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

Abstract: A hot spot filter for a light guide is created by taking an image of the light output pattern of an illiuminated light guide. The hot spot filter may be a film, a layer, or an additional liquid crystal display dedicated to attenuating bright spots from the light guide. The hot spot filter may be incorporated into the image display by adjusting the grey scale of individual pixels to provide sufficient compensation.

Abstract: A video display for two or three dimensions has a flat liquid-crystal screen which ejects light from the plane at a selectable line. One or, in the case of a 3-D display, several video projectors project a linear image into the plane from an edge. A complete image is written on the screen by addressing the line with appropriate images as it is scanned down the screen. To screen a three-dimensional image, the video projectors, each projecting an image as seen at a slightly different angle, combine to constitute a three-dimensional display which produces a three-dimensional image that is one line high.

Abstract: A backlight module is suitable for use in a liquid crystal display. The backlight module includes a back plate, and a lamp, over the back plate by a distance. The back plate has a hole under the lamp. The hole can be a hole under the lamp corresponding to an electrode of a high voltage end of the lamp. The hole or a certain number of the holes can be replaced by an indentation, which can also effectively increase the separation distance between the lamp and the back plate. Actually, the hole and the indentation can be used together to form a desired pattern corresponding to the lamp. The lamp can be a plurality of lamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element capable of preventing a ghost in the use for a sensor such as a CCD or CMOS. In the optical element including an optical function surface of high surface accuracy and a flange formed around the surface, the optical function surface having an optical surface diameter somewhat larger than an effective diameter in order to secure high surface accuracy for the effective diameter, a parting diameter of a molding die is made larger than the optical surface diameter and a parting position is disposed outside the optical surface diameter.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a scene projection system and a method for projecting a scene that can simulate light temperature of above 2000 K. The system comprises of a light source part for generating light at a lower wavelength; a means part for individually controlling dynamic range, contrast, brightness, temporal characteristics and temporal dynamics of the light; a rare earth doped fiber part that re-emits the output light at a higher wavelength; and a means part for conveying light between its parts. The method comprises steps of generating light at a lower wavelength; individually controlling temporal characteristics, temporal dynamics, brightness and contrast of the light; passing the light through a rare earth-doped fiber; and re-emitting the light at a higher wavelength.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the louver device includes a transparent layer of material having a first surface and, parallel thereto, a second surface. A plurality of shaped louver members are disposed within the transparent layer of material. The shaped louver members are aligned to receive light entering the first surface at a first angle relative to the first surface and direct the light out the second surface at a plurality of angles relative to the second surface.

Abstract: A backlight unit is disposed at a lower side of a liquid-crystal display module LCD, and has a case that accommodates a fluorescent tube, as a light source for light incident to the liquid-crystal display module, a lamp reflector that accommodates the fluorescent tube, and an optical waveguide having an approximately square shape in the surface that converts linear light generated by the fluorescent tube and light of the linear light reflected from the lamp reflector into planar light, and inputs the planar light to the liquid-crystal display module. The lamp reflector is made of metal, and has stoppers provided at first parts facing both ends of a side surface of the optical waveguide opposite to the fluorescent tube, at positions closer to the optical waveguide than to a second part facing the side surface of the optical waveguide excluding the first parts.

Abstract: A backlight module (10) includes a flat cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) (30) having an output interface, and a light guiding plate (20). The output interface has a nano-material layer coated thereon. The light guiding plate includes an incidence interface (21), an emission interface (23), and a reflection interface (22), wherein the emission interface and the reflection interface respectively have nano-sized V-shaped grooves provided thereat. A pitch of the V-shaped grooves of the emission interface gradually increases from the incidence interface to a side of the light guiding plate distal from the incidence interface, and a pitch of the V-shaped grooves of the reflection interface gradually increases from the incidence interface to the side of the light guiding plate distal from the incidence interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is discloses for providing a substantially uniform, homogenous, polarized light. A beam of substantially un-polarized light is provided by a conventional light source. The un-polarized light is converted to at least four real images by using a light pipe and appropriate lensing. Each of the real images have a light region and one more dark regions at a first image plane. A portion of light from a light region in each real image is directed to one or more dark regions in each of the real images in a polarization dependent manner and the altered image is into a single image of substantially polarized light.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus and projection display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The present invention includes a plurality of light sources emitting lights, respectively, each transmitting at least one of a light emitted from a different light source and a light having transmitted through the different light source and a light guiding unit sending the lights emitted from the light sources and the light transmitted through the light sources in one direction. Accordingly, the lighting apparatus can minimize the etendue to provide sufficient intensity of light despite a plurality of the light sources. By eliminating the necessity for the color separating/synthesizing unit using the lighting apparatus or by eliminating the necessity for the integrator using the lighting apparatus having the long reflecting member, the projection display system can be implemented with a simple configuration.

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

Abstract: A light spreading device and a backlight module utilizing the same. The backlight module includes a light guide, a plurality of point lights, and a plurality of light spreading devices. The light guide includes an entrance surface. The point lights are disposed near the entrance surface. Each light spreading device, corresponding to one of the point lights, is disposed between the light guide and the corresponding point light.

Abstract: A light guide plate includes having a block body includes a bottom surface, a light emitting surface on an opposite side of the light guide plate to the bottom surface, at least three spaced light incident surfaces, and at least three fresnel lens portions provided on the respective at least three light incident surfaces of the block body. A backlight module with the light guide plate and at least three light sources is also provided.

Abstract: In a light source device, a row of fibers is provided in which a plurality of optical fibers is arrayed in a single row in parallel fashion separately from each other. A light-direction controller is disposed on one side of the optical fibers, main fibers is disposed above and below the light-direction controller, and a main fiber is disposed at the other end of the row of fibers. Light sources are connected to each of the end portions of the main fibers. Three types of mirrors that mutually differ in direction are formed on the surface of the light-direction controller, light emitted from a main fiber enters the optical fibers by way of a first mirror, and light emitted from a main fiber enters the optical fibers by way of a second mirror.

Abstract: A modular fiber optic light line unit has a housing in which distal portions of one or more fiber optic bundles fan out such that termini of the fibers are arrayed in a continuous fiber row. The proximal ends of the bundles are held in respective sleeves, and light source modules are removably attached over the sleeves to generate light that is incident on the proximal end of the bundle. The light source modules are removably installed by pushing on, without requiring tools. The light source modules have a canister housing containing a solid-state light source, e.g., five watts. Heat management is achieved using fins on the modular housing. Different color wavelength light sources can be employed, and the fibers from the various bundles can be interleaved.

Abstract: A reflector has a curved part covering the light source and a pair of end parts extending at the two sides of the curved part. The inside surface of each end part has a plurality of substantially parallel projections or depressions. The light-guiding plate has an incident surface and an emission surface substantially perpendicular to the incident surface, the incident surface having a plurality of projections or depressions extending substantially parallel to the emission surface. Also, the reflection surface of the light-guiding plate has projections.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display device is provided. The stereoscopic display device includes an optical waveguide member and a first main surface and a second main surface. The first and second main surfaces face each other. A first light path changing member is provided on at least one of the first and second main surfaces, and is operative to change the path of light guided by the optical waveguide member. A second light path changing member is provided on at least one of the first and second main surfaces, and is operative to change the path of the light guided by the optical waveguide member. A reflector body is disposed so as to face the second main surface and reflects the light emitted from the second light path changing member to the first main surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for displaying advertisements including the steps of providing at least one non-transparent cable for transmitting light in which an end of each non-transparent cable is received by a receiving structure and transmitting light selected from a plurality of colors along the non-transparent cables such that the light is emitted from the ends of the non-transparent cables received by the receiving structure. The emitted light forms a display in accordance with at least one of a pre-programmed design, and the display is an advertisement or a simulated floor covering. The non-transparent cable can be a fiber optic cable, and the method can further include the step of incorporating the receiving structure into an infrastructure. As an example, the infrastructure can be a travel way that supports at least one of vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A light guide plate of an LED backlight unit is disclosed. The light guide plate comprises a pair of wide planes facing each other, and a narrow plane formed between the pair of wide planes and constituting a thickness of the light guide plate. The narrow plane has an incident plane formed on a section of the narrow plane facing the LED light source, and one of the wide planes constitutes an exiting plane from which light entered from the LED light source exits. The incident plane has a plurality of elliptic cylinder-shaped grooves carved into the incident plane in a thickness direction of the light guide plate. As such, the elliptic cylinder-shaped grooves are carved into the incident plane of the light guide plate in the thickness direction, widening an incidence angle of which light can be transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: A lightpipe includes at least first and second projections extending outwardly from the body of the lightpipe, where the first projection is opposite the second projection.

Abstract: A wiring circuit board is supported on the back surface of a light-guide plate and the wiring circuit board is inclined in a predetermined direction relative to the panel surface of a liquid crystal panel or to an arrangement position of a holding case. As a result, a substrate terminal is also arranged at an inclined position in the predetermined direction. A connector is mounted on a circuit board. Connector terminals of the connector are elastically deformable at least in a direction contacting the substrate terminal. These connector terminals are conductively connected to a plurality of mounting terminals, which are exposed and extended on the surface of the circuit board, respectively.

Abstract: A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example.

Abstract: Fiberoptic luminaire with scattering and specular side-light extractor patterns comprises a fiberoptic light pipe with elongated side-light emitting portion. Such portion illuminates a target area with a scattering, and a specular, light extractor pattern. The extractor patterns are arranged to extract light from the side-light emitting portion over a radial angle, orthogonal to said main axis, of less than 180°. The scattering extractor pattern alone may provide greater than 50% of light on the target area, and light extracted by the specular extractor pattern alone may produce an illuminance on a selected portion of the target area that is greater than 5% of the maximum illuminance produced on the target area by the scattering extractor pattern. Furthermore, the scattering extractor pattern may comprise a Lambertian type of extractor pattern. Each specular extractor pattern may comprise a notch having main faces parallel to within 10° of each other.

Abstract: A display device is constructed with conductive fibers which are coated with a display medium and are woven together with transparent conductive fibers. The conductive fibers coated with a display medium serve as warps and the transparent conductive fibers serve as wefts. The display device is not provided with an external electrode and is therefore flexible like plain cloth.

Abstract: A light guide unit, a light guide unit assembly, and a lighting device are provided which can efficiently use light emitted from a light source and uniformly radiate light from an elongate rectangular radiating surface. The light guide unit has at least one radiation direction in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the light source.

Abstract: An light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in the time series.

Abstract: Optical device and color display unit to correct an angle of visibility, emphasize front brightness or diffusion degree, improve brightness and the performance of angle of visibility, and moreover improve the performance of chromaticity. An optical device is a film-like optical device for angle-correcting light toward a predetermined direction and of two materials whose refractive index difference is at least 0.1 or over, formed so that one material constitutes a plurality of light guide paths having total reflection at the boundary with the adjacent other material, in which the light guide paths are formed so that they are not arranged at equal intervals or they have different cross sections from each other and the ratio of the width or diameter of the light input portion of each of the light guide paths to the film thickness of an optical device is at least 1:10 or more.

Abstract: A display having a plurality of reflective display elements. In one embodiment, the display elements comprise at least one electrode having a plurality of active areas. In one embodiment, at least two of the sizes of the active areas are different with respect to each other, e.g., they are non-uniform in size. The interferometric modulators have a plurality of states, wherein selected ones of the interferometric modulators are configured to be actuated depending differing electrostatic forces in the interferometric modulators. The electrostatic forces in the interferometric modulators are different at least in part due to variations in the sizes of the active areas of the electrodes.

Abstract: An optical system including at least one optical fiber having a core and cladding, the at least one optical fiber having a cross section defining a circumference, the at least one optical fiber having at least one light scattering discontinuity at least one location therealong, the at least one optical fiber having optical power at least one light transmissive region having a focus located in proximity to the discontinuity, the at least one light scattering discontinuity having an angular extent of less than ten percent of the circumference and the at least one light transmissive region having an angular extent of more than 25% of the circumference and a light source arranged for directing light along the at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: A back light system (2) includes a light guide plate (20) and light sources (21). The light guide plate includes an optical output surface (203), a bottom surface (202) opposite to the output surface, and optical input surfaces (201) between the output and bottom surfaces. The light sources are positioned adjacent the input surfaces respectively. A thickness of a middle of the light guide plate is less than a thickness of a periphery of the light guide plate. In operation, light beams from two opposite of the light sources provide ample optical energy to a middle area of the output surface. In addition, a total optical energy at peripheral areas of the output surface is the same as or similar to a total optical energy at the middle area of the output surface. Thus, the back light system provides very high and highly uniform brightness for an associated LCD.

Abstract: A multi-lamp arrangement for optical systems includes plural lamps and a collective light guide, where each lamp is positioned such as to transmit light into respective light guides that are both optically connected to the collective light guide. In one embodiment, one of the lamps is optically connected to the collective light guide by a mirror and-prism arrangement and an intermediate light guide and an intermediate mirror-and-prism arrangement. An augmented color modulator may be provided with a number of color fields, where the number of identical color fields is equal to the number of lamps.

Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus includes a light converging element which has a refractive index profile in a direction orthogonal to two major surfaces of a light conductive plate, and which is disposed between at least one light source and one end surface of the light conductive plate. The light converging element comprises: a plurality of transparent resin films which have respective refractive indexes so as to constitute a refractive index gradation mirror-imaged with respect to the center plane of the light converging element, and which are layered over one another; and a plurality of light-transmittable adhesive layers each of which is sandwiched between two adjacent transparent resin films.

Abstract: A light-conductive panel of side-light type backlight module is disclosed. The reflective plane of the light-conductive panel is formed with a plurality of light conductors, and one lateral side of the conductor is formed with an auxiliary light conductor which is formed along the light conductor. The leak light source which can be led into the light-conductive panel from the light conductor can be connected by the matching auxiliary light conductor such that the leaked light source can be further led to the interior of the light conductive panel so that the chance of the leaked light source on the reflective plate is reduced, which will reduce the light energy exhaustion caused by the light source being fallen onto the reflective plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light guide plate, a front illumination type liquid crystal display device using the same, and a method for displaying an image therein. A light reflection pattern is formed on a light reflection surface of the light guide plate so as to change an optical distribution and prevent the moiré phenomenon. The light reflection pattern prevents the light from being leaked through a side of the light guide plate, so an effective display area is not divided into a bright area, a boundary area, and a dark area. It is possible to change the optical distribution and to prevent the moiré phenomenon, so the liquid crystal display device can display an image with an improved brightness uniformity.

Abstract: In one embodiment a macroscopically-sized specimen is illuminated with radiations of selectable multiple intensities and frequencies for viewing along a single viewing axis. A stage supports specimen to be observed. First and second illumination sources provide respective first and second radiations at predetermined different colors, permissively of different intensities. A special “bifurcated” fiber optic cable receives the first radiation into a first one of two radiation-receiving, or input, ends, and the second radiation into a second one of two radiation-receiving, or input, ends, so as to produce at each of at least two radiation-emitting, or output, ends an illuminating beam in which the first and the second radiations are mixed. The intensities and colors of both radiations are controllable.

Abstract: An optical waveguide plate for a surface light emitting apparatus and a surface light emitting apparatus using the optical waveguide plate that provides excellent uniformity in surface emission is disclosed. The optical waveguide plate comprises an end face introducing light emitted from a light source, and a light emitting surface outputting light introduced from the end face. The end face has a light introducing portion comprising a plurality of notched prisms which disperse incident light. The intervals between two adjacent prisms are set to become greater in proportion to the distance from the center of the light introducing portion. The angles of the prisms are also adjusted to provide uniform surface emission.

Abstract: A projection display including first through third light source units to radiate first through third light beams having different colors, respectively, a light path combining unit to combine paths of the first through third light beams, an optical modulator to sequentially modulate the first through third light beams according to image information, and a projection lens unit to magnify and project the modulated light beams onto a screen. The light path combining unit includes first and second prisms. The first prism includes first and second incidence surfaces, through which the first and second light beams are incident, respectively, a first emission surface, and a first selective reflection surface to transmit the second light beam toward the first emission surface.

Abstract: A compact backlight system for illuminating a display device has a front wall and a rear wall situated opposite thereto. At least one light source comprising a light-emitting diode is provided with a translucent lens-shaped cover. The system has at least one light input structure for coupling light from the light source into the light-emitting panel. During operation, light originating from the light source is incident on the light input structure and distributes itself in the light-emitting panel. According to the invention the light input structure is conically or frustoconically shaped towards the light source. The thickness dp of the light-emitting panel is smaller than the diameter dc of the translucent lens-shaped cover of the light source. Preferably, the light input structure is of prismatic or pyramidal shape.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement film includes a light-refracting microstructure layer, a substrate and a reinforcing layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto. The light-refracting microstructure layer is arranged on the first surface of the substrate and is so configured to vary in curvatures for refracting light. The reinforcing layer is arranged on the second surface of the substrate and is so configured to form a relatively high degree of hardness. Accordingly, the reinforcing layer can prevent warpage and abrasion of the brightness enhancement film.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement film having a light-guiding structure includes a substrate, which has a light-guiding layer and a plurality of light-refracting microstructures. The substrate has a light incident surface and a light emission surface opposite thereto. The light-refracting microstructures are arranged on the light incident surface of the substrate and are provided for varying surface curvatures to refract incident light. The light-guiding layer is arranged on the light emission surface of the substrate and is provided for guiding refracted light to generate homogeneous light to emit therefrom.

Abstract: Adjustments during assembly of an illuminating unit having a conventional light pipe in order to position the light pipe and a light guide plate are laborious. Further, a minute prism group having a pitch on the order of 100 ?m must be provided to a side surface of the light pipe in order to uniformly guide illuminating light to the light guide plate. An illuminating unit of the present invention is provided with a light guide plate having an illuminating surface that is illuminated by light from a point light source, and a light pipe having an incident surface to which light from the point light source is made incident and an emerging portion from which the light emerges to the light guide plate. The emerging portion and the light guide plate are integrally joined.

Abstract: A light guide panel usable with a backlight unit is capable of enhancing brightness uniformity and reducing light loss. The light guide panel includes a transparent plate one side of which is a plane of incidence. An interior of the light guide panel is divided by a plurality of planes inclined with respect to the plane of incidence, and each of the respective inclined planes is partial-reflection-coated.

Abstract: A dual lamp coupling system is provided using a single equilateral 60 degree triangle prism in front of the integrator rod to homogenize the focused light from two lamps, with increased projection brightness. According to one embodiment, the equilateral 60 degree triangular prism is integrated into the end of the rod.

Abstract: Avoiding an illumination light irregularity to the utmost under increasing degree of integration and the memory capacity by suppressing a light amount irregularity on the illumination pupil plane to the utmost, unable to be adjusted by a conventional method. When the light amount irregularity on the illumination pupil plane which is the exit surface of the optical fiber is relatively large, focus of the imaging surface of the CCD camera is switched from the sample to the illumination pupil plane by a focus switching lens. The light amount irregularity is calculated and analyzed by the image processor. Based on the analyzed result, the exit surface position of the optical fiber is adjusted in the illumination optical system. In this manner, the illumination pupil plane which is the exit surface of the optical fiber can be adjusted to an illumination pupil plane where the light amount irregularity is small.

Abstract: Direct backlight modules using diffraction optical elements are provided. A direct backlight module includes a light source and a diffraction optical element, wherein the diffraction optical element is disposed above the light source. By properly arranging the phase function, the diffraction optical element can substantially modulate the wavefront of the light emitted from the light source and control light distribution as well as light direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for fastening an integration rod to an inner wall of a housing in a projection optical system and for adjusting a horizontal position and a vertical position of the integration rod corresponding to the inner wall. The fastening/adjusting device includes a frame, a sheath, a first spring, a second spring, a first adjustable screw, and a second adjustable screw. The integration rod is disposed in the sheath, and the sheath is disposed between the frame and the inner wall. The first adjustable screw pushes forward the integration rod, so that the first spring is compressed. The second adjustable screw pushes forward the sheath, so that the second spring is compressed. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical position of the integration rod corresponding to the inner wall can be respectively adjusted by adjusting the first and second adjustable screw.

Abstract: When guiding diffused light to an optical member that has optical surfaces parallel to the optical axis, illumination unevenness is efficiently uniformized at the light emitting surface without an overall increase in length. There is provided a light guiding member, wherein a plurality of tapered rod sections which abut along a central axis direction passing substantially through the centers of an incident end disposed on a light source side and an emitting end disposed on an optical member side are provided between the incident end and the emitting end, and each tapered rod section is shaped to widen gradually from the incident end side towards the emitting end side at a constant taper angle, and a taper angle of each tapered rod section is set smaller than a taper angle of the adjacent tapered rod section on the incident end side.

Abstract: To provide an electro-optical device in which the fluidity of a material for forming the underlying layer of a gas barrier layer is controlled, and the volume-change of the underlying layer is suppressed, so that stress-concentration on the gas barrier layer is relaxed, and to provide a method of producing the same and an electronic apparatus. In an electro-optical device having, on a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes, a bank structure having a plurality of openings positioned correspondingly to the formed first electrodes, electro-optical layers arranged in the respective openings, and a second electrode covering the bank structure and the electro-optical layers, the device includes a buffer layer formed so as to cover the second electrode and have a substantially flat upper surface, and a gas barrier layer covering the buffer layer.

Abstract: A backlight unit is disclosed, in which the light is concentrated when the light is incident on a light-guiding plate so as to improve light efficiency and color realization ratio. The backlight unit includes a light source emitting light; and optical fiber surrounding the circumference of the light source so as to concentrate and emit the light emitted from the light source.