Abstract: Common approaches to retroreflectors rely on absorptive materials that waste light energy that could be utilized for visibility. Disclosed photoluminescent retroreflectors filter reflected light, like traditional colored retroreflectors, but down-convert photons of the wrong color into a glow visible from more directions. The glow enables visibility for more observers or observers whose light source is far from their line of sight. The color of the glow can be adjusted by choice of luminescent material as a design feature or safety purpose. Certain embodiments utilize photoluminescent additives within a retroreflector while other embodiments utilize a photoluminescent coating on top of a pre-made retroreflector. An exemplary photoluminescent material for these optical devices is CuInZnS2 quantum dots.

Abstract: Light apparatuses and lighting systems are described. According to one aspect, a light apparatus includes a plurality of light sources individually configured to emit light in a respective primary direction, and wherein the light sources are configured such that the primary directions of the light emitted by the light sources are at different angles with respect to a common plane, and a lens configured to direct the light from the light sources to a surface of an object which is to be illuminated.

Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit signage for a printed graphic. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. The turning film receives light from an ambient light source and directs the light via the structured surface toward a viewer of the graphic in order to passively illuminate the signage.

Abstract: An integrated laminate structure adapted for application in the context of solar technology, wafer technology, cooling channels, greenhouse illumination, window illumination, street lighting, traffic lighting, traffic reflectors or security films, including a first carrier element optionally including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, a second carrier element including at least one surface relief pattern including a number of surface relief forms and having at least one predetermined optical function relative to incident light, the second carrier element optionally including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, the first and second carrier elements being laminated together such that the at least one surface relief pattern has been embedded within the established laminate structure and a number of related cavities have been formed at the interface of the first and second carrier elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.

Abstract: A display device includes at least one wall with transparent areas and a reflecting object arranged inside the display device and oriented so as to receive an incident external light and to redirect a reflected light onto the transparent areas. The transparent areas are provided in different planes and the reflecting object includes several reflecting surfaces or a non-planar reflecting surface to reflect incident light rays on each of the transparent areas along different reflection axes. The display device can advantageously be integrated into a bottle or a bottle cap.

Abstract: A modular indicator of information relating to an article on display is provided. The indicator is made up of a plurality of display units which can be fixed each to the following other along a longitudinal axis of composition. Each display unit is made of a material translucent to light and configured in a substantially prismatic shape to gather incident tight into a first surface and reflect the incident light toward a front face of the display unit of a second surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to said front face.

Abstract: A product display system is disclosed. The product display system provides various means for illuminating products displayed. External and internal illumination means are disclosed, as well as internal and external power sources. In some embodiments, the displayed product switches from an external power source to an internal power source when the product is removed, allowing the product to remain illuminated for a considerable length of time.

Abstract: A window display in which illumination from a candlestick lines shines through an opening in a frame selected in correlation with a decorative display in providing an illumination presentation consistent with a holiday season of the year, or a secular or religious event or occasion in accordance with user preference, and of a composition and configuration to be detachable for folding flat for storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing a holographic image in order to create an eerie spiritual visual image which can be used in conjunction with religious pictures in hologram form or an eerie visual image of decorative scenes for home or office furnishing purposes or Halloween or other scary situations. A holographic film incorporating an image therein is placed between two plates of optically transparent material such as glass. A direct source of illumination of the image through candlelight set at the focal point distance in front of the hologram film, within its focal plane and at a location no lower than the lowermost point of the holographic image creates the enhanced image and eerie effect in a dark room.

Abstract: A display device and method are provided whereby light rays from a glareproducing light source are concentrated on the signal portion of the display device to enhance its luminosity. Display devices are provided that use reflecting and refracting light concentrators and signal portions that might include translucent light directing means or collimators. The invented display devices can find application in various fields where glare occurs.

Abstract: A display device, particularly for automotive vehicles, having a transparent display panel on which opaque characters and symbols can be represented and over the front of which a pointer is movable. Ambient light can pass through the display panel from the side away from the observer to the side towards the observer. On this side of the display panel away from the observer there is arranged a background surface, the projection of the contour of the display panel from the observer onto the background surface being smaller than the background surface as seen from the perspective of the observer.

Abstract: A hollowed frustum display device for photographic artwork, the hollowed frustum having an optionally closed end opposing an open end, and being defined by a light transmitting material, a circumference of the open end being greater that the circumference of the closable end. Photographic artwork is applied preferably to inner surfaces of the hollowed frustum, with the photographic artwork being embodied upon a light transmitting material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional sign, which may include an angularly disposed perimeter with a mirror-like surface, for reflecting light from the headlights of oncoming vehicles so as to gather light on the sign and make the symbols or letters and background stand out and become easily visable at night. An illusion is created by placing a total accentuated subject or message in a bed of scotch-like retro-reflecting background. Contrasting colors or contrasting density, such as black to white, are provided as well as a border on the figure or numerals of the sign to accentuate the message thereof. This is particularly so if the border is made at least partially of retro-reflective material. The angularly disposed mirror-like perimeter enhances the light on the sign through additional collection of light and redirecting it to the internal retroreflecting and fluorescent materials.In some situations, the reflective angular border may be eliminated and contrasting symbols, figures etc.

Abstract: A toy assembly is presented wherein board means is adapted to receive a plurality of separate light transmitting pegs. The board means generally forms the bottom wall of an enclosure in turn provided with a generally planar cover such that the pegs and other includable portions of the toy may be conveniently stored therein. The inner surface of the cover is provided with a light reflective surface that is upwardly disposed when the cover has been removed and attached to the toy so as to serve as a support for the board means. The board means is disposed at an acute angular relationship to the reflective surface such that light incidence upon said surface is reflected to those peg portions disposed in the board means. This construction eliminates the need of an included light source with the toy as well as forming of a self-contained storage and transport container.

Abstract: A candle box having a solid bottom and back and further including side panels having openings to permit insertion of a candle and to admit air and light therein. A front panel having a transparent member with designs imprinted thereon completes the enclosure. A reflective surface mounted to the back member behind the transparent member reflects a candle placed within the box as well as reflecting the design imprinted upon the transparent front member and light admitted from the sides and top. The candle, the design and reflection can all be seen.

Abstract: An overhead sign having polyhedral sections tapered vertically in opposite directions, the lower section comprising downwardly converging translucent panels having picture transparencies backlighted by concentrated light from overhead fluorescent room lights while upwardly converging decorative opaque panels overhang the upper edges of the translucent panels to minimize front lighting and perceptively brighten the pictures viewed by customers as well as minimizing shadows on the display counters below the sign.