits the light guide member is supplied to a vehicular interior surface side of the vehicular interior component.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel for displaying an image; a light guide plate overlapping the display panel and having a light exit surface, a bottoms surface opposite to the light exit surface, and a plurality of edge surfaces; and a plurality of light sources spaced apart from each other and configured to project light into a first edge surface of the plurality of edge surfaces of the light guide plate. The bottom surface includes a plurality of diffusion parts defining an activation area adjacent to a second edge surface of the plurality of edge surfaces opposite to the first edge surface, and a plurality of functional pattern parts defining a pattern area adjacent to the first edge surface. The functional pattern parts overlap a space between adjacent light sources, respectively, when viewed in a first direction heading from the light source part to the first edge surface.

Abstract: A light diffusion sheet usable, for example, in backlight units, includes a transparent substrate layer, and a light diffusion layer overlaid on a front face of the substrate layer. The light diffusion layer includes resin beads and a resin binder, the resin beads being provided as monodisperse beads having a mean particle size of 1.5 ?m or greater and 5 ?m or less. A weight ratio of the monodisperse beads to the binder is 2.5 or greater and 3 or less, and an amount of the overlaid light diffusion layer is 3 g/m2 or greater and 10 g/m2 or less. An acrylic resin may be used as the substrate polymer of the monodisperse beads and binder. A coefficient of variation of particle size distribution of the monodisperse beads is preferably equal to or less than 0.2. Advantageously, a gravure coating method is employed for forming the light diffusion layer.

Abstract: In embodiments of a multiple waveguide imaging structure, an imaging structure includes a first waveguide for see-through viewing of an environment at a first field of view, and includes a second waveguide for see-through viewing of the environment at a second field of view. The first and second waveguides each include a polarizing beam splitter to reflect light that enters at a first polarization orientation angle in the respective first and second waveguides, and the polarizing beam splitters pass through the light that enters at a second polarization orientation angle. The imaging structure also includes a polarization switch to rotate the polarization of the light through the first and second polarization orientation angles.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the collimation of light from a backlight top surface. A backlight device includes a first waveguide and a transparent top film overlying the first waveguide top surface. A plurality of bubble structures is formed in the top film bottom surface, having a refractive index less than a first waveguide medium. A plurality of lenses overlies the top film top surface, where each lens is aligned overlying a corresponding gap (W) between bubble structures. The method forms a maximum angle (?) of light propagation through the first waveguide medium. In response to the values W and H (bubble structure height), light, having the maximum angle (?) of light propagation, is reflected off the bubble structure sides, through total internal reflection, into the top film. The method collimates in a vertical direction, orthogonal to the horizontal direction, light exiting the top film through the lenses.

Abstract: Light-coupling systems and methods that employ light-diffusing optical fiber are disclosed. The systems include a light source and a light-diffusing optical fiber optically coupled thereto. The light-diffusing optical fiber has a core, a cladding and a length. At least a portion of the core comprises randomly arranged voids configured to provide substantially spatially continuous light emission from the core and out of the cladding along at least a portion of the length. A portion of the light-diffusing optical is embedded in an index-matching layer disposed adjacent a lower surface of a transparent sheet. Light emitted by the light-diffusing optical fiber is trapped within the transparent sheet and index-matching layer by total internal reflection and is scattered out of the upper surface of the transparent sheet by at least one scattering feature thereon.

Abstract: A light source for a crystal lamp has a light guide pillar, a light-emitting element, and a linear micro structure. The light guide pillar has a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface, and the light-emitting element is disposed next to the bottom surface. The linear micro structure is formed on and surrounds the side surface, and the emitting light beams of the light-emitting element are reflected by or refracted through the linear micro structure to allow the linear micro structure to function as a thin-lined light source surrounding the light guide pillar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a side-light backlight module with assisting solar light source and which comprises a side-light source; a waveguide having an incident surface facing the side-light source and an emitting surface; an optical film set arranged on top of the waveguide and facing the emitting surface; and an assisting light source directing collected solar light into the incident surface of the waveguide. With the provision of the assisting light source, the solar light can be used as an assisting light source making the backlight module and the liquid crystal display device made therefrom become more environmental friendly.

Abstract: Illumination devices include a light source including a substantially planar light-emitting surface and an optical rod or optical taper disposed proximate to the substantially planar light-emitting surface to optically couple the optical rod and the substantially planar light-emitting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for visual indication of an electrical quantity, being one or several of power, current and/or voltage through a conductor. The arrangement comprises a substantially wire shaped illuminator and a controller which controls at least one illumination characteristic of said illuminator with respect to said electrical feature.

Abstract: Light-coupling systems and methods that employ light-diffusing optical fiber are disclosed. The systems include a light source and a light-diffusing optical fiber optically coupled thereto. The light-diffusing optical fiber has a core, a cladding and a length. At least a portion of the core comprises randomly arranged voids configured to provide substantially spatially continuous light emission from the core and out of the cladding along at least a portion of the length. A portion of the light-diffusing optical is embedded in an index-matching layer disposed adjacent a lower surface of a transparent sheet. Light emitted by the light-diffusing optical fiber is trapped within the transparent sheet and index-matching layer by total internal reflection and is scattered out of the upper surface of the transparent sheet by at least one scattering feature thereon.

Abstract: An illuminatable apparatus includes a fabric sheet containing fiber optic rods interwoven with fabric threads. The ends of the fiber optic rods are bundled together to form a ferrule which is removably insertable into a holder carrying a light source and a power source. An outer ferrule can be fixed over the sleeve-like ferrule or robust applications. The holder may be removably attached to articles of clothing. The illuminatable fabric sheet can be used as an optical bandage, in a medical cast, in a negative pressure device, or in a bed pad/sheet, or in a therapeutic brace support.

Abstract: A light-guide module includes a light-guide strip having opposite first and second ends, a light-entry surface disposed at the first end, a light-exit surface extending between the first and second ends, and first and second working surfaces disposed parallel to each other and extending between the first and second ends. One of the first and second working surfaces defines a light-scatter zone and includes a plurality of micro-scatter structures that are disposed within the light-scatter zone and that configure the light-scatter zone with a light-scattering ability that varies from the first end to the second end. The light-guide module also includes a reflecting element disposed to reflect light that exits from the light-guide strip via the first and second working surfaces back into the light-guide strip via the first and second working surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: This document describes various techniques for implementing a wide field-of-view projector. A wide field-of-view projector may include a spatial light modulator configured to inject light rays into an input wedge. The input wedge acts to output the light rays with an increased fan-out angle. In an embodiment, the spatial light modulator is controlled to inject light rays into the input wedge effective to project an image from the surface of an output wedge that is positioned proximate, and receives light rays with an increased fan-out angle from, the input wedge.

Abstract: An optical sheet is provided. The optical sheet includes: a light-transmissive base; and an optical functional layer provided to at least one surface of the base, in which the base is composed of a stack of transmissive sheets bonded while placing an adhesive material layer in between.

Abstract: A lighting system for generating an illumination product comprises an excitation source, blue/UV LED, operable to generate excitation radiation and a remotely located phosphor, photo luminescent material. Excitation radiation is guided from the excitation source to the phosphor by a waveguiding medium, the waveguiding medium being configured such that the distance the radiation travels from the excitation source to the phosphor layer is at least one centimeter in length. The UV/blue excitation source provides excitation radiation to the phosphor(s), causing the phosphor(s) to photo luminesce, and it may also provide a component of the final illumination product. The configuration of the waveguide allows a greater flexibility in lighting system configurations, such as hanging lighting fixtures, desk lighting fixtures, floor standing lighting fixtures, desk lamps, track lighting, spot lighting, accent lighting, lighting panels, inspection lamps and endoscopes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using bubble structures to control the extraction of light from a waveguide top surface. The method determines a maximum angle (?) of light propagation through a waveguide medium relative to a first horizontal direction parallel to a waveguide top surface. A plurality of bubble structures is provided having a refractive index less than the waveguide medium. The bubble structures have a base, and sides formed at an acute angle upwards with respect to the base. The bubble structure bases are separated by gap (W), have a height (H), and have a top separated from a waveguide top surface by a space (h). The method varies the gap (W), the height (H), and the space (h). In response, the intensity of light extraction at even the maximum angle (?) of light propagation, can be controlled from the waveguide top surface.

Abstract: In a projection display apparatus in which a laser beam source and an optical engine are connected together through an optical fiber, safety is improved against temperature rise in the optical fiber and its periphery. A projection display apparatus includes a temperature sensor 4 provided on the end portion, of the side of an optical engine 6, of an optical fiber group 1 for connecting a laser beam source 5 and the optical engine 6 to each other, in which, by detecting temperature and informing to a controlling unit 71 for controlling the laser beam source 5, when temperature rise exceeding a set value having been set previously is detected, the controlling unit 71 is made to control so as to decrease or stop output from the laser beam source 5.

Abstract: A lightguide arrangement including a substantially thin, lightguide for transporting and coupling light. At least one light source is coupled to the lightguide. A plurality of micro-optic surface relief forms are arranged on the lightguide. The lightguide is configured to produce one or more active indicative and/or decorative illumination effects via interaction between the one or more light sources and the plurality of micro-optic surface relief forms. A keypad assembly including the lightguide and uses of lightguide constructions.

Abstract: An image projection system having a laser projector that projects two differently polarized images on a display region is disclosed. The laser projector enables viewing the two differently polarized images as a three-dimensional image. The image projection system includes a planar lightwave circuit-based beam combiner that enables multiple colors of laser light having different polarization modes to be combined in a single output beam that is scanned over the display region at video rates to produce the two polarized images.

Abstract: A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device.

Abstract: A confocal optical system comprising a scanning fiber is provided. The scanning fiber is a single-mode fiber of which a first end is shaped as a curved surface. The scanning fiber transmits illumination light to the first end. The illumination light is emitted toward an observation area. The illumination light emanates from the first end. The illumination light emanates from the first end striking a target area within the observation area. The first end receives at least one of reflected light and fluorescence from the target area. The reflected light is the illumination light reflected from the target area. The fluorescence is induced at the target area by illumination from the illumination light.

Abstract: A backlight includes a lightguide, a light source disposed with respect to the lightguide to introduce light into the lightguide and a turning film. Optical structures are formed in one of an output surface and a back surface of the lightguide. The optical structures are arranged to extract light from the lightguide. A back reflector is disposed adjacent the back surface. The optical structures are formed to include a varying pattern arranged to mask non-uniformities in the output of the lightguide.

Abstract: Embodiments of a display comprising pixels formed from suitably tethered deformable membrane-based MEMS subsystems are provided that include the means to dynamically alter the in-plane tension, and thus the effective spring constant, of the deformable membrane being ponderomotively propelled between active and inactive optical states, said dynamic alteration being effected by exploiting transverse piezoelectric properties of the deformable membranes. Manipulating the spring constant can reduce the actuation force required to turn pixels on, thus significantly reducing the operational voltages for the display composed of an array of such subsystems. Since display power rises with the square of the pixel drive voltage, such architectures give rise to more power efficient display systems.

Abstract: An edge-lit backlight device is disclosed in the present disclosure. The edge-lit backlight device comprises a light guide plate, light sources and a backplate. The light guide plate comprises two wedged plate portions and a rectangular plate portion, the two wedged plate portions are disposed at two sides of the rectangular plate portion respectively, and the wedged plate portions and the rectangular plate portion each comprise a light incident surface and a bottom surface. The light sources are disposed adjacent to the light incident surfaces of the wedged plate portions and the rectangular plate portion respectively. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is also disclosed in the present disclosure. The edge-lit backlight device and the LCD of the present disclosure are simple in structure, allow for regional control functions and can dissipate heat generated by the light sources in a timely and efficient way.

Abstract: A submerged planar illumination device for providing specified, substantially uniform distribution of light in liquid from one or few light sources such as LED. The device comprises a light guiding plate having an entrance edge to which the LEDs are fixed, a collimator for redirecting the light and forming substrate light which is coupled to a light guiding plate having at least one light extracting surface. Light extracting surface are optionally on both large surfaces of the light guiding plate. Each light extracting surface is covered with a pattern of light extracting and scattering elements capable of collecting, scattering and extracting light propagating in the light guiding plate into the liquid ambient medium in which the device is submerged. A cover, sealed to the entrance edge of the light guiding plate, protects the light emitting element from the liquid ambient medium.

Abstract: A lighting system for generating an illumination product comprises an excitation source, blue/UV LED, operable to generate excitation radiation and a remotely located phosphor, photo luminescent material. Excitation radiation is guided from the excitation source to the phosphor by a waveguiding medium, the waveguiding medium being configured such that the distance the radiation travels from the excitation source to the phosphor layer is at least one centimeter in length. The UV/blue excitation source provides excitation radiation to the phosphor(s), causing the phosphor(s) to photo luminesce, and it may also provide a component of the final illumination product. The configuration of the waveguide allows a greater flexibility in lighting system configurations, such as hanging lighting fixtures, desk lighting fixtures, floor standing lighting fixtures, desk lamps, track lighting, spot lighting, accent lighting, lighting panels, inspection lamps and endoscopes.

Abstract: A pixel includes a primary element and a secondary element. At least a portion of the primary element is deformable between two positions. In one position, the light source is reflected such that the observer observes a dark pixel. In the other position, the light is reflected such that the observer observes a bright pixel. Gray levels of light are viewable by varying between the two positions.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for collecting and directing light from a source via a light guide and modulated display assembly in an efficient manner through the design and use of prismatic optical structures, diffusers and/or light redirectors.

Abstract: A method of one aspect may include actuating a cantilevered optical fiber by mechanically deforming a piezoelectric actuator. An electrical signal generated as a result of mechanical deformation of the piezoelectric actuator may also be detected.

Abstract: A display device includes a light source, an optical waveguide, a light-extracting portion, a liquid crystal dispersion layer and a drive circuit. The optical waveguide has two ends to guide light from one of the two ends to the other end. The light is emitted by the light source. The light-extracting portion is provided to a side face of the optical waveguide. The liquid crystal dispersion layer is included in the light-extracting portion and includes liquid crystal droplets whose mean diameter is 100 nm or less. The drive circuit applies a voltage to the light-extracting portion to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal dispersion layer so that the light transmitting through the optical waveguide is scattered to be extracted.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a light source disposed at a side of the light guide plate, a diffuser sheet positioned over the light guide plate but not directly contacting the light guide plate, and a light mixing space positioned between the light guide plate and the diffuser sheet so that light emitted from the light guide plate efficiently mixes in the light mixing space before entering the diffuser sheet and being emitted out of the backlight module.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-layer light guide apparatus. Various optical paths are formed as a light source emits light into the apparatus. Main structure of the apparatus includes a body and a micro-structured layer. The body has a first layer with first refractive index (n1) and a second layer with second refractive index (n2). The first layer has a first critical angle (?C1). An interface critical angle (?C12) is formed between the associated first layer and second layer. The light then outputs as the light propagates through the layers. The micro-structured layer is formed on a side of the body. It features: n1<n2;0<|?C12??C1|?35°; A third layer with a third index of refraction (n3) is further included. A second interface critical angle (?C23) is formed between the second layer and the third layer. It features: n1<n2<n3;?C23>?C12;0<|?C12??C1|?35°.

Abstract: A flexible and optionally highly elastic waveguide capable of propagating and emitting light is disclosed. The flexible waveguide comprises a flexible material having a surface and an end, wherein a first portion of the light is emitted through at least a portion of the surface of the flexible waveguide, and a second portion of the light is emitted through the end. The flexible waveguide can be used, for example as an area illuminator for many applications. Additionally disclosed is a clothing device for providing illumination. The clothing device comprises clothing (or even optionally a sheet) and a light source for providing light. In one embodiment the clothing device comprises the flexible waveguide.

Abstract: A primary waveguide and a coupling waveguide are arranged so a user can view light from a forward scene through the primary waveguide. An image source generates an image which is diffractively coupled into the primary waveguide and internally reflected to an exit area for diffraction towards the user. Light from the forward looking scene is diffracted into the primary waveguide to be internally reflected and coupled to a image intensifier tube assembly. The image intensifier tube assembly enhances light from the forward looking scene and drives the image source such that an image of the enhanced light is overlaid on light from a forward scene at exit area.

Abstract: Embodiments of optical collimators are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises an optical waveguide having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a viewing surface extending at least partially between the first end and the second end, and a back surface opposing the viewing surface. The viewing surface comprises a first critical angle of internal reflection, and the back surface is configured to be reflective at the first critical angle of internal reflection. Further, a collimating end reflector comprising a faceted lens structure having a plurality of facets is disposed at the second end of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A flexible and optionally highly elastic waveguide capable of propagating and emitting light is disclosed. The flexible waveguide comprises a flexible material having a surface and an end, wherein a first portion of the light is emitted through at least a portion of the surface of the flexible waveguide, and a second portion of the light is emitted through the end. The flexible waveguide can be used, for example as an area illuminator for many applications. Additionally disclosed is a clothing device for providing illumination. The clothing device comprises clothing (or even optionally a sheet) and a light source for providing light. In one embodiment the clothing device comprises the flexible waveguide.

Abstract: A illumination device comprises a light guide having a first end for receiving light and configured to support propagation of light along the length of the light guide. A turning microstructure is disposed on a first side of the light guide configured to turn light incident on the first side and to direct the light out a second opposite side of the light guide, wherein the turning microstructure comprises a plurality of indentations. A cover is physically coupled to the light guide and disposed over the turning microstructure. An interlayer is between the cover and the light guide, wherein the interlayer physically couples the cover to the light guide. A plurality of open regions is between the interlayer and the plurality of indentations. Various embodiments include methods of coupling the cover to the light guide while preserving open regions between the cover and plurality of indentations.

Abstract: A confocal optical system comprising a scanning fiber is provided. The scanning fiber is a single-mode fiber of which a first end is shaped as a curved surface. The scanning fiber transmits illumination light to the first end. The illumination light is emitted toward an observation area. The illumination light emanates from the first end. The illumination light emanates from the first end striking a target area within the observation area. The first end receives at least one of reflected light and fluorescence from the target area. The reflected light is the illumination light reflected from the target area. The fluorescence is induced at the target area by illumination from the illumination light.

Abstract: A multi-axial light guide module comprises a light guide, a light-emitting unit, a display unit and a light-guiding unit. The light guide has a light-emitting portion connects to a curved portion, wherein the light-emitting portion has at least two axial light-emitting planes to generate at least two axial light-emitting effects; the display unit has a first axial display layer corresponding to a first axial light-emitting plane, and a second axial display layer corresponding to a second axial light-emitting plane; the light-guiding unit is disposed on the light emitting portion, so as to enhance the light-emitting efficiency of the light-emitting portion; and, through the display unit and the light-guiding unit, the light-emitting and display effects of the multi-axial light-emitting plane on the light-emitting portion can be improved. Thereby, users may conveniently see the light-emitting display from different axial planes, in order to achieve the purposes of message prompt and indication.

Abstract: A light emitting fixture carried by a ceiling, wherein the fixture includes an electrical light source which emits generated light in response to an electrical signal and an optical fiber with light emitting and light collecting ends. The optical fiber emits collected light from the light emitting end in response to receiving incident light at the light receiving end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting device, comprising a first light guide adapted to guide light and output the light in a first direction; a second light guide adapted to guide light and output the light in another, second direction; a dividing structure adapted to receive light from a light source and guide the light into the first light guide and into the second light guide, wherein the dividing structure comprises controllable dividing means for guiding a first percentage of the light from the light source into the first light guide, and a second percentage of the light from the light source into the second light guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to film layer which is suitable for use in a light guide plate and methods of forming said film layer and light guide plate. The invention also relates to the light guide plate and light guide devices made therefrom. The film and light guide plate are suitable for use in a range of applications, particularly in connection with the backlighting of displays, for example, liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: High-resolution, scalable multi-touch sensing display systems and processes based on frustrated total internal reflection employ an optical waveguide that receives light, such as infrared light, that undergoes total internal reflection and an imaging sensor that detects light that escapes the optical waveguide caused by frustration of the total internal reflection due to contact by a user. The optical waveguide when fitted with a compliant surface overlay provides superior sensing performance, as well as other benefits and features. The systems and processes described provide true multi-touch (multi-input) and high-spatial and temporal resolution capability due to the continuous imaging of the frustrated total internal reflection that escapes the entire optical waveguide. Among other features and benefits, the systems and processes are scalable to large installations.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for collecting and directing light from a source via a light guide and modulated display assembly in an efficient manner through the design and use of prismatic optical structures, diffusers and/or light redirectors.

Abstract: Embodiments of optical collimators are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises an optical waveguide having a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a viewing surface extending at least partially between the first end and the second end, and a back surface opposing the viewing surface. The viewing surface comprises a first critical angle of internal reflection, and the back surface is configured to be reflective at the first critical angle of internal reflection. Further, a collimating end reflector comprising a faceted lens structure having a plurality of facets is disposed at the second end of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A light switch is disclosed to turn on or off the light signal in a light channel by means of the response of piezoelectric material to the electric field of light in the light channel. The LIGHT TRIGGERED LIGHT SWITCH is a light switch that is actuated by light of sufficient power. Light of different frequencies may travel in a light channel together without hindering each other, as long as the channel is the right size for both frequencies of light. The light that actuates the switch may be a different frequency than the light signal that is switched on or off. Fiber optic communication channels are among the channels that these switches may be used for.

Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems comprising two lamps or more (10, 15) and a collective light guide (58), where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light (20) into respective light guides (36, 46) that are both optically connected to the collective light guide (58). In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by means of a mirror (38)-and-prism (40) arrangement and an intermediate light guide (30) and an intermediate mirror (32)-and-prism (34) arrangement. The invention also comprises an augmented color modulator (62) with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields are equal to the number of lamps. The invented multi-lamp system will produce a flux level that is equal to or better than known systems but with fewer lamps, thus yielding reduced material cost, manufaturing cost and operating costs, reduced power consumption and reduced product temeperature.

Abstract: A backlight unit for a display device includes a mold frame and a light guide panel. The mold frame includes a groove having at least one rounded corner. The light guide panel is on the mold frame and includes a light guide projection in the groove, having at least one rounded corner corresponding to the at least one rounded corner of the mold frame groove.