US5618096A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Light emitting panel assemblies
Assignee: LEE MANG-SHIANG
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Filing: 1995-11-20
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Granted: 1997-04-08
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Expires: 2015-11-20
Abstract
Abstract Light emitting panel assemblies include light emitting panel members and one or more light sources positioned/embedded in a light transition area, which increases the efficiency of light entering the panel members along the light input area to be emitted from one or more light emitting surfaces along the length of the panel members. Light may be reflected or refracted by a surface which changes the path of a portion of light such that it enters the input area of the panel member at a more acceptable angle. A uniform light output distribution may be produced by utilizing a pattern of light extracting deformities.
Inventors
- 👤 Jeffery R. Parker
- 👤 Mark D. Miller
- 👤 Daniel N. Kelsch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 22:14
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0013; G02B6/0015; G02B6/002; G02B6/0021; G02B6/0018; G02B6/0033; G02B6/0035; G02B6/0036; G02B6/0038; G02B6/0066; G02B6/0068; A; A61; A61B; A61B90/00; A61B90/30; A61B2090/309; G02B6/0023; G02B6/0028; G02B6/0031; G02B6/004; G02B6/0043; H; H01; H01H; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/054; H01H2219/062; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/07; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of planar illumination comprising the steps of: generating light via a light source; directing generated light, defined by a directional component in each of first and second relatively unique axes of a cross-sectional area of an optical conductor, generally perpendicularly to the cross-sectional area such that a component of generated light along the first axis is distributed to a greater extent therealong than a component of generated light along the second axis; receiving generated light into a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls, the light being received at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and communicating received light through the optical conductor to a preselected pattern of irregularities associated with the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted outward therefrom.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of planar illumination comprising the steps of: generating light via a light source; directing generated light, defined by a directional component in each of first and second relatively unique axes of a cross-sectional area of an optical conductor, generally perpendicularly to the cross-sectional area such that a component of generated light along the first axis is distributed to a greater extent therealong than a component of generated light along the second axis; receiving generated light into a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls, the light being received at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and communicating received light through the optical conductor to a preselected pattern of irregularities associated with the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted outward therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of directing light generated by the light source to a transition area between a first refractive index of an optically conductive medium disposed between the light source and the optical conductor having a second refractive index distinct from the first.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of concentrating light of the light source prior to the step of directing light to the transition area.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of communicating light emanating from the irregularities to an associated display secured to the optical conductor so as to illuminate indicia disposed on the associated display.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of communicating received light includes the step of communicating the received light through the optical conductor inclusive of a dye disposed therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of communicating received light includes the step of communicating the received light through the optical conductor inclusive of a dispersion material disposed therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the step of communicating received light includes the step of communicating the received light through the optical conductor inclusive of a plurality of generally translucent subareas disposed therein.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of planar illumination comprising the steps of: directing light from a light source into an optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; directing light from the light source, defined by a directional component in each of a first and second mutually distinct axis of a generally planar cross-section of the optical conductor, generally perpendicular to light emanating from the light source; directing a component of light from the light source along the second axis to a greater extent than a component of light directed along the first axis; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated along the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted outward therefrom.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
127 words
A method of planar illumination comprising the steps of: directing light from a light source into an optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; directing light from the light source, defined by a directional component in each of a first and second mutually distinct axis of a generally planar cross-section of the optical conductor, generally perpendicular to light emanating from the light source; directing a component of light from the light source along the second axis to a greater extent than a component of light directed along the first axis; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated along the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted outward therefrom.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of planar illumination comprising the steps of: generating light via a light source; selectively directing generated light, defined as having a directional component in each of first and second axes of a generally planar cross-section of a generally planar optical conductor, such that a second component of generated light is distributed along the second selected axis generally to a greater extent than a first component distributed along the first axis; receiving generated light that has been selectively generated along the selected axis into a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls, the light being received at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and communicating received light through the optical conductor to a preselected pattern of irregularities associated therewith.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
143 words
A method of planar illumination comprising the steps of: generating light via a light source; selectively directing generated light, defined as having a directional component in each of first and second axes of a generally planar cross-section of a generally planar optical conductor, such that a second component of generated light is distributed along the second selected axis generally to a greater extent than a first component distributed along the first axis; receiving generated light that has been selectively generated along the selected axis into a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls, the light being received at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and communicating received light through the optical conductor to a preselected pattern of irregularities associated therewith.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of directing light generated by the light source a transition area between a first refractive index of an optically conductive medium disposed between the light source and the optical conductor having a second refractive index distinct from the first so as to accomplish the step of selectively spreading generated light along a selected axis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of communicating light reflected from the irregularities to an associated display secured to the optical conductor so as to illuminate indicia disposed on the associated display.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the step of communicating received light includes the step of communicating the received light through the optical conductor inclusive of a dye disposed therein.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
136 words
A planar illumination system comprising: a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls and defining first and second mutually distinct axes of a cross-sectional area thereof generally perpendicular to a direction of light propagation; directing means for directing light defined by a directional component in each of the first and second axes so as to be distributed over a greater extent along the first axis relative to light distribution along the second axis; receiving means for receiving directed light from the directing means into the optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated with the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted outward therefrom.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
136 words
A planar illumination system comprising: a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls and defining first and second mutually distinct axes of a cross-sectional area thereof generally perpendicular to a direction of light propagation; directing means for directing light defined by a directional component in each of the first and second axes so as to be distributed over a greater extent along the first axis relative to light distribution along the second axis; receiving means for receiving directed light from the directing means into the optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated with the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted outward therefrom.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 wherein the preselected pattern of light scattering irregularities includes a dye interspersed within the optical conductor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 wherein the preselected pattern of light scattering irregularities includes a dispersion material disposed within the optical conductor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 wherein the preselected pattern of light scattering irregularities includes a plurality of generally opaque subareas.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 wherein the preselected pattern of light scattering irregularities includes a plurality of generally translucent subareas.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 further comprising: a light source adapted to generate light to the directing means; and wherein at least one of the directing means and the receiving means is comprised of a light reflector.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 wherein the at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls are curved.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
65 words
The planar illumination system of claim 13 further comprising: a light source adapted to generate light to the directing means; and wherein at least one of the directing means and the receiving means includes a transition area between a first refractive index of an optically conductive medium disposed between the light source and the optical conductor having a second refractive index distinct from the first.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The planar illumination system of claim 20 further comprising means adapted for securing an associated display to the optical conductor so as to illuminate indicia disposed on the associated display via light emanating from the preselected pattern.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
163 words
A planar illumination system comprising: a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls; a light source; directing means for directing light from the light source into the optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection, the directing means including, means for directing light, defined by a directional component in each of first and second mutually distinct axes of a generally planar cross-section of the optical conductor, from the light source to the generally planar cross-sectional area generally perpendicular to a direction of propagation of light from the light source, and means for directing light from the light source such that light thereof is distributed along the second axis to a greater extent than a distribution of light along the first axis; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated along the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted therefrom.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
163 words
A planar illumination system comprising: a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls; a light source; directing means for directing light from the light source into the optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection, the directing means including, means for directing light, defined by a directional component in each of first and second mutually distinct axes of a generally planar cross-section of the optical conductor, from the light source to the generally planar cross-sectional area generally perpendicular to a direction of propagation of light from the light source, and means for directing light from the light source such that light thereof is distributed along the second axis to a greater extent than a distribution of light along the first axis; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated along the optical conductor to cause light to be emitted therefrom.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
45 words
The planar illumination system of claim 22 wherein the direction means is formed by a transition area between a first refractive index of an optically conductive medium disposed between the light source and the optical conductor having a second refractive index distinct from the first.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
160 words
An illumination system comprising: a light source; a semi-transparent visual display having an indicia set of at least one of text or character indica disposed thereon; a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls; directing means for directing light, defined by a directional component in each of first and second mutually distinct axes of a generally planar cross-section of the optical conductor, such that a light component is distributed along the second axis to a greater extent than a light component distributed along the first axis; receiving means for receiving directed light from the directing means into the optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated the optical conductor and ordered to correspond with the indica set such that the indicia is illuminated from light emitted from the irregularities.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
160 words
An illumination system comprising: a light source; a semi-transparent visual display having an indicia set of at least one of text or character indica disposed thereon; a generally planar optical conductor having at least one pair of generally parallel, opposed walls; directing means for directing light, defined by a directional component in each of first and second mutually distinct axes of a generally planar cross-section of the optical conductor, such that a light component is distributed along the second axis to a greater extent than a light component distributed along the first axis; receiving means for receiving directed light from the directing means into the optical conductor at an angle relative to the opposed walls such that a significant portion thereof is reflected between the opposed walls via internal reflection; and a preselected pattern of irregularities associated the optical conductor and ordered to correspond with the indica set such that the indicia is illuminated from light emitted from the irregularities.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The illumination system of claim 24 wherein the indicia set is comprised of a flat-panel video display terminal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The illumination system of claim 25 wherein the indicia set is comprised of an instrument panel display.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-04-07 | 2000-10-07 | 2001-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-04-07 | 2004-10-07 | 2005-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-04-07 | 2008-10-07 | 2009-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |