7478344
`
`May 15, 2014
`
`THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT ANNEXED IS A TRUE COPY FROM THE
`RECORDS OF THIS OFFICE OF THE FILE WRAPPER AND CONTENTS
`OF:
`
`APPLICATION NUMBER: 11/454,822
`FILING DATE: June 16, 2006
`PATENT NUMBER: 7404660
`ISSUE DATE: July 29, 2008
`
`TOYOTA EXHIBIT 1002
`
`PAGE 1 OF 208
`
`

`

`. -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`0
`
`e
`
`.1: .4.
`
`'l
`
`y;
`
`AltamayDooitalNo
`Hammer
`
`GLOLPDIOBUSAF
`Jeffery R- Parker
`LIGHT EMITTING pm. . -
`
`.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` 117454822
`
`061606
`IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`
`
`
`
`PTOlSElDS (09-641
`-'—-r——==_ j
`Approved for use through anemone. OMB {1651-0032
`0 E 4'
`U5 Patent and Trademark Office. U5 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`03g (9
`.1 g Under lhe Pa» -rworlI Reduction Act of 1995 no area 5 are r wired lo res-"rid in a pollution at Intonnalinn unlessl“dial a - a valid OMB control number.
`
`'
`0') g
`
`
`UTILITY
`8:5:-
`--—-'“__.-
`E—J
`PATENT APPLICATION
`
`
`TRANSMITTAL
`
`
`/
`(Only for new nonprovislonalappnioallons under 37 CFR 1.53M]
`
`Express Mail Lapel No. EVB3 9 6 4 103 BUS
`
`i
`P
`
`333133151123“ ””3
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`ADDRESS To:
`
`See MPEP chapter 660 concerning utility patent application contents.
`Nuandfla VA 223134.350
`
`
`
`1.
`Fee Transmittal Form (e.g..PTOlSBi17)
`
`(Submit an original and a duplicate lot too processing]
`
`
`2. I: Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 3? CFR 1H2?
`
`[Total Pages—3g— ]
`3-- Specification
`Both the claims and abstract rnusl start on a new page
`lFor Irilormallon on the prefmed' ananpemenl sea WEP 605mm:
`4-I Drawingiai (35 US C 113)
`[Tolal Sheets
`4
`I 11 f0 rm! 1
`
`
`2
`[Total Sheets
`5. Oath or Declaration
`a.
`Newly executed (original or copy)
`
`
`11A copy from a prior application {3? CFR 1.Bald»
`
`
`tor continuation/divisional with Box 13 completed)
`DELETIQN OF INVENTORISl
`
`
`
`
`Signed statement aflached delelina inventorifi)
`12. El Info
`tien Disclosure Statement [PTOlSElOB or PTO-1449i
`name in the prior applloalion. see 3? CFR
`ECopies of citations attached
`1.63idli2) and 1.3391].
`
`6.
`Application Data Sheet. See 37 CPR 1.7a
`
`
`
`7. CI co-eom or co-e in duplicate. large table or
`
`
`
`14. -.Retum Receipt Postcard (MPEF' 503]
`puter Program (Appendix)
`[Should be specifically itemized)
`
`Landscape TBDIE on CD
`
`8. Nucleotide andlor Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`_
`‘
`15. [:| Certified Copy of Priority Doeurnentis)
`
`
`(If foreign priority is claimed)
`{it so licable. ilerns a. - c. are required)
`
`
`
`Computer Readable Form (CRFJ
`a.
`
`b.
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`16 El Nonpublicatlon Request under 35 U. S. C 122(bH2)(B}[iI.
`Applicant must attach form PTOISBI'SS or equivalent
`
`
`
`
`1?.
`
`
`
`0 rm PTO - 2 O 3 8
`c. I: Statements verifying identityI of above copies
`
`113. It a CONTINUING APPLICATION. check appropriate box. and supply the requisite information below and In the first sentence at the
`specification following the title. or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. T5:
`
`
`E] Continuation
`CI Continuation-impart (CIP)
`Divisional
`
` PI-I‘cr application Infomallon: Examiner Thomas M - Samba I
`
`
`
`
`i.
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`9. El Assignment Papers louver sheet & documentin”
`
`Name of ASSIQHEB
`
`10. [:1 37 CFR 3.73(b} Statement
`{when there is an assignea}
`
`[:IPoIIIrer of
`Attorney
`
`11. El English Translation Document {ll applicable)
`
`13. CI Preliminary Amendment
`
`]
`
`]
`
`
`
`_
`
`.CI CDROM orCDR12 copies]: or
`ii. CI
`Paper
`
`Other: ggggi 1:
`
`fig rd Ferment;
`
`oi prior application No
`Art Unit: 2 3 7 5
`
`1 0 f 73 4 r 5 27
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mm——
`_l-,—'1_——_
`
`-WlWaznia—m June 16 2006
`
`Narnia
`Registration No_
`Print.” 9
`Donald L . Otto
`Attorne lAenl
`22 125
`
`This collection of information is recruited by 3? CFFI 1 53m. The Information is required to obtain or relaln a benefit by ll'le public which 'Is to file {and by the
`USPTO to process} an epplicallon. Confidenu‘afity is governed by 35 U 5.6. 122 and 3? CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection Ia estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete. including galherlng, preparing, and submitting [he mmpleled applicallon form to the USPTD. Time will vary depending Upon [he individual case. Any
`comments on the amount at lime you require to oompleta this form andlor suggestions for reducing this burden, should he sent to the Chial Information Officer,
`U 5:. Patent and Trademark Office. LLS. Department of Commerce. PO. Box 1450. Alexandria. VA 22313-1450. Do NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS To THIS ADDRESS. SEND To: Commissioner Mr Patents. R0. Box 1450. Alexandria. VA 22313-14511.
`llyou need assistance in completing the term. calf 1400113109199 and selecl option 2.
`
`
`
`
`
`PAGE 2 OF 208
`
`PAGE 2 OF 208
`
`

`

`PTOISBHT (12-04}
`Approved for use through DTl31l2005. OMB 065141032
`US. Patent and Trademant Dillon; U.S_ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`llnrtnr the F'anemnrk Rel-Indian Ant of 1995 no nersnns: are reunited tn rasmnn In a mllncrlnrt nf mint-marina olnlnss it dismavs a valid OMB enrtlznl nnmhar
`
`__
`
`|:l Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`
`
`Elfeclive an taflflflm.
`Complete if Known
`
`Fees pursuant to the Consolidated Anomflrletions Act. 2005 {HR 4818}.
`_
`
`
`Annucauun Number—
`
`FEE TRANSMITTAL magnate
`
`
`For FY 2005
`
`
`
`
`
`
`_—
`
`—
`
`Altomey Docket No. GLOmeosusnF
`
`
`
`
`
`Credit Card l:l Money Order D None D Other (please identify):
`D ChECk
`Deposit Account Deposit Account NumbenflL_ Deposil Amunmame; Renner Otto Boisselle 8. Sklar LLP
`
`
`
`For the above-identified deposit account. the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`E] Charge feels} indicated below. except for the tiling fee
`DCharge feats} indicated below
`
`
`.4! Credit en uverpeymcnte
`Charge any additional teats) or underpayments of feels)
`3'
`.under37 CFR 1.15 and 1.17
`
`
`WARNING: lnton-natlen on this form may become public. Credit card Intern-nation should not be included on this term. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on Pro-ma.
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING. SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`-
`
`FILING FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`\
`5
`II E Lil!
`fl
`g ! Emit!
`5 all E 13!!
`
`
`
`M"cation 1 e
`Fee or
`"in“ {$1
`Fee re
`”see 1;)
`Fee or "Lair;
`-
`F_es_FLei_d_I§l
`
`
`Utility
`300
`150
`500
`250
`200
`100
`1.000-00
`Design
`200
`100
`100
`SD
`130
`65
`
`
`Plant
`200
`100
`300
`l 51'.)
`160
`SD
`
`
`Reissue
`300
`150
`500
`250
`600
`300
`
`
`Provisional
`200
`100
`I)
`O
`0
`0 —
`
`
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Small Entity:
`
`
`m
`Fifi} fie—em
`Each claim over 20 or, for Reissues, each claim over 20 and more than in the original patent
`50
`25
`
`
`Each independent claim over 3 or, for Reissues, each independent claim more than in the original patent 200
`[00
`Multiple dependent claims
`360
`I80
`
`
`Fee [:1
`m fixtfl Claim;
`x 50
`41
`- 20 or HP =
`21
`
`
`HP : highest number of total claims paid for. if greater than 20
`Indeg. Claims
`Erna Claims
`Fee [fl
`
`
`=
`x
`2
`- 3 or HP 2
`0
`
`HP = highest number at independent claims paid for. if greater than 3
`
`
`
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`
`If the specification and drawings exceed [00 sheets ofpaper. the application size fee due is $250 ($125 for small entity)
`
`
`for each additional 50 sheets or Fraction thereof. See 35 UtS.C. 41(a)(1)(0) and 37 CPR 1.16(s).
`
`
`Tola Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Nu her of a h addl ional 5|! orf
`ton here f M]
`Fee Paid [fl
`
`
`__-1DG= — r50: __lround up to awhole number)
`x —= _
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`
`_
`R 'strationNo.
`www.5- Atalanta“. 22.125
`“mammalsesnelm
`
`
`NameanntlTvoe) Donald L. dtto
`oar. June 15' 2006
`
`
`This collection of Information is required by 3? CFR 1,136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit In the public which is to file {and by the
`USPTU IO process} an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 3? CFR I‘M. Tl'lls collection is estimated ID take 30 minutes to complete.
`including gathering. preparing, and submitting the completed application term to the USPTD. Time will vary depending upon the Individual case. My comments
`on the amount oftirne you require to complete this lDI'l'l'l andlor suggestlons tor reducing this burden. should be senttu the Chief Information Dlt’reet‘ US Patent
`and Trademark Office. US Department a! Commerce, PO Box 1650. Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner [or Patents. PD. Elox 1450, Alexandria. VA 22313~145ll
`if you need assistance in completing the form. cell 'l-BUO-PTO-QTQQ and select option 2.
`
`TOTAL mourn or PAYMENT
`
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT check all that a l
`
`(St) 2050-00
`
`Egg Paid [fl
`= 1050
`
`Fee Paid [£1
`
`Multinte Dgggndgflg gleimfi
`Fee |§l
`Fee Paid [£1
`
`Fees Paid [fl
`
`4. OTHER FEElS)
`Non-English Specification,
`Other:
`
`
`$130 fee (no small entity discount)
`
`. I
`
`PAGE 3 OF 208
`
`PAGE 3 OF 208
`
`

`

`ATTORNEY DOCKET GLOLPO‘lOBUSAF
`
`EXPRESS MAIL NO. EV839641038US
`
`ATITLE:
`
`LIGHT EMITTING PANEL ASSEMBLIES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a division of US. Patent Application No. 101784.527,
`
`filed February 23, 2004, which is a division of U.S. Patent Application No.
`
`091956.275. filed February 23, 1999, now US. Patent No. 6.712.481. dated
`
`10 March 30. 2004. which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.
`
`08/778,089, filed January 2. 1997. now U.S. Patent No. 6,079,838. dated June
`
`27, 2000, which is a division of US. Patent Application No. 08l495.176. filed June
`
`2?. 1995, now U.S. Patent No. 5,613,751. dated March 25. 1997.
`
`15
`
`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.
`
`20
`
`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.
`
`25
`
`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
`
`30
`
`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 tig ht 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
`
`35
`
`increasing the light output from the panel assembly.
`1
`
`PAGE 4 OF 208
`
`PAGE 4 OF 208
`
`

`

`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
`
`5 members for a longer period of time andlor increase the efficiency of the panel
`
`members.
`
`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
`
`to
`
`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.
`
`15
`
`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
`
`20
`
`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, andfor of various
`
`shapes and sizes.
`
`To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends. the invention
`
`25
`
`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-
`
`30
`
`PAGE 5 OF 208
`
`PAGE 5 OF 208
`
`

`

`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the annexed drawings:
`
`Figs. 1 through 3 are schematic perspective views of three different forms
`
`of light emitting panel assemblies in accordance with this invention;
`
`5
`
`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
`
`10
`
`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;
`
`15
`
`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
`
`20
`
`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. 1 1 is a side elevation view of the light emitting panel assembly of Fig.
`
`10;
`
`25
`
`Fig. 1 1a is a fragmentary side elevation view showing a tapered or
`
`rounded and on the panel member in place of the prismatic surface shown in
`
`Figs. 10 and 11;
`
`Fig. 12 is a schematic top plan view of another form of light emitting panel
`
`assembly in accordance with this invention;
`
`30
`
`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.
`
`3
`
`PAGE 6 OF 208
`
`PAGE 6 OF 208
`
`

`

`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 tight 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
`
`10
`
`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.
`
`15
`
`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 or refract a portion of the light
`
`emitted from the light 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 retract 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 othenivise changing the light that is
`
`reflected back through the light transition areas and into the light emitting panels.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`PAGE 7 OF 208
`
`PAGE 7 OF 208
`
`

`

`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 andlor refractive surfaces 15
`
`around and behind each light source 3. These surfaces 15 may be appropriately
`
`shaped including for example curved. straight andlor faceted surfaces. and if
`
`desired, suitable reflective materials or coatings may be provided on portions of
`
`these surfaces to more efficiently reflect andfor refract and focus a portion of the
`
`light emitted for example from an incandescent light source which emits 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 reduoing 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
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`PAGE 8 OF 208
`
`PAGE 8 OF 208
`
`

`

`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.
`
`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 andior coating or surface treatment that causes a portion of the
`
`light to be emitted. The pattern of light extracting deformities 21 shown in Fig. 43
`
`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 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
`
`6
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`3O
`
`PAGE 9 OF 208
`
`PAGE 9 OF 208
`
`

`

`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
`
`5
`
`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.
`
`10
`
`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 andlor smaller size deformities 21 may be placed
`
`15
`
`on panel areas where less light output is wanted. Conversely. a greater
`
`percentage of andfor larger deformities may be placed on areas of the panels
`
`where greater light output is desired.
`
`Varying the percentages andlor size of deformities in different areas of the
`
`panel is necessary in order to provide a uniform light output distribution. For
`
`20
`
`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 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
`
`25
`
`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 diaplay backlight. the light
`
`30
`
`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.
`
`PAGE 10 OF 208
`
`PAGE 10 OF 208
`
`

`

`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
`
`5
`
`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
`
`10
`
`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
`
`15
`
`common to light extracting patterns utilizing larger elements. Additionally. the
`
`deformities may vary in shape andfor size along the length andfor width of the
`
`panel members. Also. a random placement pattern of the deformities may be
`
`utilized throughout the length andfor width of the panel members. The
`
`deformities may have shapes or a pattern with no specific angles to reduce moire
`
`20
`
`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
`
`25 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
`
`30
`
`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 40 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
`
`8
`
`PAGE 11 OF 208
`
`PAGE 11 OF 208
`
`

`

`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.
`
`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 1 1 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 andfor 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 andlor film 27 when only adhered alang the 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
`
`9
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`PAGE 12 OF 208
`
`PAGE 12 OF 208
`
`

`

`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 and
`
`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 andfor 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 reflectivelrefractive
`
`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
`
`assembiy 40 in accordance with this invention including a panel member 41
`
`having 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 andfor 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
`
`10
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`PAGE 13 OF 208
`
`PAGE 13 OF 208
`
`

`

`intensities of the individu