Device housing with lighting

Abstract

To provide a device housing.SOLUTION: A device housing includes a first lighting device, the first lighting device including a first power supply configured to provide an electrical signal to a first light emitting diode (LED), the first LED being separated from a first surface of a diffuser film by a space, in which the diffuser film includes a second surface, opposite the first surface, the second surface configured to contact a first light pipe.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 956,983, filed January 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods and apparatus have been developed for illuminating support structures such as housings for devices including those for performing chemical, biochemical, and / or biological assays, housings for consumer products such as computers, kitchen appliances, and electronics, automotive interior and exterior structures, and architectural detail structures. These methods and devices are used in a variety of applications such as medical diagnostics, food and beverage testing, environmental monitoring, manufacturing quality control, drug discovery, basic science research, automotive, culinary, and interior design. These applications can be for practical and aesthetic purposes. For example, practical reasons include indicating the status of a device contained in the housing (e.g., by color or intermittent flashing or pulsing) or illuminating a display on the housing for visualization by a user.

[0003] A variety of devices are available for performing assay measurements, including instruments that measure changes in light absorption, luminescence emission (e.g., fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, electrochemiluminescence (ECL)), radiation emission, changes in light scattering, and changes in magnetic fields. US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004 / 0022677 and 2005 / 0052646 (both incorporated by reference) describe solutions useful for performing singleplex and multiplex ECL assays in multi-well plate formats. They include a plate comprising a plate top with through holes forming the walls of the wells and a plate bottom sealed to the plate top to form the bottom of the wells. The plate bottom has a patterned conductive layer, providing the wells with an electrode surface that functions both as a solid support for the binding reaction and as an electrode for inducing ECL. The conductive layer may also include electrical contacts for applying electrical energy to the electrode surface. See also US Patent Application No. 11 / 642,968, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0004] Challenges for developing methods and apparatus for illuminating an illuminated support structure, e.g., a housing, arise when the surface of the support structure includes shapes such as angles, curves (convex or concave), or indentations. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, for aesthetic and practical reasons, there is a need for improved methods and apparatus for illumination. Some improvements resulting from the disclosed methods and devices result in a more uniform distribution of light across the surface of the housing due to the structure of the illumination apparatus disclosed below. The disclosed illumination apparatus has a compact, low profile design, is easily manufactured, and is designed to not require a Fresnel lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to lighting devices, housings comprising lighting devices, and methods of manufacturing such devices and housings. In embodiments, the housing encloses one or more fixtures.

[0007] In the present disclosure, the device housing may include a first lighting device comprising a first power source configured to provide an electrical signal to a first light emitting diode (LED) and a first LED separated from a first surface of a diffuser film by a space, the diffuser film comprising a second surface opposite the first surface and the second surface configured to contact the first light pipe.

[0008] This application for patent contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Patent and Trademark Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0009] The present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following drawings, which are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure but are provided as illustrations of certain embodiments of the present application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a graphical representation of a perspective view of the device housing. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a graphic representation of a top view of the device housing. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a graphic representation of a cross-sectional view of a device housing. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. [Figure 5C] FIG. [Figure 5D] FIG. [Figure 6A] 1 is a photograph of an example of a device housing. [Figure 6B] Renderings of two example device housings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the discussion and claims herein, the term "about" indicates that the listed value may vary somewhat provided that the variation does not result in process or device non-compliance. For example, for some elements, the term "about" may refer to a variation of ±0.1%, while for other elements, the term "about" may refer to a variation of ±1% or ±10%, or any point therein.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "substantially" or "substantially" apply equally when used in the negative sense to refer to a complete or nearly complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a "substantially" flat surface is completely flat or nearly flat, so that it has the same effect as if it were completely flat.

[0013] As used herein, terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but include general classifications for which specific examples can be used to illustrate.

[0014] As used herein, terms defined in the singular are intended to include terms defined in the plural and vice versa.

[0015] References herein to "one embodiment," "particular embodiment," "some embodiments," or "embodiments" indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature or characteristic, but not all embodiments may necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, it is submitted that when a particular feature, structure, or feature is described in relation to an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or feature in relation to other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. For purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," and their derivatives shall refer to the present invention as shown in the drawings. The terms "over," "on," "disposed on," or "disposed on" mean that a first element is present on a second element, with an intervening element interfacing between the first and second elements. The terms "direct contact" or "attached" mean that a first element and a second element are connected without an intermediate element at the interface of the two elements.

[0016] Any reference herein to a range of values ​​expressly includes each number (including fractions and whole numbers) contained within that range. For the sake of illustration, any reference herein to a range of "at least 50" or "at least about 50" includes integers such as 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and fractions such as 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4, 50.5, 50.6, 50.7, 50.8, 50.9. In further explanation, any reference herein to a range of "less than 50" or "less than about 50" includes integers such as 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, and fractions such as 49.9, 49.8, 49.7, 49.6, 49.5, 49.4, 49.3, 49.2, 49.1, 49.0.

[0017] 1 is a diagram of a device housing 1. Device housing 1 is one example of a structure that can house one, two, or more lighting devices described in this disclosure. In other embodiments, one or more lighting devices described in this disclosure can be included in any other suitable housing and / or support structure.

[0018] The device housing 1 includes a front side 2, a front light surface 4, a front light surface boundary 5, a top side 6, and a right side 8. A left side and a bottom side of the device housing are also included, although their functions are not shown. The device housing 1 also includes an upper lighting device 10 and a lower lighting device 12, each of which are described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the device housing 1 can include either an upper lighting device 10 or a lower lighting device 12, and in other embodiments, the size and location of these lighting devices can vary. Either or both of the upper lighting device 10 and the lower lighting device 12 can display various colors and / or light intensities that can function as status identifiers. For example, a first steady state color (e.g., blue or green) indicates that the device within the housing is on but idle, a second steady state color (e.g., red or yellow) indicates that the device within the housing is not ready or needs attention (e.g., a fault condition), and a pulsing color (e.g., blue or green) indicates that the device is powered on and operational or ready for operation.

[0019] In this example of device housing 1, front light surface 4 is shown as a substantially curved flat structure, however, in other embodiments, front light surface 4 can be formed with a different flat shape or can have other angles and / or curved shapes.

[0020] Although not shown, the device housing 1 can include various electrical and internet connections, either wired or wireless, to provide the device housing 1 with electrical and information / communication capabilities.

[0021] 1, the device housing 1 can include several surfaces, each of which can be formed of the same or different materials. The materials can be any suitable material selected from metals, plastic-based materials, rubber, carbon-based materials, glass, and combinations thereof.

[0022] Each surface of the device housing 1 may include a layer of paint, and / or adhesive elements (such as stickers and / or adhesive wraps), and / or no excess material on the outer surface of the material that forms that portion of the device housing 1.

[0023] Each surface of the device housing 1 may be finished in any suitable manner, such as a matte finish, a glossy finish, and levels of light reflectance in between.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device housing 1, showing the above components in another perspective, with the left side 9 partially visible. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper lighting device 10 extends a substantially linear distance along the front surface 2 of the device housing 1. Also, the lower lighting device 12 extends a substantially linear distance, which is vertically offset from the upper lighting device 10 along the front surface 2 of the device housing 1. The upper lighting device 10 can be included at or near the transition between the front surface 2 and the upper portion 6. The lower lighting device 12 can be included at or near the transition between the front surface 2 and the front light surface 4. In other embodiments, the upper lighting device 10 can be separate from the device housing 1 and cannot be in contact with the device housing 1. In other embodiments, the lower lighting device 12 can be separate from the device housing 1 and cannot be in contact with the device housing 1.

[0025] A cross-section of device housing 1 along line 3' (shown in Figure 2) is shown in Figure 3. In this figure, for ease of illustration, the interior of device housing 1 is shown as hollow, with the inner surface of left side 9 visible. However, the interior of device housing 1 may contain any suitable electrical device and any suitable analytical device.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows some details regarding the upper and lower illumination devices 10, 12, with further details provided in subsequent images providing close-up views of these components.

[0027] A close-up view of a cross section (from FIG. 3) of the bottom lighting device 12 is shown in FIG. 4A. The bottom lighting device 12 is connected to the device housing by one or more attachment elements 14. In this embodiment, the attachment elements 14 are shown as screws, but in other embodiments, the attachment elements 14 can be any suitable mechanism capable of maintaining the position of the bottom lighting device 12 within the device housing, such as clips, snaps, nails, staples and / or adhesives.

[0028] The bottom lighting device 12 includes a printed circuit board (power supply) 16 that supports one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 18. The printed circuit board 16 may be any suitable structure capable of physically supporting the one or more LEDs 18 and also capable of providing electricity to each of the one or more LEDs 18. The printed circuit board 16 may be formed of any suitable material.

[0029] The divergence angle of LED 18, as well as other LEDs disclosed herein, is approximately 120°, but can be any angle between approximately 90° and approximately 180°. Additionally, LED 18, as well as other LEDs disclosed herein, can produce a variety of colors (including, but not limited to, white, blue, green, red, and yellow), a variety of brightnesses of light, and a variety of warmth values ​​of light.

[0030] 4A, the LEDs 18 may extend along any portion or the entire length of the bottom lighting device 12. The spacing between adjacent LEDs 18 may be any size suitable for the desired application.

[0031] A light pipe 20 is disposed between the one or more LEDs 18 and the front-light surface 4 to guide light generated from the one or more LEDs 18. For example, the spacing between adjacent LEDs 18 can be such that an overlapping illumination area is formed by the one or more LEDs 18 in the direction of arrow 22 toward the front-light surface 4.

[0032] As one non-limiting example of forming overlapping illumination areas, approximately 30 LEDs 18 may be included in the upper illumination device 10, with each LED 18 spaced approximately 0.16 inches apart, center to center (with spacing between individual LEDs of approximately 0.05 inches). In other embodiments forming overlapping illumination areas, each of the LEDs 18 may be spaced approximately 0.02 inches to approximately 0.10 inches apart from one another. For housings smaller or larger than the device housing 1, fewer or more than 30 LEDs may be used, as one of ordinary skill can determine.

[0033] The term "light pipe" refers to a collection surface (e.g., 42 of light pipe 20, 58 of light pipe 30 (discussed below)) where light may be received into the light pipe device itself, a guide (e.g., light pipe 20, light pipe 30) where the received light is directed from the collection surface to an outlet (e.g., 44, 54 of light pipe 20 and / or 56 of light pipe 30), and an outlet through which all or most of the received light is emitted. One skilled in the art can substitute or use any suitable device or structure capable of receiving light through any collection surface and directing the received light through the device or structure to an outlet.

[0034] In one embodiment, a light pipe generally comprises an elongated transparent or translucent member having a collection surface, a guide portion with a reflective surface, and an emission outlet. When a light beam is directed at the collection surface portion of the light pipe, the light is received by the guide and reflected along a trajectory toward an outlet adjacent or adjacent to an optical sensor. The light pipe promotes total internal reflection of the light, thereby passing most or all of the light to the emission outlet.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the light pipe 20 may be formed from one or more suitable materials, such as plastic, glass, and combinations thereof.

[0036] 4A, light is received into the light pipe 20 through a face of the light pipe 20 that contacts (or nearly contacts) one or more LEDs 18. The light is emitted from the light pipe 20 toward the front light surface 4 in the direction of arrow 22. The light emitted from the light pipe 20 toward the front light surface may be relatively uniform due to the spacing between adjacent LEDs 18 and the structure of the light pipe 20, such that overlapping illumination areas are formed toward the front light surface 4. This relatively uniform light may be achieved without the inclusion of one or more Fresnel lenses.

[0037] 4A , which directs light generated by one or more LEDs 18, more generally, across the entire surface of the front-light surface 4. A vertically thick light pipe 20 in this configuration will typically direct more light from the one or more LEDs 18 to the bottom vertical portion of the front-light surface 4, making the individual locations of the one or more LEDs 18 more noticeable because of this light direction.

[0038] The height (thickness) of the light pipe 20 can be any suitable thickness, such as, for example, between about 0.05 inches and about 0.15 inches, about 0.07 inches and about 0.143 inches, about 0.08 inches and about 0.125 inches, about 0.085 inches and about 0.115 inches, or about 0.1 inches. Additionally, the light pipe 20 can be formed of any suitable material, such as a polycarbonate material, which can be at least partially transparent and can have a smooth or textured finish on any surface of the light pipe 20.

[0039] A more detailed view of light pipe 20 is shown in Figure 4B, which is a front view of light pipe 20, and Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of light pipe 20 taken along line A-A in Figure 4B.

[0040] In FIG. 4C, the height 40 of the light pipe 20 is approximately 0.08 inches, although as noted above, in other embodiments, this distance can be less or greater. The height 40 extends between the lower surface 42 and the first upper surface 44. The angle B between the lower surface 42 and the first upper surface 44 is approximately 110°, although in other embodiments, this angle can be 10%, 20%, or more than about 110°. The angle C between the second upper surface 46 and the first upper surface 44 is approximately 130°, although in other embodiments, this angle can be 10%, 20%, or more than about 130°.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, the ratio of the height of second upper surface 46 to height 40 is approximately 50%, although in other embodiments, this ratio can be 10%, 20%, or more or less than approximately 50%.

[0042] In other embodiments, the height of the second upper surface 46 can be greater than the height 40, such that the second upper surface 46 is farther from the lower surface 42 than the first upper surface 44. In this embodiment, the angle between the second upper surface 46 and the first upper surface 44 is approximately 50°, although in other embodiments, the angle can be 10%, 20%, or more than approximately 50°.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4C, the sum of angles B and C is approximately 180° between the lower surface 42 and the second upper surface 46, however, in other embodiments, the angles can be 10%, 20%, or more than approximately 180°, and in still other embodiments, these angles are a portion of a circumference.

[0044] An enlarged perspective view of the upper illumination device 10 (from FIG. 3) is shown in FIG. 5A, and a cross-section of the upper illumination device 10 (from FIG. 3) is shown in FIG. 5B.

[0045] 5A is a perspective view of the top lighting device 10, the perspective view being taken from the rear of the device housing 1 toward the interface between the top 6 and the front light surface boundary 5. The top lighting device 10 is connected to the device housing by one or more attachment elements 24. In this embodiment, the attachment elements 24 are shown as screws, but in other embodiments, the attachment elements 24 can be any suitable mechanism capable of maintaining the position of the top lighting device 10 within the device housing, such as clips, snaps, nails, staples and / or adhesives.

[0046] The upper illumination device 10 includes a printed circuit board (power supply) 26 that supports one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 28. The printed circuit board 26 may be any suitable structure capable of physically supporting the one or more LEDs 28 and also capable of providing electricity to each of the one or more LEDs 28. The printed circuit board 26 may be formed of any suitable material.

[0047] Although several LEDs 28 are shown in FIG. 5A, the LEDs 28 can extend along any portion or the entire length of the upper illumination device 10. The spacing between adjacent LEDs 28 can be any size suitable for the desired application. For example, the spacing between adjacent LEDs 28 can be such that an overlapping illumination area is formed by one or more LEDs 28. As one non-limiting example of forming an overlapping illumination area, about 24 LEDs 28 can be included in the lower illumination device 12, and each LED 28 can be spaced about 0.30 inches apart from center to center (about 0.19 inches between individual LEDs). In other embodiments forming an overlapping illumination area, each of the LEDs 28 can be spaced about 0.1 inches to about 0.40 inches apart from one another. For housings smaller or larger than the device housing 1, fewer or more than 24 LEDs can be used, as one of ordinary skill can determine.

[0048] There is a space 27 vertically between the one or more LEDs 28 and the diffuser film 29. This space 27 can be any suitable size or can be absent altogether. The space 27 can be between about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches, about 0.07 inches to about 0.143 inches, about 0.08 inches to about 0.125 inches, about 0.085 inches to about 0.115 inches, or about 0.090 inches. In other embodiments, the space 27 is a distance large enough to allow the light from the LEDs 28 to be partially scattered / diffused before reaching the light pipe 30, but the distance is small enough that most of the light from the LEDs 28 passes through the light pipe 30.

[0049] The diffuser film 29 receives light from one or more LEDs 28, transmits the light, and contacts the light pipe 30. As used herein, the term "diffuser film" refers to a material of suitable thickness that can scatter specular light (light in a primary direction) at various angles to produce diffuse light (light with random light directions). The diffuser film 29 can be made of any suitable material, such as one or more polymers, glass, or paper. The diffuser film 29 can be transparent or translucent. In other embodiments, the diffuser film 29 can be an engineered diffuser with a pattern embossed on the surface of the film. In other embodiments, the diffuser film 29 can be a holographic diffuser fabricated by recording a laser speckle pattern on a photoresist or film. In other embodiments, the diffuser film 29 can be a diffractive diffuser, or a material that includes particulate additives to scatter light.

[0050] Some non-limiting examples of diffuser films 29 are: 3M® Envision® Diffuser Film 3735-50, a DFPM grade circular diffuser film supplied by Grafix Plastics, and EDF-L1 Engineered Diffuser Film supplied by RPC Photonics.

[0051] Also shown in FIG. 5A is an electrical connector 32, which may be configured to connect to any suitable input electrical signal that is delivered to one or more LEDs 28.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 5B, light pipe 30 forms part of the exterior surface of device housing 1 and forms part of the edge between front light surface boundary 5 and top 6.

[0053] A more detailed view of the light pipe 30 is shown in FIG. 5C. FIG. 5C is a front view of the light pipe 30, and FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the light pipe 30 along line A-A in FIG. 5C. The light pipe 30 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a polycarbonate material, which may be at least partially transparent and may have a smooth or textured finish on any surface of the light pipe 30. The light emitted from the light pipe 30 may be relatively uniform due to the spacing between adjacent LEDs 28 and the structure of the light pipe 30, such that overlapping illumination areas are formed in the direction away from the light pipe 30. This relatively uniform light may be achieved without the inclusion of one or more Fresnel lenses.

[0054] 5D, first height 50 of light pipe 30 is approximately 0.65 inches and second height 52 is approximately 0.52 inches, although first height 50 and second height 52 can be 10%, 20%, or more than these respective dimensions. First height 50 extends along first height surface 51 from top surface 56 to bottom surface 58. Second height 52 extends along second height surface 53 from bottom surface 58 to the bottom of portion 54.

[0055] The height difference between the first height 50 and the second height 52 is variable based on the portion 54 of the light pipe 30. The portion 54 may be angled and / or curved, and in some embodiments, forms a surface of the device housing or device. In other embodiments, the second height 52 may be the same or substantially the same as the first height 50. In yet other embodiments, the second height 52 may be greater than the first height 50.

[0056] Angle D between lower surface 58 and first elevation surface 51 is approximately 95°, although in other embodiments, this angle can be 10%, 20% or more less than approximately 95°. Angle E between lower surface 58 and second elevation surface 53 is approximately 95°, although in other embodiments, this angle can be 10%, 20% or more less than approximately 95°.

[0057] The locations of the upper lighting device 10 and the lower lighting device 12 are described above with reference to the device shown in Figures 1-3, and the locations of the upper lighting device 10 and the lower lighting device 12 may be other locations within or on the device housing 1.

[0058] Also, although the device housing 1 has been described above with reference to the housing shown in Figures 1-3, in other embodiments, one or both of the upper illumination device 10 and the lower illumination device 12 can be included within and / or on various other devices or apparatuses described above, such as a computer (e.g., a laptop computer), kitchen appliance, or household appliance, to provide practical or aesthetic illumination as described above.

[0059] In other embodiments, one or both of the upper illumination device 10 and the lower illumination device 12 may be included within and / or on a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0060] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing the upper illumination device 10, the lower illumination device 12, the device housing 1, and modifications and variations thereof, as described.

[0061] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of illuminating a surface of a device housing 1. In this aspect, the upper lighting device 10 and / or the lower lighting device 12 can be positioned in any suitable position and orientation relative to a surface of the device housing 1, e.g., the front-light surface 4. The upper lighting device 10 and / or the lower lighting device 12 can be provided with an electrical signal such that the LEDs 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and / or the LEDs 18 of the lower lighting device 12 are illuminated. The electrical signal can be provided only to the upper lighting device 10, the electrical signal can be provided only to the lower lighting device 12, or the electrical signal can be provided to both the upper lighting device 10 and the lower lighting device 12, either simultaneously or alternately.

[0062] As noted above, the spacing of the LEDs 28 of the upper illumination device 10 and the spacing of the LEDs 18 of the lower illumination device 12 can be configured such that the distance between each LED forms overlapping illumination areas on the surface of the device housing 1.

[0063] The LED 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LED 18 of the lower lighting device 12 may be provided with an electrical signal continuously for a period of time, such that the LED 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LED 18 of the lower lighting device 12 are continuously illuminated in a first color. For example, a continuous green or blue light may indicate that a device within the device housing 1 is powered but idle.

[0064] Additionally, the LED 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LED 18 of the lower lighting device 12 may be continuously supplied with an electrical signal for a period of time, such that the LED 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LED 18 of the lower lighting device 12 are continuously illuminated in a second color different from the first color. For example, a continuous red or yellow light may indicate that the device within the device housing 1 is in a fault state, for example because the device is not ready to perform an activity, or that attention from a user is required.

[0065] The LEDs 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LEDs 18 of the lower lighting device 12 may be supplied with electrical signals in a pulsed sequence over a period of time such that the LEDs 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LEDs 18 of the lower lighting device 12 are supplied for a period of time to illuminate the LEDs 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LEDs 18 of the lower lighting device 12 in a first color (which may be different or the same as the continuously illuminated first color) and then are not supplied for a period of time. This gives the effect that the LEDs 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LEDs 18 of the lower lighting device 12 appear to be blinking for a length of time. For example, this alternating illumination may be green or blue to indicate that the device within the device housing 1 is operational or operational.

[0066] Alternatively, instead of displaying different colors for different states, the intensity of the light emitted from the LEDs 28 of the upper lighting device 10 and the LEDs 18 of the lower lighting device 12 can be increased or decreased.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device housing 1 includes an AC-DC converter. The converter is configured to convert a power source, such as a wall power supply, to a DC link voltage. For example, the wall power supply may be 120VAC@60Hz. The wall power supply may be 240VAC or another AC voltage. The DC link voltage may be defined as needed. For example, the DC link voltage may be based on the number of LEDs used and their configuration. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the LEDs 18 or 28 may be connected in series. Thus, the DC link voltage is the sum of the voltages required to operate each LED.

[0068] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of using an external power source such as a wall power supply, the device housing 1 may include an internal power source such as a battery. The battery provides the DC voltage. Also, according to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the device housing 1 may include a DC-DC converter. If multiple LEDs 18 or 28 are connected in series, the DC-DC converter may be a boost converter that increases the voltage from the supplied battery voltage.

[0069] The device housing 1 may further include a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit that controls the duty cycle of the voltage supplied to the LED 18 or 28. The PWM circuit controls the intensity of the light emitted by the LED. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PWM circuit may be implemented as a 555 timer PWM.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the PWM circuit may be connected to a dimmer switch to change the intensity of the LED. For example, the dimmer switch may be a potentiometer (POT). The POT may be located anywhere within or on the device housing 1, or the POT may be located outside the device housing 1.

[0071] One embodiment of a device housing 1 is shown in Figure 6A. The device housing 1 includes a front surface 2, a front light surface 4, and a front light surface boundary 5. In Figure 6A, an upper illumination device 10 extends a substantially linear distance along the front surface 2 of the device housing 1. Also, a lower illumination device 12 extends a substantially linear distance along the front surface 2 of the device housing 1.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6A, the bottom lighting device 12 is illuminated and forms an illuminated area 60 on the front-light surface 4. This illuminated area 60 is formed by the illumination of the LEDs 18 (shown in Figure 4A) which illuminate overlapping illumination areas on the surface of the front-light surface 4. As can be seen in Figure 6A and Figure 6B described below, the illuminated area 60 is relatively uniform from the left side of the front-light surface 4 to the right side of the front-light surface 4.

[0073] Another embodiment of the device housing 1 is shown in FIG. 6B, where two different states are identified.

[0074] In the left device housing 1, the illumination areas 60 on the front light surface are both illuminated in a first steady state blue color as a result of illumination by the lower lighting device 12 and the upper lighting device 10. In this example, this blue color indicates that the equipment in the device housing 1 is powered on but idle.

[0075] In the right device housing 1 (shown as an inset), the illumination areas 60 on the front light surface are both illuminated in a first steady state red color as a result of illumination by the lower illumination device 12 and the upper illumination device 10. In this example, this red color may indicate that the equipment within the device housing 1 is in a fault state, for example because the device is not ready to perform an activity, or that attention from the user is required.

[0076] In one embodiment of the disclosure, the same PWM circuit may be used to control both sets of LEDs 18 / 28. In another embodiment of the disclosure, two separate PWM circuits are used independently to control each set of LEDs 18 or 28. One PWM circuit is mounted on printed circuit board 16 and the other PWM circuit is mounted on printed circuit board 26. Similarly, separate and independent DC-DC converters (or AC-DC converters) are mounted on each printed circuit board.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a current limiting resistor R is placed in series with the LEDs. The current limiting resistor R has a resistance configured to keep the current at a specified level. If the LEDs 18 are in parallel, a current limiting resistor R is placed in series with each LED 18.

[0078] Although the upper illumination device 10 and the lower illumination device 12 are described herein as being contained within a particular device housing, in other embodiments, one or both of the upper illumination device 10 and the lower illumination device 12 can be contained within any other suitable housing, device, or surface.

[0079] The described embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and are not intended to represent all embodiments or examples of the present disclosure. While the basic novel features of the present disclosure as applied to various specific embodiments thereof have been shown, described, and pointed out, it will also be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the illustrated apparatus, and their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, all combinations of these elements and / or method steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are expressly intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it will be recognized that the structures and / or elements and / or method steps shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other disclosed or described or proposed form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Moreover, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure, both literally and in equivalents recognized in law, as set forth in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Device housing 2 Front 4 Front light surface 5 Front light surface boundary 6. Top 8 Right side 9 left side 10 Upper lighting device 12 Lower lighting device 14 Mounting elements 16 Printed Circuit Board 18 LED 20 Light Pipe 24 Mounting elements 26 Printed Circuit Board 27 Space 28 LED 29 Diffuser Film 30 Light Pipe 32 Electrical Connectors 42 Below 44 First above 46 Second above 51 Surface 53 Second height surface 54 Part 56 Above 58 Bottom surface, below 60 Lighting area

Claims

1. 1. A device housing comprising a first lighting device, the first lighting device comprising a first power source configured to provide an electrical signal to a first light emitting diode (LED), the first LED separated from a first surface of a diffuser film by a space, the diffuser film including a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface configured to contact a first light pipe.

2. 13. The device housing of claim 1, further comprising a second lighting device, the second lighting device including a second power source configured to provide an electrical signal to a second LED, the second LED contacting a second light pipe.

3. The device housing of claim 1 , wherein a surface of the first lighting arrangement forms part of a surface of the device housing.

4. The device housing of claim 1 , wherein the space is about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches.

5. The device housing of claim 1 , wherein the first light pipe has a height dimension of about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches.

6. The device housing of claim 5 , wherein the height dimension of the first light pipe is approximately 0.08 inches.

7. The device housing of claim 1 , wherein an angle between a lower surface of the first light pipe and a first upper surface of the first light pipe is approximately 110°.

8. The device housing of claim 1 , wherein an angle between the first top surface of the first light pipe and the second top surface of the first light pipe is approximately 130°.

9. The device housing of claim 2 , wherein a length of a first elevation surface of the second light pipe is greater than a length of a second elevation surface of the second light pipe.

10. The device housing of claim 2 , wherein an angle between a lower surface of the second light pipe and a first elevation surface of the second light pipe is approximately 95°.

11. The device housing of claim 2 , wherein an angle between a lower surface of the second light pipe and a second elevation surface of the second light pipe is approximately 95°.

12. The device housing of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the second lighting arrangement forms a portion of a surface of the device housing.

13. A device housing comprising a first lighting device, the first lighting device comprising a first power source configured to provide an electrical signal to a first LED, the LED contacting a first light pipe.

14. 14. The device housing of claim 13, further comprising a second lighting device, the second lighting device comprising a second power source configured to provide an electrical signal to a second light emitting diode (LED), the second LED separated from a first surface of the diffuser film by a space, the diffuser film including a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface configured to contact a second light pipe.

15. The device housing of claim 13 , wherein a surface of the first lighting arrangement forms part of a surface of the device housing.

16. The device housing of claim 14 , wherein the space is about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches.

17. The device housing of claim 14 , wherein the second light pipe has a height dimension of about 0.05 inches to about 0.15 inches.

18. 20. The device housing of claim 17, wherein the height dimension of the second light pipe is approximately 0.08 inches.

19. 15. The device housing of claim 14, wherein an angle between a lower surface of the second light pipe and a first upper surface of the second light pipe is approximately 110 degrees.

20. 15. The device housing of claim 14, wherein an angle between the first top surface of the second light pipe and the second top surface of the second light pipe is approximately 130 degrees.

21. The device housing of claim 13 , wherein a length of a first elevation surface of the first light pipe is greater than a length of a second elevation surface of the first light pipe.

22. The device housing of claim 13 , wherein an angle between a lower surface of the first light pipe and a first elevation surface of the first light pipe is approximately 95°.

23. The device housing of claim 13 , wherein an angle between a lower surface of the first light pipe and a second elevation surface of the first light pipe is approximately 95°.

24. The device housing of claim 13 , wherein a portion of the first lighting arrangement forms a portion of a surface of the device housing.

25. 1. A method for illuminating a surface of a device housing with a first lighting device, the method comprising: positioning the first lighting device toward the surface of the device housing, the first lighting device including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a light pipe; and providing an electrical signal to the first lighting device to illuminate the plurality of LEDs, the distance between the LEDs of the first lighting device being configured such that a first LED of the plurality of LEDs and one or more other LEDs of the plurality of LEDs adjacent to the first LED are configured to form overlapping illumination areas on the surface of the device housing.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first lighting device further comprises a diffuser film, the plurality of LEDs being separated from a first surface of the diffuser film by a space, the diffuser film comprising a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface being configured to contact the light pipe.

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrical signal is provided continuously for a period of time to continuously illuminate the plurality of LEDs with a first color.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the continuously illuminated LEDs indicate an idle state of a device within the device housing.

29. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrical signal is provided continuously for a period of time to continuously illuminate the plurality of LEDs in a second color.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the continuously illuminated LEDs indicate a fault condition of a device within the device housing.

31. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the electrical signal is pulsed over a period of time during which the electrical signal is alternately provided for a period of time to illuminate the plurality of LEDs with a first color and then not provided for a period of time.

32. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the alternating illumination of the plurality of LEDs indicates an operational state of a device within the device housing.

33. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs); a power source configured to provide an electrical signal to the plurality of LEDs; a diffuser film, the plurality of LEDs being separated from a first surface of the diffuser film by a space, the diffuser film including a second surface opposite the first surface; a light pipe, the second surface of the diffuser film configured to contact the light pipe; 13. A lighting device comprising:

34. 34. The lighting device of claim 33, wherein each of said plurality of LEDs is spaced apart from adjacent LEDs of said plurality of LEDs by a distance of about 0.1 inches to about 0.40 inches.

35. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs); a power source configured to provide an electrical signal to the plurality of LEDs; a light pipe, the plurality of LEDs contacting the light pipe; 13. A lighting device comprising:

36. 36. The lighting device of claim 35, wherein each of said plurality of LEDs is spaced apart from adjacent LEDs of said plurality of LEDs by a distance of about 0.02 inches to about 0.1 inches.

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