| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090103166 | ADJUSTABLY TRANSMISSIVE MEMS-BASED DEVICES - Modulator devices are selectably adjustable between at least two states, wherein the transmission and/or reflection of particular wavelengths of light are modified. Certain modulator devices are substantially uniformly adjustable over a wide range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared wavelengths. Other modulator devices are adjustable over visible wavelengths without significantly affecting infrared wavelengths. In addition, the modulator devices may be used in conjunction with fixed thin film reflective structures. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090201301 | INTEGRATED FRONT LIGHT SOLUTION - An integrated illumination apparatus includes a light injection portion having a first end for receiving light from a light source. The light injection portion includes material that supports propagation of said light along the length of the light injection portion. Turning microstructure is disposed on a first side of the light injection. The turning microstructure is configured to turn at least a substantial portion of light incident on the first side and to direct the portion of the light out a second opposite side of the light injection portion. A slit is disposed along the length of the light injection portion. The slit forms an optical interface on the second opposite side of the light injection portion that provides total internal reflection for light propagating along the length of the light injection portion to be guided therein. The optical interface further transmits light turned by said turning microstructure. A light distribution portion is disposed with respect to the slit to receive the light turned by said turning microstructure and transmitted out of the second side of the light injection portion and through said slit. At least one bridge is disposed between light injection portion and the light distribution portion. The bridge mechanically connects the light injection portion to the light distribution portion. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090201565 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING BRIGHTNESS OF DISPLAYS USING ANGLE CONVERSION LAYERS - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to enhancing the brightness of displays that employ illumination systems. In some embodiments, the illumination systems include light guides, diffractive microstructure, and light-turning features. The diffractive microstructure may be configured to receive ambient light at a first angle and produce diffracted light at a second angle greater than the first angle and greater than the critical angle for of light guide. The light is thereby guided within the light guide. The light-turning features may be configured to turn the light guided within the light guide out of a light guide and onto, for example, a spatial light modulator at near normal incidence. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090296193 | 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. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100026727 | OPTICAL LOSS STRUCTURE INTEGRATED IN AN ILLUMINATION APPARATUS - Various embodiments of a display device described herein include an optical propagation region, at least one optical loss structure, an optical isolation layer, and a plurality of display elements. The propagation region includes a light guide in which light is guided via total internal reflection and turning features configured to redirect the light out of the propagation region. The loss structure would disrupt the total internal reflection of at least some of the light guided within the propagation region if disposed directly adjacent thereto. The optical isolation layer includes a non-gaseous material between the propagation region and the loss structure, and is configured to increase an amount of light that is totally internal reflected in the propagation region. The plurality of display elements are positioned to receive the light redirected out of the propagation region. The loss structure is positioned between the plurality of display elements and the propagation region. | 02-04-2010 |
