Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090126792 | THIN FILM SOLAR CONCENTRATOR/COLLECTOR - In various embodiments described herein, a device comprising a light guiding layer optically coupled to a photocell is described. A plurality of surface features are formed on one the surface of the light guiding layer. The surface features can comprise facets that are angled with respect to each other. Light incident on the surface of the light guide is redirected by the surface features and guided through the light guide by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards a photocell. | 05-21-2009 |
20090147332 | DECOUPLED HOLOGRAPHIC FILM AND DIFFUSER - In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include a turning film to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The display device may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display. | 06-11-2009 |
20090147535 | LIGHT ILLUMINATION OF DISPLAYS WITH FRONT LIGHT GUIDE AND COUPLING ELEMENTS - In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination apparatus that comprises a first light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide panel is edge illuminated by a light source positioned behind the array display elements. The light from such a light source is coupled to a second light guide disposed behind the array of display elements and positioned laterally with respect to the light source. The light in the second light guide is coupled into the first light guide using a small optical coupling element such as a turning mirror. In some embodiments the second light guide may comprise the backplate of the display device. | 06-11-2009 |
20090190373 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE WITH BUILT-IN LIGHT COUPLER - The invention comprises devices and methods for coupling a light source to a display illumination device. In one embodiment, an illumination device includes a light guide comprising a front surface, a back surface, a light coupling section configured to receive optical energy from a light source in to the light guide through said front surface or said back surface at an angle about normal to the optical energy receiving surface, and further configured to direct light through said light guide, and a light turning section configured to redirect out of the light guide at least a portion of the light received from said light coupling section, said redirected light at an angle about normal to the optical energy receiving surface. | 07-30-2009 |
20090199893 | THIN FILM HOLOGRAPHIC SOLAR CONCENTRATOR/COLLECTOR - In various embodiments described herein, a device comprising a light collector optically coupled to a photocell is described. The device further comprises a light turning film or layer comprising volume or surface diffractive features or holograms. Light incident on the light collector is turned by volume or surface diffractive features or holograms that are reflective or transmissive and guided through the light collector by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards a photocell. In various embodiments, the light collector is thin (e.g., less than 1 millimeter) and comprises, for example, a thin film. The light collector may be formed of a flexible material. | 08-13-2009 |
20090199900 | THIN FILM HOLOGRAPHIC SOLAR CONCENTRATOR/COLLECTOR - In various embodiments described herein, a device comprising one or more light guides that is optically coupled to one or more photocells is described. The device further comprises one or more light turning films or layers comprising volume or surface diffractive features or holograms. Light incident on the light guides is turned by volume or surface diffractive features or holograms that are reflective or transmissive and guided through the light guides by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards the photocells. In certain embodiments, solar energy is also used to power or heat a thermal generator to heat water or produce electricity from steam. Various embodiments may comprise an air gap or an optical isolation layer disposed between the multiple light guides. | 08-13-2009 |
20090231877 | THIN LIGHT BAR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise a display device comprising a plurality of spatial light modulators and an illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus comprising a light bar that guides light along a length thereof and turning microstructure disposed on top or bottom of the light bar. The turning microstructure directs the light out a side of the light bar. The illumination apparatus further comprises a light guide panel disposed with respect to the side of the light bar such that the light from the light bar is coupled to the light guide panel. The light guide panel is configured to direct the light coupled therein out of the light guide panel. The plurality of light modulators disposed with respect to the light guide panel to receive the light directed out of the light guide panel. | 09-17-2009 |
20090251752 | DISPLAY DEVICE WITH DIFFRACTIVE OPTICS - Light modulator displays may be illuminated using a light guide comprising diffractive optics that directs light onto the light modulators. The light guide may comprise, for example, a holographic light turning element that turns light propagating within the light guide onto the array of light modulators. In some embodiments, the holographic element has multiple holographic functions. For example, the holographic element may additionally collimate ambient light or diffuse light reflected form the light modulators. | 10-08-2009 |
20090255569 | METHOD TO IMPROVE PV AESTHETICS AND EFFICIENCY - Various embodiments disclosed herein comprise a photovoltaic device of improved efficiency. The photovoltaic device comprises a photovoltaic material, a reflective conductor, a total-internal-reflection surface and a microstructure. The microstructure reflects light so that some of the reflected light is incident upon the total-internal-reflection surface at an angle greater than the critical angle. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic device has a photovoltaic material, a reflective conductor, and a surface forward the conductor configured to redirect light rays directed toward the conductor such that redirected light is instead incident on the photovoltaic material. Various embodiments include a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device of improved efficiency. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-15-2009 |
20090257108 | LIGHT WITH BI-DIRECTIONAL PROPAGATION - Devices for providing illumination to a display and method for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a display device includes a reflective display and turning features for turning light propagating from opposite directions in a light guide to the reflective display. | 10-15-2009 |
20090323144 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE WITH HOLOGRAPHIC LIGHT GUIDE - An illumination device includes a holographic film and a light source, such as a point light source. The point light source is positioned at an edge of the holographic film and has a light emitting face that faces the edge of the holographic film. The holographic film includes a hologram formed of diffractive refractive index structures. The density of the diffractive refractive index structures increases with increasing distance from the light source. Light is propagated from the light source through the holographic film, such as by total internal reflection. The diffractive refractive index structures turn the light, thereby causing the light to propagate out of the holographic film in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the light propagating out of the holographic film has a high uniformity across the surface of the holographic film. | 12-31-2009 |
20100103488 | DISPLAY DEVICE WITH DIFFRACTIVE OPTICS - Light modulator displays may be illuminated using a light guide comprising diffractive optics that directs light onto an array of light modulators. A holographic light turning element may be included with the light guide to turn light propagating within the light guide onto the light modulators. In some embodiments, the holographic element is configured to distribute a substantially uniform amount of light across the array of modulators. The holographic element may, for example, have a turning efficiency that changes along the length of the holographic element. A holographic element can also be used to function as a light bar. Such a holographic element may receive light from a light source such as a light emitting diode and distribute the light along a light guide disposed in front of an array of light modulators. | 04-29-2010 |
20100141557 | LIGHT GUIDE - In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide panel may include a turning layer to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide panel comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The light guide panel may include additional films as well. The light guide panel, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical imaging characteristics of the display. | 06-10-2010 |
20100157406 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATCHING LIGHT SOURCE EMISSION TO DISPLAY ELEMENT REFLECTIVITY - Systems and methods for illuminating interferometric modulator reflective displays are disclosed. One embodiment includes a display including a plurality of interferometric modulators configured to reflect a spectrum of radiation having a reflectance response peak at one or more wavelengths. A plurality of quantum dots are configured to emit radiation having a peak wavelength substantially at said one or more wavelengths, and the display is configured such that light emitted from the quantum dots irradiates the plurality of interferometric modulators. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157615 | LUMINAIRES COMPRISING WAVEGUIDES - In certain embodiments, architectural lighting comprises a luminaire with a light source and a waveguide having forward and rearward surfaces. The waveguide can be disposed with respect to the light source such that light from the light source is input into the waveguide and guided therein. The waveguide can include a plurality of turning features that turn the light guided within the waveguide out the forward surface and one or more mounting fixtures for mounting the luminaire on an architectural structure. Some embodiments include a luminaire comprising a light source, a waveguide, turning features, and a lamp stand. Other embodiments are also described. | 06-24-2010 |
20100180946 | INCREASING THE ANGULAR RANGE OF LIGHT COLLECTION IN SOLAR COLLECTORS/CONCENTRATORS - In various embodiments described herein, a device comprises an angle turning layer disposed over a light guiding layer that is optically coupled to a photocell. A plurality of surface features is formed on one of the surfaces of the light guiding layer. The surface features can comprise facets that are angled with respect to each other. The angle turning layer can comprise diffractive features that are volume features or surface-relief features. Light incident on the angle turning layer at a first angle is turned towards the light guiding layer at a second angle and subsequently redirected at a third angle by the surface features of the light guiding layer and guided through the light guide by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards a photocell. | 07-22-2010 |
20100182308 | LIGHT BAR INCLUDING TURNING MICROSTRUCTURES AND CONTOURED BACK REFLECTOR - An illumination apparatus includes a light bar, a plurality of indentations in the light bar on a first side of the light bar, and a contoured reflective surface including a plurality of protruding surface portions, such that the surface portions reflect light transmitted through sloping sidewalls of the indentations. The light bar has a first end for receiving light from a light source. The light bar includes material that supports propagation of the light along the length of the light bar. The turning microstructure is configured to turn at least a substantial portion of the light incident on the first side and to direct the portion of light out the second opposite side of the light bar. The protrusions on the contoured reflective surface and the indentations on the light bar can have complimentary shapes and/or aligned in certain embodiments. | 07-22-2010 |
20110025727 | MICROSTRUCTURES FOR LIGHT GUIDE ILLUMINATION - Various embodiments disclose an illumination apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a light guide supporting propagation of light and having at least a portion of one of its edges comprising an array of microstructures. These microstructures may be incorporated in the input window of the light guide to control the light intensity distributed within the light guide. In certain embodiments, the directional intensity of the light entering the light guide may be modified to achieve a desired distribution across the light guide. | 02-03-2011 |
20110032214 | FRONT LIGHT BASED OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN - Systems and methods, to integrate an optical touch screen with a display device comprising a front illumination system, are disclosed. Disclosed embodiments comprise a front illumination system, a display device further comprising a plurality of light-modulating elements (e.g. interferometric modulators), a plurality of reflectors and a plurality of sensor arrays. Light from the front illumination system not directed towards the display device is reflected by the reflectors towards the sensor arrays. | 02-10-2011 |
20110169428 | EDGE BAR DESIGNS TO MITIGATE EDGE SHADOW ARTIFACT - An edge bar having features that discriminate between light propagating in one direction versus the opposite direction may be configured so as to couple light into a light guide while significantly mitigating against edge shadow artifact. | 07-14-2011 |
20110182086 | LIGHT ILLUMINATION OF DISPLAYS WITH FRONT LIGHT GUIDE AND COUPLING ELEMENTS - In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination apparatus that comprises a first light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide panel is edge illuminated by a light source positioned behind the array display elements. The light from such a light source is coupled to a second light guide disposed behind the array of display elements and positioned laterally with respect to the light source. The light in the second light guide is coupled into the first light guide using a small optical coupling element such as a turning mirror. In some embodiments the second light guide may comprise the backplate of the display device. | 07-28-2011 |
20120069031 | DECOUPLED HOLOGRAPHIC FILM AND DIFFUSER - In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include a turning film to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The display device may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display. | 03-22-2012 |
20120106200 | MANIFOLD FOR COLLIMATING LIGHT - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus to collimate light. In one aspect, a manifold to collimate light can be used to illuminate a display or project an image. The manifold can be formed of optically transmissive material and can have a backside for receiving light from a light source and a front wall, opposite the backside, for outputting collimated light. The front wall can include a plurality of lens. The upper and bottom walls of the manifold can extend along a curve from the backside to the front wall. The manifold can be hollowed, with an internal cavity that opens to the backside. The manifold can be configured to collimate light propagating in directions extending out of a plane, while light propagating from the light source in directions within the plane is not collimated or is less collimated. | 05-03-2012 |
20120120080 | LIGHT GUIDE WITH DIFFUSIVE LIGHT INPUT INTERFACE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide has a surface, such as an edge, into which light is injected. The surface is treated to create a diffusive interface with a light source. For example, the surface may be subjected to abrasion to form a frosted surface that acts as the diffusive interface, or a diffusive structure may be attached to the edge, with the attached diffusive structure functioning as the diffusive interface. The diffusive interface diffuses light entering into the light guide, and can thereby increase the uniformity of light propagating within the light guide. The light guide may be provided with light turning features that redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120467 | HYBRID LIGHT GUIDE WITH FACETED AND HOLOGRAPHIC LIGHT TURNING FEATURES - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus to illuminate displays. In one aspect, an illumination device with a light guide can include both faceted and holographic light turning features. The holographic light turning features can be provided between the facets. The facets can eject light out of the light guide. The holographic light turning features also can eject light out of the light guide, or can collimate the light so that it propagates more nearly parallel to the major surfaces of the light guide, or both eject and collimate light. The ejected light can be used to illuminate a display. | 05-17-2012 |
20120154881 | HOLOGRAPHIC BRIGHTNESS ENHANCEMENT FILM - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including a display device that includes an overlying holographic film. In one aspect, the holographic film includes a hologram that is configured to turn light incident on the film. The light is turned towards the display device at desired angles. The display can be formed of interferometric modulators and the turned light can be reflected off the display, and towards a viewer, to form an image. For light that is incident on the film at angles outside of a view cone, the holographic film is provided with holographic light turning features that turn this light so that it is reflected off the display at angles within a view cone of the display. | 06-21-2012 |
20120327288 | IMAGING METHOD AND SYSTEM WITH ANGLE-DISCRIMINATION LAYER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for an imaging system that includes a light guide having light-turning features that are configured to receive ambient light incident on the light guide, including light scattered from a scene to be imaged, and to direct the received ambient light towards an image sensor. The light-turning features may have angle-discriminating properties so that some light-turning features capture light incident upon the light guide at certain angles of incidence, but not others. Light scattered from multiple parts of a scene to be imaged may then be directed to correlated locations on an image sensor, which provides electronic data representing an image. | 12-27-2012 |
20130082980 | OPTICAL TOUCH DEVICE WITH PIXILATED LIGHT-TURNING FEATURES - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a touch screens configured to determine a position of a touch event by selectively redirecting light to correlated locations on a light sensor. In one aspect, the touch screen apparatus can include a light guide forming a touch interface, a light source for injecting light into the light guide, a light sensor for detecting the injected light, and a pixilated light-turning layer. The pixilated light-turning layer can include a plurality of light-turning features forming pixels. The pixels can receive incident light corresponding to the emitted light scattered by an object contacting the light guide. The pixels can redirect the incident scattered light towards the light sensor such that light selectively propagates to one or more correlated light receiving locations. A processor can map the light receiving location to an area contacted by the object, thereby determining a position of a touch event. | 04-04-2013 |
20130106918 | MULTILAYER LIGHT GUIDE ASSEMBLY | 05-02-2013 |
20130114294 | FRONT LIGHT DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF - A illumination device comprises a light guide having a first end for receiving light and configured to support propagation of light along the length of the light guide. A turning microstructure is disposed on a first side of the light guide configured to turn light incident on the first side and to direct the light out a second opposite side of the light guide, wherein the turning microstructure comprises a plurality of indentations. A cover is physically coupled to the light guide and disposed over the turning microstructure. An interlayer is between the cover and the light guide, wherein the interlayer physically couples the cover to the light guide. A plurality of open regions is between the interlayer and the plurality of indentations. Various embodiments include methods of coupling the cover to the light guide while preserving open regions between the cover and plurality of indentations. | 05-09-2013 |
20130135188 | GESTURE-RESPONSIVE USER INTERFACE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing a gesture-responsive user interface for an electronic device. In one aspect, an apparatus or electronic device has an interactive display that provides an input/output (I/O) interface to a user of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor, a light emitting source and at least two light sensors. A secondary optical lens structures emitted light from the light emitting source into at least one lobe. Each light sensor outputs, to the processor, a signal representative of a characteristic of received light, where the received light results from scattering of the structured emitted light by an object. The processor effectuates the I/O interface by recognizing, from the output of the light sensors, an instance of a user gesture, and to control the interactive display and/or the apparatus in response to the user gesture. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135189 | GESTURE-RESPONSIVE USER INTERFACE FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING A COLOR CODED 3D SPACE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for three dimensional position determination of an object. In one aspect, a first electromagnetic (EM) radiation and a second EM radiation is emitted, toward a position-sensing volume, the first and second EM radiation each having a respective, different, wavelength. Scattered radiation, resulting from interaction of the emitted first and second EM radiation with an object located in the position-sensing volume, is detected. Characteristics of the detected scattered radiation have a correlation with a position of the object in the position-sensing volume. A three dimensional position of the object is determined, from the correlation. The position-sensing volume may be proximate to, and extend above, an external surface of a display screen. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135219 | Touchscreen Having A Color Coded 2-D Space - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for two dimensional position determination of an object. In one aspect, a first electromagnetic (EM) radiation and a second EM radiation is emitted, along a plane, toward a position-sensing region, the first and second EM radiation each having a respective, different, wavelength. Scattered radiation, resulting from interaction of the emitted first and second EM radiation with an object located in the position-sensing region, is detected. Characteristics of the detected scattered radiation have a correlation with a position of the object in the position-sensing region. A two dimensional position of the object is determined, from the correlation. The position-sensing region may be co-planar with, and/or disposed proximate and parallel to an external surface of a display screen. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135358 | LIGHT COLLIMATING MANIFOLD FOR PRODUCING MULTIPLE VIRTUAL LIGHT SOURCES - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus to produce a plurality of virtual light sources and at least partially collimate light. In one aspect, a manifold to collimate light can produce a plurality of virtual light sources used to inject light into a light guide for illuminating a display. The manifold can be formed of optically transmissive material and can have a backside for receiving light from a light source and a front wall, opposite the backside, for outputting light. The front wall can include first and second output portions separated by a non-light emitting area, each of the output portions providing a separate virtual light source. The upper, bottom, and side walls of the manifold can extend along a curve from the backside to the front wall and can be configured to collimate light propagating in directions extending out of the plane of the light guide. | 05-30-2013 |
20130220399 | HYBRID WEDGE SHAPED/MICROSTRUCTURED LIGHT COLLECTOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a hybrid wedge shaped/microstructured light collector that is optically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, the hybrid wedge shaped/microstructured light collector includes a wedge shaped light guide having an inclined light receiving surface that can collect light incident at angles in the range from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to a normal to the inclined light receiving surface. Additionally, the hybrid wedge shaped/microstructured light collector includes a microstructured light collector that can collect light incident at angles in the range from about 0 degrees to about 60 degrees with respect to a normal to the inclined light receiving surface. | 08-29-2013 |
20130314312 | FULL RANGE GESTURE SYSTEM - This disclosure relates to an interactive display, having a front surface including a viewing area, and providing an input/output interface for a user of an electronic device. A planar light guide (PLG) disposed substantially parallel to the front surface, has a periphery at least coextensive with the viewing area. A light-emitting source (LES), disposed outside the periphery of the PLG, is optically coupled with a PLG input. The PLG outputs reflected light, in a direction substantially orthogonal to the front surface, by reflecting light received from the LES. A light collecting device (LCD) collects scattered light that results from interaction of the reflected light with a user-controlled object. The LCD redirects the collected scattered light toward one or more light sensors. A processor recognizes, from outputs of the light sensors, an instance of a user gesture, and controls the interactive display and/or electronic device, responsive to the user gesture. | 11-28-2013 |
20130319504 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATING WINDOW - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a light collector having a plurality of micro-lens and a plurality of multi-cone light redirecting structure that is optically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, the plurality of micro-lens is provided in an organic glass panel that is attached to an inorganic glass substrate. The inorganic glass substrate includes a material that is substantially opaque to radiation in the ultraviolet spectral range. During use, the light collector is disposed such that the inorganic glass substrate is exposed to the exterior to prevent a portion of the ultraviolet radiation incident on the light collector from being transmitted to the organic glass panel. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319505 | PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATING WINDOW - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including a light collector having a plurality of micro-lens and a plurality of multi-cone light redirecting structure that is optically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, the light collector includes a micro-lens array having a plurality of micro-lens that focus incident light onto a light guide including a plurality of multi-cone light redirecting structure. Each of the plurality of multi-cone light redirecting structure is configured to divert the focused light towards one or more photovoltaic cells disposed along the edge of the light guide. Each multi-cone light redirecting structure includes a central cone shaped structure surrounded by several secondary cone-shaped structures. | 12-05-2013 |
20140035836 | CHANNEL WAVEGUIDE SYSTEM FOR SENSING TOUCH AND/OR GESTURE - This disclosure relates to a channel waveguide, at least a portion of which is disposed within a viewing area of an interactive display, proximate to and substantially parallel to a user interface surface of the interactive display. A source of a first electromagnetic or acoustic signal is input to the channel waveguide. At least one detector is configured to receive, from the channel waveguide, a second signal corresponding to the first signal and to output a third signal indicative of a position of an object proximate to the channel waveguide. | 02-06-2014 |
20140146088 | PATTERNED ILLUMINATION SCANNING DISPLAY - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing a compact, low-sensor count scanning display that is capable of both displaying graphical content and of capturing images of objects placed on or above the scanning display. Various implementations are discussed, including raster scan, line scan, and compressive sampling version. | 05-29-2014 |
20140198363 | METHOD FOR GENERATING A POINT LIGHT SOURCE IN A PLANE AT AN ARBITRARY LOCATION USING A DYNAMIC HOLOGRAM - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for providing a display device. In one aspect, the display device may include a light source system, a programmable hologram system, a light-turning layer and a control system. A control system may control the programmable hologram system to generate a sequence of holographic images of point light sources. The control system may control the programmable hologram system according to software stored in a non-transitory medium. By scanning a sequence of holographic images of point light sources across the light-turning layer, a frame of image data can be reproduced on the display device. | 07-17-2014 |
20140218284 | INTEGRATED FRONT LIGHT SOLUTION - An integrated illumination apparatus includes a light injection portion having a first end for receiving light. The light injection portion supports propagation of light along the length of the light injection portion. Turning microstructure disposed on a first side of the light injection portion is configured to turn light incident on the first side and to direct light out a second opposite side of the light injection portion. A slit disposed along the length of the light injection portion forms an optical interface on the second opposite side of the light injection portion. The optical interface further transmits light turned by the turning microstructure. A light distribution portion is disposed with respect to the slit to receive the light transmitted through the slit. At least one bridge mechanically connects the light injection portion to the light distribution portion. | 08-07-2014 |
20140264034 | NEAR-FIELD OPTICAL SENSING SYSTEM - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for sensing touch and/or gestures in the near-field area overlying a light-guiding layer within a device or other optical sensing system. In one aspect, modulated infrared light is emitted into the overlying area, and the light reflected by objects within the overlying area is redirected through the light-guiding layer to infrared sensors. In one aspect, a masking structure can be located between the light-guiding layer and the infrared sensors. In some aspects, probability mapping or backtracing can be used to estimate the locations of objects within the overlying area. | 09-18-2014 |
20150083917 | INFRARED LIGHT DIRECTOR FOR GESTURE OR SCENE SENSING FSC DISPLAY - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for touch and gesture recognition, using a field sequential color display. The display includes a processor, a lighting system, and an arrangement for spatial light modulation that includes a number of apertures, and devices for opening and shutting the apertures. A light directing arrangement includes at least one light turning feature. The display lighting system is configured to emit visible light and infrared (IR) light through at least a first opened one of the plurality of apertures. The light turning feature is configured to redirect IR light emitted through the opened aperture into at least one lobe, and to pass visible light emitted by the display lighting system through the opened aperture with substantially no redirection. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084927 | INTEGRATION OF A LIGHT COLLECTION LIGHT-GUIDE WITH A FIELD SEQUENTIAL COLOR DISPLAY - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for touch and gesture recognition, using a field sequential color display. The display includes a processor, a lighting system, and an arrangement for spatial light modulation that includes an array of light modulators. Each light modulator is switchable between an open position that permits transmittance of light from the lighting system through a respective aperture and a shut position that blocks light transmission through the respective aperture. The processor switches the light modulators in accordance with a first modulation scheme to render an image and in accordance with a second modulation scheme to selectively pass object illuminating light through at least one of the respective apertures. A light sensor receives light resulting from interaction of the object illuminating with an object and outputs a signal to the processor. The processor recognizes, from the output of the light sensor, a characteristic of the object. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084928 | TOUCH-ENABLED FIELD SEQUENTIAL COLOR DISPLAY USING IN-CELL LIGHT SENSORS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for touch and gesture recognition, using a field sequential color display. The display includes a processor, a lighting system, and an arrangement for spatial light modulation that includes an array of light modulators. Each light modulator is switchable between an open position that permits transmittance of light from the lighting system through a respective aperture and a shut position that blocks light transmission through the respective aperture. The processor switches the light modulators in accordance with a first modulation scheme to render an image and in accordance with a second modulation scheme to selectively pass object illuminating light through at least one of the respective apertures. A light sensor receives light resulting from interaction of the object illuminating with an object and outputs a signal to the processor. The processor recognizes, from the output of the light sensor, a characteristic of the object. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084994 | TOUCH-ENABLED FIELD-SEQUENTIAL COLOR (FSC) DISPLAY USING A LIGHT GUIDE WITH LIGHT TURNING FEATURES - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for touch and gesture recognition, using a field sequential color display. The display includes a processor, a lighting system, and an arrangement for spatial light modulation that includes an array of light modulators. Each light modulator is switchable between an open position that permits transmittance of light from the lighting system through a respective aperture and a shut position that blocks light transmission through the respective aperture. The processor switches the light modulators in accordance with a first modulation scheme to render an image and in accordance with a second modulation scheme to selectively pass object illuminating light through at least one of the respective apertures. A light sensor receives light resulting from interaction of the object illuminating with an object and outputs a signal to the processor. The processor recognizes, from the output of the light sensor, a characteristic of the object. | 03-26-2015 |