Abstract:
A multi-segmented light guide for keypad and display apparatus has been disclosed. The light guide film may comprise a plurality of light segments configured to transmit light independently. The boundaries of the light segments may be defined by a plurality of micro-optic structures. The micro-optic structures may have a height at least half the thickness of the light guide.
Abstract:
A keypad assembly having a light guide sheet having a first surface with a layer of graphics printed thereon, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an edge surface; and a flexible sheet having a central portion engaged with the light guide sheet second surface and having a peripheral portion positioned in light blocking relationship with the light guide sheet edge surface.
Abstract:
A keypad illumination apparatus having a key plate member, a flexible light guide film, a reflective layer, a plurality of metal domes, a light source and a substrate. The key plate member may have a plurality of keys formed thereon. The flexible light guide film is configured to transmit light from the light source and has a plurality of plunging structures and apertures to accommodate the plurality of metal domes, which may be configured to actuate a plurality of electrical switches on the substrate.
Abstract:
Backlighting methods and apparatuses to backlight a device. The backlighting apparatus includes a flexible light guide, a light source, and a housing. The light source is disposed adjacent to a transmission interface of the flexible light guide to illuminate the flexible light guide. The housing at least partially encloses the flexible light guide and the light source. A surface area of the flexible light guide is visible through the housing. By using a flexible light guide to backlight the device, the size of the device is reduced compared to conventional devices. Alternatively, the device may accommodate additional components. Other advantages also may be achieved.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent, overlapping light-guide plates formed of substantially transparent material, and a plurality of light sources. Each of the light-guide plates has i) first and second ends, ii) one or more substantially transparent surfaces through which light is emitted, and iii) one or more reflective surfaces to redirect light within the light-guide plate. Where first and second light-guide plates are adjacent, the first end of the first light-guide plate A) underhangs the second end of the second light-guide plate, and B) is positioned opposite a primary light-emitting side of the apparatus. The plurality of light sources are optically coupled to the first ends of the light-guide plates so as to illuminate the interiors of the light-guide plates.
Abstract:
An input device and display apparatus with multi-light segments has been disclosed. The input device may comprise a rigid light guide layer having alignment structures that define the rigid light guide layer into multiple light segments, a plurality of first layer flexible light guide films and a plurality of second layer flexible light guide films. The alignment structures may be formed together when making the rigid light guide layer in an injection molding process. By coupling multiple light sources into each of the light guides, the display may be configured to display multiple color and multiple symbols, independently. In another embodiment, the light guide may be utilized in a display apparatus without a LCD.
Abstract:
An input device and display apparatus with multi-light segments has been disclosed. The input device may comprise a rigid light guide layer having alignment structures that define the rigid light guide layer into multiple light segments, a plurality of first layer flexible light guide films and a plurality of second layer flexible light guide films. The alignment structures may be formed together when making the rigid light guide layer in an injection molding process. By coupling multiple light sources into each of the light guides, the display may be configured to display multiple color and multiple symbols, independently. In another embodiment, the light guide may be utilized in a display apparatus without a LCD.
Abstract:
A light guide display includes a printed overlay layer, a first light guide layer, and a second light guide layer. The printed overlay layer includes an input region with a symbol that is at least partially translucent. The first light guide layer is disposed on a back side of the printed overlay layer to illuminate the symbol of the printed overlay layer in response to illumination of the first light guide layer. The second light guide layer is disposed on a front side of the printed overlay layer, opposite the first light guide layer. The second light guide layer includes a separate symbol that is distinct from the symbol of the printed overlay layer. The second light guide layer illuminates the separate symbol of the second light guide layer in response to illumination of the second light guide layer.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, apparatus is provided with a light source, an optic element, at least one photosensor, and a control system. The optic element has a reflective material on a surface thereof, and is positioned to receive and reflect light emitted by the light source. The at least one photosensor is mounted to the surface of the optic element on which the reflective material resides, over a portion of the optic element on which the reflective material does not reside. The control system is operably associated with both the photosensor(s) and the light source, to regulate the light source's light output in accordance with measurements received from the photosensor(s).
Abstract:
A light source and method for controlling the same. The light source includes a first component light source that includes N LEDs, a photo-detector, and a collector, where N>1. Each LED has a light emitting chip in a package. The light emitting chip emits light in a forward direction and light in a side direction. The light generated in the forward direction is determined by a drive signal coupled to that LED. A portion of the light in the side direction leaves the package. The collector is positioned such that a portion of the light in the side direction that leaves the package of each of the LEDs is directed onto the photo-detector. The photo-detector generates N intensity signals, each intensity signal having an amplitude related to the intensity of the light emitted in the side direction by a corresponding one of the LEDs.