DELAWARE DISPLAY GROUP LLC’s
`EXHIBIT 2002
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`LG (cid:39)(cid:44)(cid:54)(cid:51)(cid:47)(cid:36)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:50)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:55)(cid:39)(cid:17)(cid:3)
`Petitioner
`
`v.
`
`DELAWARE DISPLAY GROUP LLC
`Patent Owner
`
`Case IPR2015-00(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:25)
`U.S. Patent No. 7,(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:22)
`
`
`EXHIBIT 2002
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`LG (cid:39)(cid:44)(cid:54)(cid:51)(cid:47)(cid:36)(cid:60)(cid:3)(cid:38)(cid:50)(cid:17)(cid:15)(cid:3)(cid:47)(cid:55)(cid:39)(cid:17)(cid:3)
`Petitioner
`
`v.
`
`DELAWARE DISPLAY GROUP LLC
`Patent Owner
`
`Case IPR2015-00(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:25)
`U.S. Patent No. 7,(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:28)(cid:26)(cid:22)
`
`
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`4
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`'
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`EXPRESS MAIL NO. EH202554365US
`MAIIED JUNt
`7, 1995
`061 2 I oo
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`-/.
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`LIGHT EMITTING PA
`NEL ASSEbLTA
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`_ E 4951S
`/4
`', S
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`.. r
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates generally, as indicated, to
`light emitting panel assemblies each including a
`transparent panel member for efficiently conducting
`light, and controlling the light conducted by the panel
`member to be emitted from one or more light output areas
`along the length thereof.
`Light emitting panel assemblies are generally known.
`However, the present invention relates to several
`different light emitting panel assembly configurations
`which provide for better control of the light output from
`the panel assemblies and for more efficient utilization
`of light, which-results in greater light output from the
`panel assemblies.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
`light emitting panel assemblies include a light emitting
`panel member having a light transition area in which at
`least one light source is suitably mounted for
`transmission of light to the light input surface of the
`panel member.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`the light source is desirably embedded, potted or bonded
`to the light transition area to eliminate any air gaps,
`decrease surface reflections and/or eliminate any lens
`effect between the light source and light transition
`area, thereby reducing light loss and increasing the
`light output from the panel assembly.
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`the panel assemblies may include reflective or refractive
`surfaces for changing the path of a portion of the light,
`emitted from the light source, that would not normally
`enter the panel members at an acceptable angle that
`allows the light to remain in the panel members for a
`longer period of time and/or increase the efficiency of
`the panel members.
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`In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`the light emitting panel members include a pattern of
`light extracting deformities or disruptions which provide
`a desired light output distribution from the panel
`members by changing the angle of refraction of a portion
`of the light from one or more light output areas of the
`panel members.
`In accordance with still another aspect of the
`invention, the light source may include multiple colored
`light sources for supplying light to one or more light
`output areas, and for providing a colored or white light
`output distribution.
`In accordance with yet another aspect of the.
`invention, the panel assemblies include a transition area
`for mixing the multiple colored lights, prior to the
`light entering the panel members, in order to effect a
`desired colored or white light output distribution.
`The various light emitting panel assemblies of the
`present invention are very efficient panel assemblies
`that may be used to produce increased uniformity and
`higher light output from the panel members with lower
`power requirements, and allow the panel members to be
`made thinner and/or longer, and/or of various shapes and
`sizes.
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related
`ends, the invention then comprises the features
`hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out
`in the claims, the following description and the annexed
`drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative
`embodiments of the invention, these being indicative,
`however, of but several of the various ways in which the
`principles of the invention may be employed.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`In the annexed drawings:
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`Figs. 1 through 3 are schematic perspective views of
`three different forms of light emitting panel assemblies
`in accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 4a is an enlarged plan view of a portion of a
`light output area of a panel assembly showing one form of
`pattern of light extracting deformities on the light
`output area;
`Figs. 4b, c and d are enlarged schematic perspective
`views of a portion of a light output area of a panel
`assembly showing other forms of light extracting
`deformities formed in or on the light output area;
`Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse section through the
`light emitting panel assembly of Fig. 3 taken generally
`on the plane of the line 5-5 thereof;
`Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of another
`form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with
`this invention;
`Fig. 7 is a schematic top plan view of another form
`of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this
`invention;
`Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another
`form of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with
`this invention;
`Fig. 9 is a schematic top plan view of another form
`of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this
`invention;
`Fig. 10 is a schematic top plan view of still
`another form of light emitting panel assembly in
`accordance with this invention;
`Fig. 11 is a side elevation view of the light
`emitting panel assembly of Fig. 10;
`Fig. 11a is a fragmentary side elevation view
`showing a tapered or rounded end on the panel member in
`place of the prismatic surface shown in Figs. 10 and 11;
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`Fig. 12 is a schematic top plan view of another form
`of light emitting panel assembly in accordance with this
`invention;
`Fig. 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the
`light emitting panel assembly of Fig. 12; and
`Figs. 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views of
`still other forms of light emitting panel assemblies in
`accordance with this invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`Referring now in detail to the drawings, and
`initially to Fig. 1, there is schematically shown one
`form of light emitting panel assembly 1 in accordance
`with this invention including a transparent light
`emitting panel 2 and one or more light sources 3 which
`emit light in a predetermined pattern in a light
`transition member or area 4 used to make the transition
`from the light source 3 to the light emitting panel 2, as
`well known in the art. The light that is transmitted by
`the light transition area 4 to the transparent light
`emitting panel 2 may be emitted along the entire length
`of the panel or from one or more light output areas along
`the length of the panel as desired to produce a desired
`light output distribution to fit a particular
`application.
`In Fig. 1 the light transition area 4 is shown as an
`integral extension of one end of the light emitting panel
`2 and as being generally rectangular in shape. However,
`the light transition area may be of other shapes suitable
`for embedding, potting, bonding or otherwise mounting the
`light source. Also, reflective or refractive surfaces
`may be provided to increase efficiency. Moreover, the
`light transition area 4 may be a separate piece suitably
`attached to the light input surface 13 of the panel
`member if desired. Also, the sides of the light
`transition area may be curved to more efficiently reflect
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`or refract a portion of the light emitted from the light
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`source through the light emitting panel at an acceptable
`angle.
`Fig. 2 shows another form of light emitting panel
`assembly 5 in accordance with this invention including a
`panel light transition area 6 at one end of the light
`emitting panel 7 with sides 8, 9 around and behind the
`light source 3 shaped to more efficiently reflect and/or
`refract and focus the light emitted from the light source
`3 that impinges on these surfaces back through the light
`transition area 6 at an acceptable angle for entering the
`light input surface 18 at one end of the light emitting
`panel 7. Also, a suitable reflective material or coating
`10 may be provided on the portions of the sides of the
`light transition areas of the panel assemblies of Figs. 1
`and 2 on which a portion of the light impinges for
`maximizing the amount of light or otherwise changing the
`light that is reflected back through the light transition
`areas and into the light emitting panels.
`The panel assemblies shown in Figs. 1 and 2 include
`a single light source 3, whereas Fig. 3 shows another
`light emitting panel assembly 11 in accordance with this
`invention including two light sources 3. Of course, it
`will be appreciated that the panel assemblies of the
`present invention may be provided with any number of
`light sources as desired, depending on the particular
`application.
`The panel assembly 11 of Fig. 3 includes a light
`transition area 12 at one end of the light emitting panel
`14 having reflective and/or refractive surfaces 15 around
`and behind each light source 3. These surfaces 15 may be
`appropriately shaped including for example curved,
`straight and/or faceted surfaces, and if desired,
`suitable reflective materials or coatings may be provided
`on portions of these surfaces to more efficiently reflect
`and/or refract and focus a portion of the light emitted
`for example from an incandescent light source which emits
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`light in a 360' pattern through the light transition
`areas 12 into the light input surface 19 of the light
`emitting panel 14.
`The light sources 3 may be mechanically held in any
`suitable manner in slots, cavities or openings 16
`machined, molded or otherwise formed in the light
`transition areas of the panel assemblies. However,
`preferably the light sources 3 are embedded, potted or
`bonded in the light transition areas in order to
`eliminate any air gaps or air interface surfaces between
`the light sources and surrounding light transition areas,
`thereby reducing light loss and increasing the light
`output emitted by the light emitting panels. Such
`mounting of the light sources may be accomplished, for
`example, by bonding the light sources 3 in the slots,
`cavities or openings 16 in the light transition areas
`using a sufficient quantity of a suitable embedding,
`potting or bonding material 17. The slots, cavities or
`openings 16 may be on the top, bottom, sides or back of
`the light transition areas. Bonding can also be
`accomplished by a variety of methods that do not
`incorporate extra material, for example, thermal bonding,
`heat staking, ultrasonic or plastic welding or the like.
`Other methods of bonding include insert molding and
`casting around the light source(s).
`A transparent light emitting material of any
`suitable type, for example acrylic or polycarbonate, may
`be used for the light emitting panels. Also, the panels
`may be substantially flat, or curved, may be a single
`layer or multi-layers, and may have different thicknesses
`and shapes. Moreover, the panels may be flexible, or
`rigid, and may be made out of a variety of compounds.
`Further, the panels may be hollow, filled with liquid,
`air, or be solid, and may have holes or ridges in the
`panels.
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`Each light source 3 may also be of any suitable type
`including, for example, any of the types disclosed in
`U.S. Patent Nos. 4,897,771 and 5,005,108, assigned to the
`same assignee as the present application, the entire
`disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
`reference. In particular, the light sources 3 may be an
`arc lamp, an incandescent bulb which also may be colored,
`filtered or painted, a lens end bulb, a line light, a
`halogen lamp, a light emitting diode (LED), a chip from
`an LED, a neon bulb, a fluorescent tube, a fiber optic
`light pipe transmitting from a remote source, a laser or
`laser diode, or any other suitable light source.
`Additionally, the light sources 3 may be a multiple
`colored LED, or a combination of multiple colored
`radiation sources in order to provide a desired colored
`or white light output distribution. For example, a
`plurality of colored lights such as LEDs of different
`colors (red, blue, green) or a single LED with multiple
`colored chips may be employed to create white light or
`any other colored light output distribution by varying
`the intensities of each individual colored light.
`A pattern of light extracting deformities or
`disruptions may be provided on one or both sides of the
`panel members or on one or more selected areas on one or
`both sides of the panel members, as desired. Fig. 4a
`schematically shows one such light surface area 20 on
`which a pattern of light extracting deformities or
`disruptions 21 is provided. As used herein, the term
`deformities or disruptions are used interchangeably to
`mean any change in the shape or geometry of the panel
`surface and/or coating or surface treatment that causes a
`portion of the light to be emitted. The pattern of light
`extracting deformities 21 shown in Fig. 4a includes a
`variable pattern which breaks up the light rays such that
`the internal angle of reflection of a portion of the
`light rays will be great enough to cause the light rays
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`either to be emitted out of the panel through the side or
`sides on which the light extracting deformities 21 are
`provided or reflected back through the panel and emitted
`out the other side.
`These deformities or disruptions 21 can be produced
`in a variety of manners, for example, by providing a
`painted pattern, an etched pattern, a machined pattern, a
`printed pattern, a hot stamped pattern, or a molded
`pattern or the like on selected light output areas of the
`panel members. An ink or printed pattern may be applied
`for example by pad printing, silk screening, ink jet,
`heat transfer film process or the like. The deformities
`may also be printed on a sheet or film which is used to
`apply the deformities to the panel member. This sheet or
`film may become a permanent part of the light panel
`assembly for example by attaching or otherwise
`positioning the sheet or film against one or both sides
`of the panel member similar to the sheet or film 27 shown
`in Figs. 3 and 5 in order to produce a desired effect.
`By varying the density, opaqueness or translucence,
`shape, depth, color, area, index of refraction, or type
`of deformities 21 on an area or areas of the panels, the
`light output of the panels can be controlled. The
`deformities or disruptions may be used to control the
`percent of light emitted from any area of the panels.
`For example, less and/or smaller size deformities 21 may
`be placed on panel areas where less light output is
`wanted. Conversely, a greater percentage of and/or
`larger deformities may be placed on areas of the panels
`where greater light output is desired.
`Varying the percentages and/or size of deformities
`in different areas of the panel is necessary in order to
`provide a uniform light output distribution. For
`example, the amount of light traveling through the panels
`will ordinarily be greater in areas closer to the light
`source than in other areas further removed from the light
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`source. A pattern of light extracting deformities 21 may
`be used to adjust for the light variances within the
`panel members, for example, by providing a denser
`concentration of light extracting deformities with
`increased distance from the light source 3 thereby
`resulting in a more uniform light output distribution
`from the light emitting panels.
`The deformities 21 may also be used to control the
`output ray angle distribution of the emitted light to
`suit a particular application. For example, if the panel
`assemblies are used to provide a liquid crystal display
`backlight, the light output will be more efficient if the
`deformities 21 cause the light rays to emit from the
`panels at predetermined ray angles such that they will
`pass through the liquid crystal display with low loss.
`Additionally, the pattern of light extracting
`deformities may be used to adjust for light output
`variances attributed to light extractions of the panel
`members. The pattern of light extracting deformities 21
`may be printed on the light output areas utilizing a wide
`spectrum of paints, inks, coatings, epoxies, or the like,
`ranging from glossy to opaque or both, and may employ
`half-tone separation techniques to vary the deformity 21
`coverage. Moreover, the pattern of light extracting
`deformities 21 may be multiple layers or vary in index of
`refraction.
`Print patterns of light extracting deformities 21
`may vary in shapes such as dots, squares, diamonds,
`ellipses, stars, random shapes, and the like, and are
`desirably .006 square inch per deformity/element or less.
`Also, print patterns that are 60 lines per inch or finer
`are desirably employed, thus making the deformities or
`shapes 21 in the print patterns nearly invisible to the
`human eye in a particular application thereby eliminating
`the detection of gradient or banding lines that are
`common to light extracting patterns utilizing larger
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`elements. Additionally, the deformities may vary in
`shape and/or size along the length and/or width of the
`panel members. Also, a random placement pattern of the
`deformities may be utilized throughout the length and/or
`width of the panel members. The deformities may have
`shapes or a pattern with no specific angles to reduce
`moire or other interference effects. Examples of methods
`to create these random patterns are printing a pattern of
`shapes using stochastic print pattern techniques,
`frequency modulated half tone patterns, or random dot
`half tones. Moreover, the deformities may be colored in
`order to effect color correction in the panel members.
`The color of the deformities may also vary throughout the
`panel members, for example to provide different colors
`for the same or different light output areas.
`In addition to or in lieu of the patterns of light
`extracting deformities 21 shown in Fig. 4a, other light
`extracting deformities including prismatic surfaces,
`depressions or raised surfaces of various shapes using
`more complex shapes in a mold pattern may be molded,
`etched, stamped, thermoformed, hot stamped or the like
`into or on one or more areas of the panel member. Figs.
`4b and 4c show panel areas 22 on which prismatic surfaces
`23 or depressions 24 are formed in the panel areas,
`whereas Fig. 4d shows prismatic or other reflective or
`refractive surfaces 25 formed on the exterior of the
`panel area. The prismatic surfaces, depressions or
`raised surfaces will cause a portion of the light rays
`contacted thereby to be emitted from the panel member.
`Also, the angles of the prisms, depressions or other
`surfaces may be varied to direct the light in different
`directions to produce a desired light output distribution
`or effect. Moreover, the reflective or refractive
`surfaces may have shapes or a pattern with no specific
`angles to reduce moire or other interference effects.
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`As best seen in the cross sectional view of Fig. 5,
`a back reflector (including trans reflectors) 26 may be
`attached or positioned against one side of the panel
`member 14 of Fig. 3 using a suitable adhesive 28 or other
`method in order to improve light output efficiency of the
`panel assembly 11 by reflecting the light emitted from
`that side back through the panel for emission through the
`opposite side. Additionally, a pattern of light
`extracting deformities 21, 23, 24 and/or 25 may be
`provided on one or both sides of the panel member in
`order to change the path of the light so that the
`internal critical angle is exceeded and a portion of the
`light is emitted from one or both sides of the panel.
`Moreover, a transparent film, sheet or plate 27 may be
`attached or positioned against the side or sides of the
`panel member from which light is emitted using a suitable
`adhesive 28 or other method in order to produce a desired
`effect.
`The member 27 may be used to further improve the
`uniformity of the light output distribution. For
`example, the member 27 may be a colored film, a diffuser,
`or a label or display, a portion of which may be a
`transparent overlay that may be colored and/or have text
`or an image thereon.
`If adhesive 28 is used to adhere the back reflector
`26 and/or film 27 to the panel, the adhesive is
`preferably applied only along the side edges of the
`panel, and if desired the end edge opposite the light
`transition areas 12, but not over the entire surface area
`or areas of the panel because of the difficulty in
`consistently applying a uniform coating of adhesive to
`the panel. Also, the adhesive changes the internal
`critical angle of the light in a less controllable manner
`than the air gaps 30 (see Fig. 5) which are formed
`between the respective panel surfaces and the back
`reflector 26 and/or film 27 when only adhered along the
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`peripheral edges. Additionally, longer panel members are
`achievable when air gaps 30 are used. If adhesive were
`to be used over the entire surface, the pattern of
`deformities could be adjusted to account for the
`additional attenuation in the light caused by the
`adhesive.
`Referring further to Fig. 2, the panel assembly 5
`shown therein also includes molded posts 31 at one or
`more corners of the panel 7 (four such posts being shown)
`which may be used to facilitate mounting of the panel
`assembly and providing structural support for other parts
`or components, for example, a display panel such as a
`liquid crystal display panel as desired.
`Fig. 6 shows another form of light emitting panel
`assembly 32 in accordance with this invention including a
`panel member 33, one or more light sources 3, and one or
`more light output areas 34. In addition, the panel
`assembly 32 includes a tray 35 having a cavity or recess
`36 in which the panel assembly 32 is received. The tray
`35 may act as a back reflector as well as end edge and/or
`side edge reflectors for the panel 33 and side and/or
`back reflectors 37 for the light sources 3.
`Additionally, one or more secondary reflective or
`refractive surfaces 38 may be provided on the panel
`member 33 and/or tray 35 to reflect a portion of the
`light around one or more corners or curves in a non-
`rectangular shaped panel member 33. These secondary
`reflective/refractive surfaces 38 may be flat, angled,
`faceted or curved, and may be used to extract a portion
`of the light away from the panel member in a
`predetermined pattern. Fig. 6 also shows multiple light
`output areas 34 on the panel member that emit light from
`one or more light sources 3.
`Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of still another
`form of light emitting panel assembly 40 in accordance
`with this invention including a panel member 41 having
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`one or more light output areas 42 and one or more light
`transition areas (mixing areas) 43 containing a plurality
`of light sources 3 at one or both ends of the panel.
`Each transition area mixes the light from one or more
`light sources having different colors and/or intensities.
`In this particular embodiment, each of the light sources
`3 desirably employs three colored LEDs (red, blue, green)
`in each transition mixing area 43 so that the light from
`the three LEDs can be mixed to produce a desired light
`output color that will be emitted from the light output
`area 42. Alternatively, each light source may be a
`single LED having multiple colored chips bonded to the
`lead film. Also, two colored LEDs or a single LED having
`two colored chips may be used for a particular
`application. By varying the intensities of the
`individual respective LEDs, virtually any colored light
`output or white light distribution can be achieved.
`Fig. 8 shows yet another form of light emitting
`panel assembly 45 in accordance with this invention
`including a light emitting panel member 46 and a light
`source 3 in a light transition area 48 integral with one
`end of the panel member. In this particular embodiment,
`the panel member 46 is three-dimensionally curved, for
`example, such that light rays may be emitted in a manner
`that facilitates aesthetic design of a lighted display.
`Fig. 9 schematically shows another form of light
`emitting panel assembly 50 in accordance with this
`invention, including a panel member 51 having multiple
`light output areas 52, and mounting posts and/or mounting
`tabs 53. This particular panel assembly 50 may serve as
`a structural member to support other parts or components
`as by providing holes or cavities 54, 55 in the panel
`member 51 which allow for the insertion of modular
`components or other parts into the panel member.
`Moreover, a separate cavity or recess 56 may be provided
`in the panel member 51 for receipt of a correspondingly
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`shaped light transition area 57 having one or more light
`sources 3 embedded, bonded, cast, insert molded, epoxied,
`or otherwise mounted or positioned therein and a curved
`reflective or refractive surface 58 on the transition
`area 57 and/or wall of the cavity or recess 56 to
`redirect a portion of the light in a predetermined
`manner. In this way the light transition area 57 and/or
`panel member may be in the form of a separate insert
`which facilitates the easy placement of the light source
`in a modular manner. A reflector 58 may be placed on the
`reflective or refractive surface of the cavity or recess
`56 or insert 57. Where the reflector 58 is placed on the
`reflective or refractive surface of the cavity or recess
`56, the cavity or recess may act as a mold permitting
`transparent material from which the transition area 57 is
`made to be cast around one or more light sources 3.
`Figs. 10 and 11 schematically show another form of
`light emitting panel assembly 60 in accordance with this
`invention including a panel member 61 having one or more
`light output areas 62. In this particular embodiment, an
`off-axis light transition area 63 is provided that is
`thicker in cross section than the panel member to permit
`use of one or more light sources 3 embedded or otherwise
`mounted in the light transition area that are
`dimensionally thicker than the panel member. Also, a
`three-dimensional reflective surface 64 (Fig. 11) may be
`provided on the transition area 63. Moreover, a prism 65
`(Fig. 11) or tapered, rounded, or otherwise shaped end 66
`(Fig. Ila) may be provided at the end of the panel
`opposite the light sources 3 to perform the function of
`an end reflector. The light sources 3 may be oriented at
`different angles relative to each other and offset to
`facilitate better mixing of the light rays 67 in the
`transition area 63 as schematically shown in Fig. 10
`and/or to permit a shorter length transition area 63 to
`be used.
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`Figs. 12 and 13 schematically show still another
`form of light emitting panel assembly 70 in accordance
`with this invention which includes one or more light
`transition areas 71 at one or both ends of the panel
`member 72 each containing a single light source 73. The
`transition area or areas 71 shown in Figs. 12 and 13
`collect light with multiple or three-dimensional surfaces
`and/or collect light in more than one plane. For example
`each transition area 71 shown in Figs. 12 and 13 has
`elliptical and parabolic shape surfaces 74 and 75 in
`different planes for directing the light rays 76 into the
`panel member at a desired angle.
`Providing one or more transition areas at one or
`both ends of the panel member of any desired dimension to
`accommodate one or more light sources, with reflective
`and/or refractive surfaces on the transition areas for
`redirecting the light rays into the panel member at
`relatively low angles allows the light emitting panel
`member to be made much longer and thinner than would
`otherwise be possible. For example the panel members of
`the present invention may be made very thin, i.e., 0.125
`inch thick or less.
`Fig. 14 schematically illustrates still another form
`of light emitting panel assembly 80 in accordance with
`this invention including a light emitting panel 81 and
`one or more light sources 3 positioned, embedded, potted,
`bonded or otherwise mounted in a light transition area 82
`that is at an angle relative to the panel member 81 to
`permit more efficient use of space. An angled or curved
`reflective or refractive surface 83 is provided at the
`junction of the panel member 81 with the transition area
`82 in order to reflect/refract light from the light
`source 3 into the body of the panel member 81 for
`emission of light from one or more light emitting areas
`84 along the length of the panel member.
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`Fig. 15 schematically illustrates still another form
`of light emitting panel assembly 90 in accordance with
`this invention including a light transition area 91 at
`one or both ends of a light emitting panel member 92
`containing a slot 93 for sliding receipt of an LED or
`other suitable light source 3. Preferably the slot 93
`extends into the transition area 91 from the back edge
`94, whereby the light source 3 may be slid and/or snapped
`in place in the slot from the back, thus allowing the
`transition area to be made shorter and/or thinner. The
`light source 3 may be provided with wings, tabs or other
`surfaces 95 for engagement in correspondingly shaped
`recesses or grooves 96 or the like in the transition area
`91 for locating and, if desired, securing the light
`source in place. Also, the light source 3 may be
`embedded, potted, bonded or otherwise secured within the
`slot 93 in the light transition area 91 of the panel
`member 92. Light from a secondary light source 97 may be
`projected through the panel member 92 for indication or
`some other effect.
`The various light emitting panel assemblies
`disclosed herein may be used for a great many different
`applications including for example LCD back lighting or
`lighting in general, decorative and display lighting,
`automotive lighting, dental lighting, phototherapy or
`other medical lighting, membrane switch lighting, and
`sporting goods and apparel lighting or the like. Also
`the panel assemblies may be made such that the panel
`members and deformities are transparent without a back
`reflector. This allows the panel assemblies to be used
`for example to front light an LCD or other display such
`that the display is viewed through the transparent panel
`members.
`Although the invention has been shown and described
`with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is
`obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications.
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`will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading
`and understanding of the specification. The present
`invention includes all such equivalent alterations and
`modifications, and is limited only by the scope of the
`claims.
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`WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
`panel assembly comprising a
`1. A light emitti
`light emitting panel ember having a light emitting
`surface, a light ransition area, and a light source
`/ embedded, po ed or bonded in said light transition area
`
`ion of light through said panel member.
`for cond
`2. The assembliof claim 1 further comprising a
`g the path of a portion of light,
`reflector for ch
`ight source, into said light
`emitted from s
`transition ar a for conduction into said panel member at
`an accepta e angle.
`) K.
`The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a
`pattern of light extracting deformities on said panel
`member for providing a desired light output distribution.
`The assembly of claim 3wherein said pattern of
`,3 .
`light extracting deformities comprises a plurality of
`deformities, each having an area of no more than
`approximately .006 square inch.
`The assembly of claim A wherein said plurality
`4-
`of deformities vary along the length of said light
`emitting surface.
`.k. The assembly of claim . wherein said plurality
`of deformities vary along the width of said light
`5
`emitting surface.
`G ;. The assembly of claim A wherein said plurality
`of deformities vary along the width and length of said
`light emitting surface.
`claim 3 further comprising an
`8. The assembly
`end reflector at a nd of said panel member remote from
`aid light sour , said pattern of light extracting
`rying to compensate for light reflected by
`deformities
`flector.
`said end
`". -The assembly of claim ' further comprising a
`film for diffusing the light output distribution from
`said light emitting surface.
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`31. The assembly of claim I wherein said pattern of
`ligh
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