Abstract: A surface lighting device includes a light guiding plate having a light incident surface formed at one end surface and a light exit surface formed on a front surface thereof; an elongated light source facing the light incident surface; a light source reflector which reflects light emitted from the elongated light source toward the light incident surface; a prism sheet, wherein an array of minute parallel prism projections is formed on a surface thereof, the array of minute parallel prism projections facing the light exit surface; a regular reflection type reflector facing a rear surface of the light guiding plate; a light guiding device for guiding light emitted from the elongated light source to two portions of the light incident surface which respectively face opposite ends of the elongated light source; and a diffuser, formed on the light incident surface, which diffuses incident light thereon.

Abstract: A distributed lighting system comprising a waveguide assembly that includes a vehicle interior trim panel having an elongated opening therein and a correspondingly elongated waveguide attached to the trim panel to provide laterally-directed illumination through the opening along the length of the waveguide. The waveguide is attached to the trim panel using a support frame that includes a light-transmissive lower wall which fits within the opening and a pair of opposed side walls that, together with the lower wall, define a channel in which the waveguide is located. The waveguide includes a light-scattering region located opposite the opening in the trim panel to direct light laterally out of the waveguide and through the opening. The waveguide assembly also includes a back cover that encloses the waveguide between the cover and support frame. Different waveguide cross-sections and light-scattering configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optically marking an elongated indication path. This method is comprised of supporting an optic sieve (1) along an exposed indication path, and aligning an end (4) of the optic sieve (1) (or networks of sections of optic sieves) with a light source (2) (or light socket harnessing the collective outputs of a plurality of light sources). The optic sieve (1) in the context of the present invention is characterised by having at least one side emitting optic fiber within a flexible semi opaque holographically grooved sleeve. The present invention also relates to devices having optically marked elongated indication paths according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An optical light guide member according to the present invention includes a tubular portion in which an annular light incident end surface for entering light is formed on a one end thereof, a funnel-shaped expanded section having a one end side thereof continuously extending to the other end of the tubular portion, a flat section which has on a front side thereof a light exit surface extending along a flat plane intersecting an axis of the tubular portion, and which extends continuously to the other end side of the funnel-shaped expanded section, and a plurality of light deflection elements formed at least on the back side of the flat section each for altering the traveling direction of the light. An incident light on the tubular portion from the light incident end surface is emitted with a uniform intensity distribution from the light exit end surface.

Abstract: A lightwaveguide panel to be used with a a mobile telephone (MT) or personal digital assistant (PDA), the pannel comprises a first portion for lighting an LCD and/or a keyboard, and a second integral portion, said second portion including a first inclined surface for directing light from a source of light onto a light-reflecting acoustically responsive membrane, and a second inclined surface for directing light from said membrane onto a photo-detector.

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: The invention concerns a product (1) and a procedure for the manufacture of a product (1) for the further transport of an incoming light, comprising at least one layer (3) of material substance (2) in which a number of optical fibre threads (6) are incorporated, each optical fibre thread (6) comprising an input surface (7) for the interception of the incoming light, and an output surface (8) for emission of the incoming light from the input surface (7), in that said surfaces (7, 8) are connected by a body (9) through which body (9) the incoming light is conducted from the input surface (7) to the output surface (8), said output surface (8) and input surface (7) lying substantially free of the layer (3) of the material substance, said layer (3) comprising a first surface (4) oriented towards the incoming light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber positioning element (8) of an optical fiber converging portion (3) for converging a large number of optical fibers (5) led to a screen panel (4) for image display in an optical fiber display system. The optical fiber positioning element (8) comprises a belt-shaped body (9) and a plurality of optical fiber supports (10) provided on the upper and lower sides of the belt-shaped body (9) at a predetermined pitch in the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped body. The optical fibers (5) are supported by engagement with a plurality of optical fiber supports (10) on the upper and lower sides of the belt-shaped body.

Abstract: A light guide including a light guide body having a light re-directing side positioned opposite from a light output side. A plurality of elongate prisms are located adjacent the light output side of the light guide body. The prisms extend side-by-side relative to one another along lengths. The prisms include upper edges defining heights of the prisms. The upper edges extend along the lengths of the prisms. Each upper edge includes a plurality of edge segments having different magnitudes of slope. The light guide also includes a plurality of light extraction structures located adjacent the light re-directing side of the light guide body for reflecting light toward the light output side. The light extraction structures include elongated projections each having a plateau segment and first and second facets. The elongated projections are separated by lands that are recessed relative to the plateau segments. The first and second facets extend from the plateau segments to the lands.

Abstract: A lightpipe apparatus and method includes a lightpipe body for transmitting light. The lightpipe body includes a receiving end portion for receiving the light and a display end portion. The lightpipe body further includes a first refractive surface disposed between the receiving end portion and the display end portion. An opaque substrate is applied to the first refractive surface to reflect the light toward the display end portion.

Abstract: An optical display panel which provides improved viewing contrast is disclosed. The optical panel includes a plurality of stacked optical waveguides, wherein each waveguide has an inlet face and an outlet face at opposing ends of each waveguide, and wherein each waveguide is formed of a core in contact with at least one cladding layer, wherein the at least one cladding layer includes at least one black layer, and at least one redirector connected to the inlet face of each of at least two waveguides. The at least one black layer has a first thickness, and the core has a second thickness, and the first thickness is preferably a multiple of the second thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the first thickness is at least two times greater than the second thickness. In a second preferred embodiment, the first thickness is at least four times greater than the second thickness.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a method for the manufacture and rapid assembly of large screen fiber optic displays (1, 2) containing a very large number of individual fibers (thousands to hundreds of thousands, or more). The display surface is modularized into relatively small, thin, interchangeable, injection-molded square or rectangular tiles (3) to simplify manufacture and assembly. The hundreds of fibers (7) required for each tile (3) are machine-configured into a plurality of flat, flexible fiber optic ribbon cables (4), each cable (4) comprised of a planar geometric array of optical fibers (7) embedded in a thin adhesive matrix (8). The image emission end of each flat, flexible fiber optic cable (4) is a fiber manifold (20) joined to an injection-molded thermoplastic array of light guides (11), each fiber terminating in a single light guide or emitter (12).

Abstract: Illuminated surgical retractors include at least one retractor blade and a light delivery system. In some embodiments of the invention, the light delivery system includes a light emitter in the form of an elongated light emitting blade portion extending along the length of the retractor blade. The light emitter may be coupled to a light source integral with the retractor for illuminating all or a portion of the length of the light emitter or retractor blade. In other embodiments of the invention, the light delivery system may include an array of lights which may be attached directly to the retractor blade or to a support in the shape of an elongated blade that extends along the length of the retractor blade for illuminating all or a portion of the length of the retractor blade.

Abstract: There is provided a spread illuminating apparatus to improve a light coupling efficiency between a light conductive member and a transparent substrate. In the spread illuminating apparatus, an FPC mounting section of a frame is set to be lower than a substrate mounting section by the thickness of an FPC, and an extension provided at an FPC main body is let through an opening formed at a stepped part of the frame so as to be disposed on a reverse side of the frame, whereby an upper surface of the light conductive member is adapted to be flush with an upper surface of the transparent substrate while prevention of the deviation in the thickness direction between the light conductive member and the transparent substrate is not obstructed even when the extension is provided, which results in improving the light coupling efficiency.

Abstract: An identification light bar as required by 49 C.F.R. Section 571.108 for vehicles over eighty inches in width is disclosed. The light bar comprises an elongate body having a center optic, left and right distal optics, and left and right light pipes which connect the respective distal optics to the center optic. Each optic is covered by a respective lens cap. A single LED is connected to the body in alignment with the center optic. The center optic receives light emitted by the LED and divides the light such that a first portion thereof is emitted from the light bar through the center lens cap, a second portion thereof is transmitted along the left light pipe and emitted through the left lens cap, and a third portion thereof is transmitted along the right light pipe and emitted through the right lens cap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an optical device and a base used for the optical device, the optical device of the present invention comprising a light transmittable base and a device constituent layer provided on the base, wherein the base includes, at least in a pixel formation region, continuously extending layers arranged to exhibit a cyclic refractive index distribution in the in-plane direction and to exhibit a specific refractive index in the thickness direction, and the base, on the device constituent layer side, has a surface roughness of 300 nm or less. Accordingly, the optical device having a long service life which is capable of extracting luminescence generated in an organic EL device from a light transmittable substrate to the external and of obtaining a high luminance even under low voltage drive and a base used for the optical device are achieved.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method designed to protect an interferometric fiber optic light source from weapons level radiation threat is provided. A fiber optic light source is configured to produce a light spectrum which has a mean wavelength which is substantially unaffected when exposed to weapon's level radiation threat. The fiber optic light source is configured to produce a light output with a mean wavelength in the range of 1520 nm to 1540 nm, and is preferably configured to produce a light output with mean wavelength of about 1532 nm. The fiber optic light comprises a pump laser and a length of doped fiber optic material through which light from the pump laser is directed. The length of fiber optic material has a configuration which produces a light output with a predetermined spectrum and mean wavelength. The length of fiber optic material will depend on the specific properties of the fiber, but with the preferred material, i.e.

Abstract: There is provided a spread illuminating apparatus realizing both uniform light emission and high brightness. Two bar-like light conductive members made of a transparent material and each having a spot-like light source disposed on a large end thereof are disposed so as to overlap with each other in the thickness direction of a transparent substrate, thereby constituting a pair of bar-like light sources. Light emitted from the spot-like light source and entering one light conductive member of the two is directly guided into the transparent substrate without passing through the other light conductive member. Thus, light rays emitted from the two light conductive members do not interfere with each other so as to prevent generation of interference fringes, resulting in that uniform light emission and high brightness in the spread illuminating apparatus can be realized.

Abstract: A lighting unit is provided which comprises: a plurality of linear light sources arranged in parallel; light-guiding plates arranged along said light sources; light diffusion means arranged at the top of said light sources and light-guiding plates; and reflection means arranged at the bottom of the light sources; wherein said lighting unit is characterized in that the surface of each light-guiding plate is flat, in that the reverse side of the light-guiding plate includes an inclined face of a curvilinear shape that thins down as the inclined face is more distanced from the light source, and in that when a position relatively near the light source and a position relatively far from the light source, on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate, are inclined by &thgr;n1 and &thgr;f1, respectively, the relationship of &thgr;n1 ≧&thgr;f1 is satisfied and the angle-of-inclination of the thinnest portion on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate is 0 degrees.

Abstract: A high resolution, fault tolerant, variable optical attenuator and polarizer module for fiber optical beam control using parallel, serial, and serial-parallel optical control architectures. The module uses mixed control modes to control a macropixel array and includes spatially multiplexed processing techniques. The macropixel array consists of an array of individually controlled pixels, such as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror array, where each pixel has a specific addressable location in the array, and each pixel can have a unique size, shape and electrical or optical drive format. The module can provide amplitude, routing, and polarization control of an input optical beam. In an embodiment, the module can control the gain of a light beam in fiber optical systems coupled to lenses. In another embodiment, the modules can be cascaded to form a high-resolution fiber optic attenuator.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical coupler that is a figure of revolution combining a light-transmitting body defining a recessed input cavity, a transparent droplet-shaped encapsulant of a light-emitting diode, or array of diodes in the cavity, the body having a curved side wall shaped to totally internally reflect all the light emitted from the LED and encapsulant, traveling toward the side wall, within a predetermined distance from the diode or center of array, the body having a cylindrical transition section extending from a curved side wall and forwardly, and a planar exit face at the forward end of the body, transverse to the central axis of the figure of revolution.

Abstract: A light-emitting fiber comprises an optical fiber having a number of light-emitting elements disposed along the length of one surface thereof. The light-emitting elements include a segmented hole injecting electrode on which an electro-luminescent material, such as an OLED material, is disposed and an electron injecting electrode overlying the OLED layer. The segmented hole injecting electrodes are connected together by an electrical conductor disposed on a side surface of the optical fiber. Electrical contacts connect to the electron injecting electrode and are disposed, at least in part, so as to not overlie the OLED layer. The electrodes, OLED material and contacts are deposited on the optical fibers by mask deposition, preferably utilizing masks adapted to contemporaneously process a plurality of fibers.

Abstract: An optical device includes at least a first and second electrical conductors. At least one optical layer overlies at least a portion of the first and second electrical conductors. An applicator is positioned proximate to said at least one optical layer to selectively redirect light from the optical layer. An electrical coupling path between said at least one applicator and one of said first or second electrical conductors, at least a portion of the coupling path traversing said at least one optical layer. At least one optical waveguide may be formed in an optical layer above said electrical conductors. A feature is located to receive light redirected by the applicator and at least one electrical coupling path, which may be included in said feature, couples the applicator and at least one of said plurality of conductors. In a further aspect, a method for manufacturing an optical device is disclosed.

Abstract: A projection display composed of a plurality of tiles (101) is illuminated by a plurality of projectors (400), one for each tile. The light from a plurality of light engines (200) is combined in a homogenizer to form a common illumination source which is then separated by a light separation unit (300) into individual primary colors. The individual primary colors are then transmitted over a second set of fiber optic cables (502) to the individual projectors.

Abstract: Featured is a high power, broadband superfluorescent source with very low relative intensity noise (RIN) including a seed source, a modulator operably coupled to the seed source and a polarization maintaining (PM) amplifier operably coupled to the modulator. The output of the seed source is processed in the modulator so the modulator outputs a polarized optical output to the PM amplifier. The PM amplifier amplifies the modulated, polarized optical output so as to provide an amplified polarized optical output therefrom. Also featured is a feedback circuit operably coupled to the PM amplifier to control the transmission of the modulator so as to minimize the amplitude fluctuations in the output signal. Such a source is advantageous in high precision fiber optical rotation sensors and multiplexed strain sensing arrays.

Abstract: A spread illuminating apparatus provides uniform illumination and high brightness over a whole screen. A plurality of plate-like light conductive members form a multi-layer light conductive member. An optical path conversion means composed of grooves formed parallel to the thickness direction of each plate-like light conductive member and flat portions is provided on one surface of each of the plate-like light conductive members. Each groove of each plate-like light conductive member overlaps partly with each groove of adjacent plate-like light conductive members thereby constituting each multiple groove. A plurality of multiple grooves of the light conductive member are formed with inclination such that one multiple groove thereof overlaps partly with adjacent multiple grooves with the longitudinal direction of the light conductive member.

Abstract: An avionics display includes a first predefined display area for high priority information and a second predefined display area for normal priority information. A viewing screen is disposed between the avionics display and a design eye point. A first portion of the viewing screen, corresponding to the high priority information, includes metallized tapered waveguides to direct light including the normal priority information at a limited vertical viewing angle and to direct light including the high priority information at an extended vertical viewing angle.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus (10) includes a wave guide (14) formed from a translucent material. The wave guide has a top surface (30), a bottom surface (32) that has a pre-defined curvature, and at least one side surface (34) that receives light (40) injected therein. A plurality of microstructures (36) are arranged on selected areas of the bottom surface (32) of the wave guide (14). The plurality of microstructures (36) cooperates with the pre-defined curvature of the bottom surface (32) to scatter at least a portion of the light (40) injected into the at least one side surface (34). The scattered light (42) exits the wave guide (14) through the top surface (30). At least one light emitting diode (16) injects light (40) into the at least one side surface (34) of the wave guide (14). The scattered light (42) that exits the wave guide (14) forms at least one symbol viewable by an associated observer.

Abstract: A wave guide based light source having a phosphor film with a large two-dimensional extent and a small thickness. The phosphor film is excited by an excitation means.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric material compositions having excellent white light transmission that is substantially free of color over long light path lengths. This invention also provides polymeric material compositions that provide for the transmission of light having a controlled color when illuminated with a white light source.

Abstract: A directional way finding system is described which comprises a light emitting device having a plurality of side emitting light conduits arranged side by side with parts of the conduits covered at repeated intervals along the length of the conduits to leave an exposed sequence of light emitting sections in each conduit. These sections are longitudinally offset in adjacent conduits to provide diagonal light emitting regions, so that when the conduits are sequentially energised light is emitted from the light emitting sections to give to an observer the perception of light travelling in a forward or reverse direction, depending on the order in which the conduits are scanned. Embodiments are described for a system in which the light conduits are optical fibres energised from a laser and in which the light conduits are electroluminescent wires energised from a switched power supply.

Abstract: A lighting device is provided. The lighting device has LED lamps and so forth with high directivity as light source. The lighting device of the present invention is capable of lighting more uniformly. Few labor for maintenance and inspection is necessary. Rich durability is provided therewith and it can be manufactured in low cost. The lighting device is constituted in such a way that a light source body such as LED lamp and so forth is disposed at an end portion of a cylindrical light transmitting member whose degree of transparency is transparent or translucent. The constitution causes the light to travel in the axial direction of the light transmitting member. Transparent or translucent island formation body is provided on the inside of internal surface of the light transmitting member. Islands of the island formation body are made to protrude perpendicular to the axial line of the cylindrical light transmitting member.

Abstract: An optical component 10 is constructed in such structure that a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel to each other and the component has an entrance surface 10a obliquely cut relative to the optical axis and an exit surface 10b normally cut relative to the optical axis. The cross section of the optical component 10 is shaped so that optical fiber pairs, each pair being such a combination of two optical fibers with cores 14 of semicircular cross section as to form a substantially circular cross section, are arranged regularly. Orientation of two semicircular cores 14 forming the optical fiber pair is random in each optical fiber pair. Cladding 16 of each optical fiber is provided so as to be integrated by a heating and pressing process to fill a clearance between cores 14 of two optical fibers forming the optical fiber pair of interest and clearances between adjacent optical fiber pairs.

Abstract: A flat panel display is based on a new switching technology for routing laser light among a set of optical waveguides and coupling that light toward the viewer. The switching technology is based on poled electro-optical structures. The display technology is versatile enough to cover application areas spanning the range from miniature high resolution computer displays to large screen displays for high definition television formats. The invention combines the high brightness and power efficiency inherent in visible semiconductor diode laser sources with a new waveguide electro-optical switching technology to form a dense two-dimensional addressable array of high brightness light emissive pixels.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device comprising a pair of linear light source arranged at respective side surface of a light guide plate opposite to one another and having brightness irregularity along longitudinal axes thereof, the present invention arranges the linear light sources to dispose respective ends thereof towards which the brightness thereof is decreased gradually diagonally over a main surface of the light guide plate, and provide two-dimensional optical reflection or diffusion pattern density of which is varied in accordance with the brightness irregularity thereof on at least one surface of the light guide plate, an optical diffusion sheet, or an optical reflection plate. The brightness irregularity appearing in a display screen of the liquid crystal display device due to the brightness irregularity of the linear light source is eliminated by the present invention.

Abstract: An ultrathin optical panel, and a method of producing an ultrathin optical panel, are disclosed, including stacking a plurality of glass sheets, which sheets may be coated with a transparent cladding substance or may be uncoated, fastening together the plurality of stacked coated glass sheets using an epoxy or ultraviolet adhesive, applying uniform pressure to the stack, curing the stack, sawing the stack to form an inlet face on a side of the stack and an outlet face on an opposed side of the stack, bonding a coupler to the inlet face of the stack, and fastening the stack, having the coupler bonded thereto, within a rectangular housing having an open front which is aligned with the outlet face, the rectangular housing having therein a light generator which is optically aligned with the coupler. The light generator is preferably placed parallel to and proximate with the inlet face, thereby allowing for a reduction in the depth of the housing.

Abstract: A multimedia projector (30) includes a light source (32) producing a nonuniform illumination pattern and a light integrating tunnel (110, 130) having parallelogram-shaped input and output apertures (132, 134) with an average diagonal dimension. The input and output apertures are spaced apart by a length dimension (136) that is less than five-times the average diagonal dimension of the apertures. A light pattern (150) propagating from the output aperture is substantially more uniform than a light pattern (146) propagating from a rectangular tunnel of the same length. Alternatively, a light pattern (164) propagating from the output aperture has substantially the same uniformity as the light pattern (146) propagating from a substantially longer rectangular tunnel.

Abstract: To provide a side light extraction type light fiber capable of extracting light having high brightness at a viewing angle. Means for solving: a light fiber comprising: a core (1) in the center portion, and a cladding arranged around the core, characterized in that the cladding comprises: (i) a light diffusive layer (3) comprising a light diffusive portion made of a light diffusive material containing, as a binder, a polymer having a refractive index smaller than that of the core, which is provided in closely contact with the core in a wall thickness of 1 to 300 &mgr;m in a circumferential direction, and (ii) a protective layer (4) made of a light transmitting resin material, which is formed to integrate with the light diffusive layer and covers the light diffusive layer.

Abstract: Luminaire having an optical waveguide plate, which has a first light guiding surface, and having a light reflecting area—arranged opposite the latter—of an opaque reflector, which reflects light back into the optical waveguide plate in such a way that at least part of said light emerges from the second light guiding surface facing away therefrom. The light reflecting area has a very large number of reflecting area regions, which extend obliquely with respect to one another and obliquely with respect to the opposite first light guiding surface of the optical waveguide plate.

Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polaizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for using a beam emitted from a light source to illuminate an object area includes a condensing optical system for condensing the beam emitted from the light source, and a reflection type optical integrator located between the condensing optical system and the object area, the optical integrator having an m-gonal (where m is an even number) sectional shape, forming multiple pairs of opposing reflection surfaces, and reflecting the beam between the multiple pairs of opposing reflection surfaces, wherein a length L in an axial direction of the reflection type optical integrator meets the following equations: R=&PHgr;/[tan {sin−1(sin &thgr;/n)}]; and C×(A−0.1)×R≦L≦C×(A+0.

Abstract: A laser structure of the present invention is composed of microparticles cyclically arrayed so as to have a face centered cubic lattice structure or a closest-packed hexagonal lattice structure. Bragg reflection occurs from such regularly arrayed microparticles. The laser structure causes laser oscillation with a luminous material such as a pigment or an organic electroluminescence material taken as a laser medium. The laser structure has an advantageous that it is small in both size and weight and can be easily produced, and is applicable to a variety of application fields such as a light emitting device, an image display unit, and an optical amplifier.

Abstract: A thin-profile, optically efficient lighting device for use with, among other things, flat information displays, includes a combination of three optically coupled light propagating structures, fabricated of electromagnetic flux transmitting materials. The first structure may be a generally elongated optical pipe adapted to receive light from at least one light source such as a light emitting diode. Radiation from additional sources is coupled into the first structure by a second structure which injects the radiation thereinto. Light injected into the first structure is directed into the third structure where it is redirected so that it propagates out of the third structure uniformly and efficiently and in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the third structure. A device can include multiple bodies of any or all three structures.

Abstract: An efficient redundant light distribution system includes redundant light generation enclosures providing light to a collector array 10, coupled to an ultraviolet to red converter 20, a combination array 30, a distribution array 40 and multiple projection lenses 4.

Abstract: Projection system comprising at least two light sources, a projection lens and a spatial light modulator located between the light sources and the projection lens, which light modulator comprises a plurality of light-deflection devices each provided with an element which is tiltable about a tilt axis. The light sources are arranged with respect to the spatial light modulator in such a way that, in operation, the centers of the light beams coming from the light sources and projected on each element are located on a projection line which extends substantially parallel to the tilt axis of the element.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical retractor includes a handle having an elongated first blade portion connected at one end to one end of the handle and an elongated second blade portion extending along the length of the first blade portion. One end of the second blade portion defines an illumination input end to which a connector is coupled. The connector is shaped to optically couple the illumination input end to a source of illumination so that at least a portion of one of the first and second blade portions is illuminated.

Abstract: An emissive display may include a faceplate that improves contrast and increases light efficiency in some embodiments. The emissive display may be covered by a plurality of cones that define light pipes between the cones. The cones may be reflective on one surface to reflect outwardly through a microlens. The inside surfaces of the cones may be light absorbing to absorb stray light that would not otherwise be properly emitted from the display.

Abstract: A multiple optical fiber display module may be used in a Large Screen Display system. The multiple optical fiber display module includes at least two modular optical fiber display elements. Each modular display element further includes an optical fiber display tile, an optical fiber array, and an input matrix. The modular display module also includes a mounting frame for demountably attaching the input matrix of each modular optical fiber display tile to a single micro-display.

Abstract: High luminance display devices, typically utilized in applications requiring sunlight readability, require unique design methodologies as the thickness approaches a maximum of one-inch. The present invention relates to a high-intensity light generation engine and associated light transmission apparatus for transmitting the light generated by the engine to a remote location. The invention is especially applicable for use in constructing a back lighted display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), of minimal thickness, i.e., one-inch or less. A display of minimal thickness is achieved by separating a light source and other peripherals from the display device, using a remote enclosure. Such a display is most suited for use in high ambient lighting conditions where space is at a premium, such as in the cockpit of an aircraft.

Abstract: A lighting device with a light source and a first reflector which directs light provided by the light source towards at least two focal points in the operational state, is to be constructed such that the light path to one of the focal points can be obstructed without thermal problems arising. A second reflector is provided which diverts away at least partly the light guided by the first reflector to a first of the two focal points towards the second one of the two focal points, directly or indirectly, as desired.