Light emitting device with adjustable light output profile

CA 02Θ293Θ9 2016-11-30

LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE LIGHT OUTPUT PROFILE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[2] Tlie subject nianer disclosed herein generally relates to light emit ring devices such as light fixtures. backlights, froutlights. light cunning signs, passive displays, and active

-io displays and their components and methods of manufacture. Light emitting devices are needed which nre thinner, lighter weight, cheaper to manufacture, and scalable ro large sizes.

BACKGROUND |3] Conventionally, in order to reduce the thickness of displays, tight fixtures, and backlights, edge-lit configurations using rigid lightguides bave been used to receive light

-is from the edge and direct light out of a larger area face. These types of light emitting devices are typically housed in relatively thick, rigid fiâmes that do not allow for component or device flexibility and require long lead times for design changes. The volume of these devices remains large and often includes thick or large frames or bezels around the device. The thick lightguides (typically 2 millimeters (uim) and larger) limit the design configura tio ns. pro duc t ion methods. and illumin ation modes.

(4) The ability to further reduce the thickness and overall volume of these area light emitting devices has been limited by the ability to couple sufficient light flux into a thinner lightguide. Typical light emitting diode (LED) light sources have a light emitting area dimension of at least I nun. and there is often difficulty controlling the tiglii entering.

3$ propagating through. and coupled out of the 2 rum lightguide to meet design requirements. Tlie displays incorporating the 2 nun lightguides are typically limited to small displays such as displays with a 33 centimeters (cm) diagonal measurement or less. Many system sizes are thick due to desigus that use large light sources and large input coupling optics or methods. Some systems using one lightguide per pixel (such as fiber optic based systems) require a se large volume and have low alignment tolerances. In production, thin lightguides have been limited ro coatings ou rigid wafers for integrated optical components.

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SUMMARY

[5) In one aspect, a device includes a film-based lightguide and a film adjustment mechanism configurable to adjust an orientation of a region of the film-based lightguide such that an angular light output profile from the device changes when a light source emits tight s that travels in a waveguide condition through the film-based lightguide.

[6) In another aspect- a light emitting device has an adjustable angular light output - profile wherein a first radius of curvature of a light emitting region is adjustable to a second radius of curvature to change an angular light output profile of light emitted from the tight emitting device.

[7] In another aspect, a method of changing an angular light ourput profile of a light emitting device includes changing an orientation of a light emitting region of a film-based lightguide configured to receive light emitted from a light source through an array of coupling lightguides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS is [8] FIG 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a light input coupler disposed on one side of a lightguide.

[9) FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light input coupler with coupling lightguides folded in tbe -y diiecrion.

[10) FIG 3 is a top view of one embodiment of a light emitting device with three light input couplers ou one side of a lightguide

[11) FIG 4 is a top view of one embodiment of a light emitting device with two light input couplers disposed on opposite sides of a lightguide.

[12) FIG 5 is a top view of one embodiment of a light emitting device with two light input couplers disposed ou the saute side of b lightguide wherein the optical axes of the light sources are oriented substantially toward each other.

[13) FIG 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device with a substantially fiat light input surface comprised of fiat edges of a coupling lightguide disposed to receive light from a light source.

[14) FIG 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a light emitting device so including a film-based lightguide, two light input couplers, and a low-contact area cover extending subsiantiallj' around the two light iuput couplets and the film-based lightguide in at least one plane.

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 , [15] FIG 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device disposed adjacent a wall,

[16] FIG 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a light entitling device including a lightguide with a core region, nvo cladding regions, and a plastically defonnable material.

s [17] FIG 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a light emitting device including a lightguide with a core regiou. nvo cladding regions, and a plastically deformable light reflecting film.

[18] FIG 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a light etui nine device including a lightguide with a cote regiou disposed between a low refractive index cladding io region and an air-gap cladding region including light transmitting adhesive.

[19] FIG 12 is a perspective view of a light emitting device including a film-based lightguide fanned into a wave-like shape.

[20] FIG 13 is a photometric plot of an angular luminous intensity output of the bght emitting device of FIG 12.

is [21] FIG 14 is a perspective view of a light emitting device including a film-based lightguide formed into a wave-like shape, a fust light input coupler, and a second light input coupler.

[22] FIG 15 is a perspective view of a light emining device including a film-based lightguide formed into a wave-like shape, bendable side support rails, a first light input coupler, and a second light input coupler,

[23] FIG 16 is a perspective view of a tight emitting device including a film-based lightguide formed into a wave-like shape, a plastically defonnable mesh support physically coupled to the film-based lightguide, and a light input coupler.

[24] FI(j 17 is a perspective view of a light emitting device including a film-based 25 lightguide formed into a wave-like shape, a first set of plastically defonnable wire supports.

and a second set of plastically deformable wire supports oriented onhogonal to ihe first set of plastically defonnable wire supports with a pitch of the nvo sets differing.

[25] FIG 1S is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a cladding layer peeled back.

so [26] FIG 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown iu FIG 18 as the cladding layer is re-applied.

[27] FIG 20 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a light emitting device disposed in a suppon surface or structure, such as a ceiling, wherein the light input coupler is within the ceiling and the lightguide extends across the ceiling.

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[28] FIG 21 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device disposed underneath a ceiling tile.

[29] FIG 22 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a film-based lightguide curved in an arcuate shape in the +z direction between two s light input couplers that are separated by an adjustable extension guide.

[30] FIG 23 is a perspective view the light emitting device of FIG 22 wherein the adjustable extension guide has been extended such that the light input couplers are separated by a larger distance.

[31] FIG 24 is a perspective view the light emitting device of FIG 22 wherein the 10 adjustable extension guide has been extended and a film curvature has been flipped such that the arc extends in the -z direction.

[32] FIG 25 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hght emitting device including a film-based lightguide fonned into a wave-like shape between two hght inpul couplers that are separated by an adjustable extension guide.

is [33] FIG 26 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hght emitting device including a film-based lightguide formed into a wave-like shape with light emitting surface regions oriented in an average first direction from a reference direction.

[34] FIG 27 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hght emitting device of FIG 26 wherein a spacing between pairs of lightguide positioning rods has been increased , (35) FIG 28 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hght emining device including light input couplets and a film-based lightguide with adjustable tension rails,

[36] FIG 29 is a perspective view of oue embodiment of a light emining device including light input couplers and a film-based lightguide with adjustable tension rails physically coupled to hghtguide positioning rods with light output from both sides of lhe film based lightguide.

[37] FIG 30 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including light input couplers and the film-based lightguide with flexible adjustment rods extending rluough holes in the film based lightguide.

[38] FIG 31 is a perspective view of oue embodiment of an elongated light emitting so device including a light input coupler and a film-based hghtguide with a lightguide film adjustment mechanism.

[39] FIG 32 is a perspective view of the light emitting device of FIG 31 with drawstrings pulled such that a middle region of the film-based lightguide is pulled closer to the hght input coupler.

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[40] FIG 33 is a top view of one embodiment of a light emitting including a light input coupler, a dim-based lightguide. and a light output coupler including coupling lightguides.

[41J FIG 34 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device with a s longer dimension in the y direction than the x direction including two sets of coupling lightguides on opposite sides of a film-based lightguide that are folded under and stacked adjacent each other.

[42] FIG 35 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elongated light emitting device including a light input coupler and a film-based lightguide with two lightguide io positioning rods.

[43] FIG 36 is a perspective view of the light emitting device of FIG 35 wherein relative positions of the lightguide positioning tods have been changed.

[44] FIG 37 is a side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a film-based lightguide formed into a bulbous shape with coupling lightguides twisted and s stacked together.

[45] FIG 38 is a top view of one embodiment of a ligfit emitting device including a light input coupler and output coupling lightguides disposed to recycle light back to input coupling lightguides.

[46] FIG 39 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 20 including a light input coupler and a film-based lightguide hanging downward such that a substantially vertical region of the film-based lightguide includes a light emitting region that emits light.

[47] FIG 40 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a light input coupler that couples light into a film-based distribution lightguide.

2s [48] FIG 41 is a side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a light input coupler which couples light into a film-based distribution lightguide.

[49] FIG 42 is a perspective view of one embodimeut of a light emitting device including a light source disposed to couple light into an array of lightguide strips including light emitting regions.

3» [50] FIG 43 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a light input coupler aud a lightguide with a tubular-shaped region.

[51] FIG 44 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a light input coupler and a flexible, recoufigurable film-based lightguide.

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[52} FIG 45 is a perspective view of die light emitting device of FIG 44 wherein the reconfigura bte film-based lightguide is folded into a shape with a wave-tike cross-sectional profile in the y-z plane.

[53J FIG 46 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting 5 device including two sets of coupling lightguides on opposite sides of a film-based lightguide that aie folded underneath*the film-based lightguide and stacked adjacent each other.

[54] FIG 47 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a film-based light guide in the shape of a dome with a camera disposed within the dome.

io [55] FIG 48 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a fihn-based lightguide wherein substantially all of the light is emitted witb a directional component in the +y direction.

[56] FIG 49 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an incandescent light . bulb replacement light emitting device including a film-based lightguide in the shape of a ts dome with a protective bulb surrounding the fihn-based lightguide.

[57] FIG 50 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including a film-based lightguide with a substantially flat light emitting surface with a protective cover surrounding the fihn-based lightguide.

[58] FIG 51 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-illuminated picture zo frame light emitting device including a light source and coupling lightguides within a fr ame.

[59] FIG 52 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device including light input couplers and rotatable film-based lightguides physically coupled ro rigid, bendable substrates.

[60] FIG 53 is a perspective view of a light emitting dev ice including a light input 25 coupler, a fihn-based liglitguide. and a sensor disposed ro receive communication or visual information from an electronic device or a person.

[61] FIG 54 is a perspective view of a light emitting point of purchase display including a light input coupler, and a fihn-based lightguide extending into a base of tbe point of purchase display.

so [62] FIG 55 is a perspective view of a light emining device fiincriouing as a ubiquitous display Iuchiding a light input coupler, a film-based lightguide, and a sensor disposed to receive conunimicatiou, such radio frequency communication from an electronic device, a wireless thermometer, or a personal health monitor.

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[63] FIG 56 is a perspeclive view of a light emining device incorporated into flexible packaging including a light input coupler and a film-based lightguide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[64] The features and other details of several embodiments will now be more s particularly described. It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations. The principal features can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of any particular embodiment. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise specified.

DEFINITIONS io · [65] “Optically coupled'* as defined herein refers to coupling of two or more regions or layers such that the luminance of light passing from one region to the other is not substantially reduced by Fresnel interfacial reflection losses due to differences in refractive indices berweeu the regions. “Optical coupling methods include methods of coupling wherein the two regions coupled together have similar refractive indices or using an optical is adhesive with a refractive index substantially near’ or between the refractive index of the regions or layers. Examples of “optical coupling include, without limitation, lamination using an index-matched optical adhesive, coating a region or layer onto another region or layer, or hot lamination using applied pressure to join two or more layers or regions that have substantially close refractive indices. Thermal transferring is another method that can be used to optically couple two regions of material. Forming altering, printing, or applying a material on die surface of another material are other examples of optically coupling two materials. “Optically coupled also includes forming, adding, or removing regions, features, or materials of a fust refractive index within a volume of a material of a second refractive index such that ligltt propagates from the first material to the second material. For example, a white is light scattering ink (such as titanium dioxide in a methacrylate, vinyl, or polyurethane based binder) may be optically coupled to a surface of a polycarbonate or silicone film by inkjet printing the ink onto the surface. Similarly, a lielir scattering material such as titanium dioxide in a solvent applied to a surface may allow the light scattering material to penetrate or adhere in close physical contact with the surface of a polycarbonate or silicone film such that so it is optically coupled to the film siuface or volume.

[66] “Lightguide” or “waveguide refers to a region hounded by die condition that light rays propagating at an angle dial is larger than the critical angle will reflect and remain

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 within the region. In a lightguide, the light will reflect or TIR (totally internally reflect) if it tbe angle (a) satisfies the condition a >sm’¹(n3/ni). where m is the refractive index of the medium inside the lightguide and u^ is the refractive index of the medium outside the lightguide. Typically, uj is an with a refiactive index of 0==-1: however, high and low $ refracrive index materials can be used to achieve lightguide regions. A lightguide does not need lo be optically coupled to all of its components to be considered as a lightguide. Light may enter from any face (or huerfacial refractive index boundary) of the waveguide region and may totally internally reflect from tire same or another refiactive index interfacial boundary. A region can be fiinctional as a waveguide or lightguide for purposes illustrated io herein as long as the thickness is larger than the wavelength of light of interest. For example, a lightguide may be a 5 minou region or layer of a film or it inay be a 3 millimeter sheet comprising a Light transmitting polymer.

[67] “In contact” and disposed on” are used generally to describe that two items are adjacent one another such that the whole item can fimction as desired. This may mean that is additional materials can be present between the adjacent items, as long as the item can function as desired.

[68] A “film” as used herein refers to a thin region, membrane, or layer of material.

[69] A “bend” as used herein refers to a deformation or transformation in shape by the movement of a first region of an element relative to a second region, for example. Examples of bends include the bending of a clothes rod when heavy clothes ate htmg on the rod or rolling up a paper document to fit it into a cylindrical mailing tube. A “fold” as used herein is a type of bend and refera to the bend or lay of one region of an element onto a second region such that the first region covers at least a portion of (he second region. An example of a fold includes bending a letter and forming creases to place it in an envelope. A fold does not require that all regions of rhe element overlap. A bend or fold may be a change in the direction along a first directiou along a surface of die object. A fold or bend may or may not have creases and the bend or fold may occur in oue or more directions or planes such as 90 degrees or 45 degrees. A bend or fold may be lateral, vertical, torsional, or a combination thereof.

3« [70, In one embodiment, a device includes a film-based lightguide and a film adjustment mechanism configurable to adjust an orientation of a region of tbe film-based lightguide such that an augular light output profile from the device changes when a light source emits light that travels in a waveguide condition through the film-based lightguide.

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[71) In another embodiment, a tight emitting device has an adjustable angular light output profile wherein a fust radius of curvature of a light emitting region is adjustable to a second radius of curvature to change an angular light output profile of light emitted from the light emitting device.

s [72] In another embodiment, a method of changing an angular light output profile of a light emitting device includes changing an orientation of a light emitting region of a filmbased lightguide configured to receive light emitted from a light source through an array of coupling lightguides. In one embodiment, changing an orientation of the light emitting region includes changing a radius of curvature of the light emitting region. In one embodiment, ta changing an orientation of die light emitting region includes adjusting a film adjustment mechanism physically coupled to die film-based lightguide.

[73] In one embodiment, the orientation of a region of the film-based lightguide is adjustable to change an angle of a peak luminous intensity or an angular full-width at half maximum luminous intensity of the angular light output profile from die light emitting device in a tight output plane. In one embodiment, the light emitting region of the film based lightguide is adjusted to change the angular tight output profile. In a fiulher embodiment, the light emitting device further includes a film adjustment mechanism configurable to adjust the fust radius of curvature of the light emitting region, hi one embodiment, the film adjustment mechanism is electronically adjustable.

îo [74] In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes an adhesive layer operatively coupled to a film-based Lightguide ihat can support a weight of the film-based lightguide or light emitting device. In another· embodiment, a light emitting device includes one or more removable and/or replaceable light extraction patterns or films including patterns. In a further embodiment. a fight emitting device emits light toward substantially only a fust side of die film and a camera or viewer disposed oti an opposing second side receives light enteriug from tbe first side passing through the film. In cue embodiment, the film provides privacy or security by not penmniug a viewer to readily see through a light emitting film.

LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE so [75] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a fust light source, a light input coupler, a light mixing region, and a lightguide including a light emitting region widi a light extraction feanire. In one embodiment, tbe first light source has a first light source emitting surface, the fight input coupler includes an input surface disposed to receive light

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PCT/US2012/028578 from the first light source and trausmit ihe light through the light input coupler hy total intentai reflection through a plurality of coupling lightguides. In this embodiment, light exiling the coupling lightguides is re-combined and mixed in a light mixing region and directed through tola! internal reflection within a Lightguide or lightguide region. Within the lightguide, a portion of incident light is directed within the light extracting region by light extracting features into a condition whereupon the angle of hght is less Ilian the critical angle for Ihe lightguide and Ihe directed light exits the lightguide through the lightguide hght emitting surface.

[76] In a further embodiment, the lightguide is a film with light extracting features below a light emitting device ourput surface within the film. The flint is separated into coupling lightguide strips which are folded such that the coupling lightguide strips fonn a light input coupler with a first input surface formed by the collection of edges of the coupling lightguide strips.

[77] hi one embodiment, die light emitting device has an optical axis defined herein ts as ihe direction of peak himinous intensity for light emitting from the ligtu emitting surface or region of the device for devices with output profiles with one peak. For optical output profiles with more than one peak and the output is symmetrical about an axis, such as with a ’banving type profile, the optical axis of the light emitting device is the axis of symmetry of the light output. In light emining devices with angular luminous intensity optica] output profiles with more than one peak which are not symmetrical about an axis, the light emitting device optical axis is the angular weighted average of the luminous intensity output. For nonplanar output surfaces, the light emitting device optical axis is evaluated in two orthogonal output planes and may be a consrant direction in a fust output plane and at a varying angle in a second output plane orthogonal to the first output plane. For example, light emitting from a cylindrical light emitring surface may have a peak angular luminous intensity (thus light emitting device optical axis) in a light output plane that does not include the curved output surface profile and the angle of luminous intensity could be substantially constant about a rotational axis around the cylindrical surface in an output plane including the curved surface profile. Thus, the peak angular intensity is a range of angles. When the light emitting device so lias a light emitting device optical axis in a range of angles, the optical axis of the light emining device comprises the range of angles or an angle chosen within the range. The optical axis of a lens or element is the direction of which there is some degree of rotational symmetry in ai least one plane and as used herein corresponds to the mechanical axis. The optical axis of the region, surface, area, or collection of lenses or elements may differ from

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PCT/US2012/028578 the optical axis of (be lens or element, and as used herein is dependent on the incident light angular and spatial profile, such as in the case of off-axis illumination of a lens or element. LIGHT INPUT COUPLER

[78] In one embodiment, a tight input coupler includes a plurality of coupling s lightguides disposed to receive light emitting from a light source and channel the light into a lightguide. In one embodiment the plurality of coupling lightguides are strips cut front'a lightguide film such that each coupling light guide strip remains un-cut on at least one edge bnt can be rotated or positioned (or translated) substantially independently from the lightguide to couple light through at least one edge or surface of the strip. In another embodiment, die plurality of coupling lightguides are not cut hom the lightguide film and are separately optically coupled to the light source and the lightguide. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a light input coupler having a core region of a core material and a cladding region or cladding layer of a cladding material on at least one face or edge of the core material with a refractive index less than a refractive index of the core material. In is other embodiment, die light input coupler includes a plurality of coupling lightguides wherein a portion of light from a light source incident on a face of at least one strip is directed into the lightguide such that light travels in a waveguide condition. The light input coupler may also include one or more of the following: a strip folding device, a strip holding element, and an input surface optical element.

LIGHT SOURCE

[79] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes at least one light source including one or more of the following: a fluorescent lamp, a cylindrical cold-cathode fluorescent lamp, a flat fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, a field emissive lamp, a gas discharge lamp, a neon lamp, a filament lamp.

2$ incandescent lamp, an electroluminescent lamp, a radiofluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, an incandescent lamp, a mercury vapor lamp, a sodium vapor lamp, a high pressure sodium lamp, a metal halide lamp, a tungsten lamp, a carbon arc lamp, an electroluminescent lamp, a laser, a photouic bandgap based light source, a quautum dot based light source, a high efficiency plasma light source, and a micropiasma lamp. The light emitting device may include a plurality of light sources arranged in an array, on opposite sides of a lightguide, on orthogonal sides of a lightguide, on 3 or more sides of a lightguide, or on 4 sides of a substantially planer lightguide. The array of light sources may be a linear array of discrete

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LED packages including at least one LED die. In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes a plurality of light sources witliin one package disposed to emit light toward a light input surface. In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes any suitable number of light sources, such as 1. 2. 3. 4. 5, 6. 8, 9. 10. or more than 10 light sources. In another

G embodiment, the light emitting device includes an organic light emining diode disposed to emit light as a light emitting film or sheet, hi another embodiment, the light emitting device includes an organic light emitting diode disposed to emit light into a lightguide.

[80] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes at least one broadband light source that emits light in a wavelength spectrum larger than 100 nanometers. In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes at least one narrowband light source dint emits light in a narrow bandwidth less than 100 nanometers. In one embodiment, at least one light source is a white LED package including a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED

[81] In another embodiment, at least two Eight sources with different colors are disposed to couple light into the lightguide thiough at least one light input coupler. The light is source may also include a photonic band gap structure, a nano-structure or another suitable three-dimensional arrangement that provides light output with an angular FWHM less than one selected from the group of 120 degrees, 100 degrees, 80 degrees. 60 degrees. 40 degrees, and 20 degrees.

[82] In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light source emitting light in an angular frill-width at half maximum intensity of less than one selected from 150 degrees. 120 degrees. 100 degrees. 80 degrees. 70 degrees. 60 degrees, 50 degrees. 40 degrees. 30 degrees, 20 degrees, and 10 degrees in one or more output planes. In another embodiment, the light source blither includes one or more of the following: a primary optic, a secondai y optic, and a photonic bandgap region, and the angular full-width at half maximum intensity of the light source is less than oue selected from 150 degrees. 120 degrees, 100 degrees. 80 degrees. 70 degrees. 60 degrees. 50 degrees, 40 degrees, 30 degrees, 20 degrees, and 10 degrees.

COLOR TUNING

[83] In oue embodiment, the light emitting device includes two or more light sources » and the relative output of the two light sources is adjusted to achieve a desired color in a light emitting region of the lightguide or an area of light output on the light emining device includes a plurality of lighrgnides overlapping in the region. For example, in one embodiment, the light emining device includes a red LED. a green LED. and a blue LED

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PCT/US2012/028578 disposed to couple light inio the light iuput surface of a stack of coupling lightguides. The light mixes within tbe lightguide and is output in a light emitting region of (he lightguide. By turning on the red LED and the blue LED. for example, a purple colored light emitting region is achieved. In another embodiment, the relative light output of the light sources is adjusted to compensate for the non-uniform spectral absorption in an optical element of the light emitting device. For example, in one embodiment, the output of Ihe blue LED in milliwatts is increased to a level more than the red output in milliwatts in order to compensate for more blue light absorption in a lightguide (or blue light scattering) such that the light emitting region has a substantially white light output in a particular region.

WAVELENGTH CONVERSION MATERIAL

[84] In another embodiment, the light source emirs blue and/or ultraviolet light and is combined with a phosphor. In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light source with a first activating energy and a wavelength conversion material which converts a first portion of tbe first activating energy into a second wavelength different than the first is wavelength. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes at least one wavelength conversion material selected from the group of: fluorophore, phosphor, fluorescent dye. inorganic phosphor, photonic baudgap material, quantum dot material, fluorescent protein, fusion protein, fluorophores attached to protein to specific functional groups (such as amino groups (active ester, carboxyl ale. isothiocyanate, hydrazine), carboxyl groups (carhodiitnide). thiol (maleimide, acetyl bromide), azide (via click chemistry or nonspecifically (glutaraldehyde))), quantum dot fluorophore, small molecule fluorophores, aromatic fluorophores, conjugated fluorophores, fluorescent dye and other wavelength conversion material.

LED ARRAY

2S [85} In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a plurality of LEDs or

LED packages wherein the plurality of LEDs or T Fn packages includes an array of LEDs. In another embodiment, tbe iuput array of LEDs can be arranged to compensate for uneven absorption of light through longer versus shorter lightguides. In another embodiment, the absorption is compensated for by directing more light into the tight input coupler so corresponding to the longer coupling lightguides or longer lightguides.

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LIGHT INPUT COUPLER INPUT SURFACE

[86] Iu oue embodiment, the light input coupler includes a collection of coupling lightguides with a plurality of edges forming a light coupler input surface. In another embodiment, an optical element is disposed between the light source and at least one a coupling lightguide wherein the optical element receives light from the light source through a light coupler input surface. In some embodiments, the input surface is substantially polished, flat, or optica hy smooth such that light does not scatter forwards or backwards from pits, protrusions or other rough surface features- In some embodiments, an optical element is disposed to between the light source and at least one coupling lightguide to provide light io redirection as an input surface (when optically coupled ro at least one coupling lightguide) or as an optical element separate or optically coupled to at least one coupling lightguide such that more light is redirected into the lightguide ar angles greater than the critical angle within the lightguide than would be the case without the optical element or with a flat input surface. The coupling lightguides may be grouped together such that the edges opposite the lightguide is region are brought together to form an input surface including their thin edges.

LIGHT COLLIMATING OPTICAL ELEMENT

[87] In one embodiment, the light input coupler includes a liglit collimating optical element. A light collimating optical element receives light from the light source with a first angular fiill-width at half maximum intensity within at least one input plane and redirects a portion of the incident light from the light source such that the angular full-width at half maximum intensity of the light is reduced in the first input plane. In one embodiment, the light collimating optical element is one or more of the following: a light source primary optic, a light source secondary optic, a light input surface, and an optical element disposed between the liglit sotuce and at least oue coupling lightguide. In another embodiment, the light collimating element is one or more of tlie following: an injection molded optical lens, a rhenuofoimed optical lens, and a cross-linked lens made from a mold. In another embodiment, tlie liglit collimating element reduces the angular full-width at lialf maximum (FWHM) intensity witliin the input plane and a plane orthogonal to the input plane.

COUPLING LIGHTGUIDE so [88] In one embodiment, the coupling lightguide is a region wherein light within the region can travel in a waveguide condition and a portion of the light input intoa surface or region of the coupling lightguides passes through the coupling lightguide toward a lightguide

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 or lighr mixing region. Tbe coupling lightguide, in some embodiments, may serve to geometrically transform a portion of tbe flux fiom a light source fioin a first shaped area to a second shaped area different from the first shaped area. In an example of this embodiment, tbe light input surface of the light input coupler formed from tbe edges of folded strips s (coupling lightguides) of a planar film has dimensions of a rectangle that is 3 millimeters by

2.7 millimeters and the light input coupler couples light into a planai section of a film in the light mixing region with a cross-sectional dimensions of-40.5 millimeters by 0.2 millimeters.

COUPLING LIGHTGUIDE FOLDS AND BENDS (89] in one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a Light mixing region to disposed between a lightguide and strips or segments cut to form coupling lightguides, whereby a collection of edges of the strips or segments are brought together to form a light input surface of the light input coupler disposed to receive light from a tight source. In one embodiment, ihe light input coupler includes a coupling lightguide wherein the coupling lightguide includes at least one fold or bend in a plane such that at least one edge overlaps another edge. In another embodiment, the coupling lightguide includes a plurality of folds or bends wherein edges of the coupling lightguide can be abutted together iu region such that the region forms h light input surface of the light input coupler of the light emitting device. Iu one embodiment, at least one coupling lightguide includes a snip or a segment that is bent or folded to radius of curvature of less than 75 times a thickness of the snip or die segment In as another embodiment, at least one coupling lightguide includes a strip or a segment that is bended or folded to radius of curvature greater than 10 times a thickness of the strip or the segment. In another embodiment, at least one coupling lightguide is bent or folded such that a longest dimensiou in a cross-section through the light emitting device or coupling lightguide in at least one plane is less than without the fold or bend. Segments or ships may he bent or folded in more than one direction or region and the directions of folding or bending may be different between strips or segments.

LIGHT MIXING REGION

[90] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light mixing region disposed in an optical path between the lighl input coupler and the lightguide region. The so lighr mixing region can provide a region for the light output from individual coupling lightguides to mix together and improve at least oue of a spatial huuinauce uniformity, a spatial color unifonniry. an angular color uniformity, an angular luminance uniformity, an

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PCT/US2012/028578 angular luminous intensity uniformity or any combination thereof within a region of the lightguide or of ihe surface or output of the light emining region or light emitting device. In one embodiment, a width of the light mixing region is selected horn a range from 0.1 nun (for small displays) to mote than 10 feet (for large billboards). In one embodiment, the light mixing region is the region disposed along an optical path near the end region of the coupling lightguides wherein light from two or more coupling lightguides may inter-mix and subsequently travel to a light emitting region of the lightguide. In one embodiment, the light mixing region is fanned from the same component or materia] as at least one of the lightguide, lightguide region, light input coupler, and coupling lightguides.

CLADDING LAYER

[91] In one embodiment, at least one of the light input coupler, coupling lightguide, light mixing region, lightguide region, and lightguide includes a cladding layer optically coupled to at least one surface. A cladding region, as used herein, is a layer optically coupled to a surface wherein the cladding layer includes a material with a refractive index, η,ι^ι. less is than the refractive index of the material. n„,. of the surface to which it is optically coupled. In one embodiment. Om-Urbd is one selected from the group of: 0.001-0.005, 0.001-0.01. 0.00ΙΟΙ. 0.001-0.2, 0.001-0.3. 0.001-0.4. 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5. 0.1-0.3, 0.2-0.5. greater than 0.01. greater than 0.1, greater than 0.2, and greater than 0.3. The cladding layer may be incorporated to provide a separation layer between the core or core part of a lightguide region

2t> and the outer surface to reduce tut desirable out-coupling (for example, frustrated totally internally reflected light by touching the film with an oily finger) from the core or core region of a lightguide. In one embodiment, the cladding region is optically coupled to one or more surfaces of the light mixing region to prevent out-coupling of light from the lightguide if ihe lightguide makes contact with another component. In this embodiment, the cladding also enables the cladding and light mixing region io be physically coupled to another component.

CLADDING LOCATION

[92] In one embodiment, the cladding region is optically coupled to one or more of the following: a lightguide, a lightguide region, a light mixing region, one surface of the lightguide, two surfaces of the lighlguide. a light input coupler, coupling lightguides, and an so outer surface of the film. In another embodiment, ihe cladding is disposed in optical contact with the lightguide, the lightguide region, or a layer or layers optically coupled to ihe lighrguide and the cladding material is not disposed on one or more coupling lightguides. In

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PCT/US2012/028578 oue embodiment, the coupling lightguides do not include a cladding layer between the core regions in the region near the light input surface or light source. In this embodiment, the core regions may be pressed or held together and the edges may be cut and/or polished after stacking or assembly to fonn a light input surface or a light hiruing edge that is flat, cmved. s or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the cladding layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive and the release liner for the pressure sensitive adhesive is selectively removed iu the region of one or more coupling lightguides that are stacked or aligued together into an array such that the cladding helps maintain die relative position of the coupling lightguides relative to each other. In another embodiment, the protective liner is removed from the inner cladding regions of the coupling lightguides and is left on one or both outer surfaces of the outer coupling lightguides.

CLADDING THICKNESS

[93] In a one embodiment, the average thickness of oue or both cladding layers of the lightguide is less than one selected from the group of; 100 microns. 60 microns, 30 microns,

20 microns. 10 microns, 6 microns. 4 microns, 2 microns. 1 micron. 0.8 microns, 0.5 microns, 0.3 microns, and 0.1 microns.

CLADDING LAYER MATERIALS (94] In one embodiment, die cladding layer includes an adhesive such as a siliconebased adhesive, acrylate-based adhesive, epoxy, radiation citrable adhesive, UV curable adhesive, or other light transmitting adhesive. Fluoropolymer materials may be used as a low refractive index cladding material and may be broadly categorized into oue of two basic classes. A first class includes amorphous fluoropolymers including interpolyinerized units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexa fluoropropylene (HFP) and optionally tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) monomers. The second significant class of fluoropolymers useftil in one embodiment includes homopolymers and copolymers based on fluoriuated monomers such as TFE or VDF which do contain a crystalline melting point such as polyvinylidene fluoride or thermoplastic copolymers of TFE such as those based on the crystalline microstructure of ifL·-HFP-VDF. In another embodiment, the cladding includes a material with au effective refractive iudex less than the core layer due to microstnicnires or nanostructures. In another embodiment, the cladding layer includes a porous region including air or other gas or inarerial with a refractive index less than 1,2 such drat the effective refractive index of the cladding layer is reduced.

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REFLECTIVE ELEMENTS

[95] In oue embodiment, one or more of tbe : light source, the light input surface, the light input coupler, the coupling lightguide, lightguide region, and the lightguide includes a reflective element or surface optically coupled to it. disposed adjacent to it. or disposed to receive light from it wherein the reflective region is one of a specularly reflecting region, a diffusely reflecting region, a metallic coating on a region (such as an ΓΤΟ coating, Aluminized PET, Silver coating, etc.), a multi-layer reflector dichroic reflector, a multi-layer polymeric reflector, giant biréfringent optical films enhanced specular reflector films, reflective ink or panicles within a coating or layer, and a white reflective film including one io or more of the following: titanium dioxide. Barium sulfate, and voids.

HOUSING OR HOLDING DEVICE FOR LIGHT INPUT COUPLER

[96] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a housing or holding device that holds or contains at least pan of a light input coupler and a light source. The housing or holding device may house or contain within one or more of the following: a light input is coupler, a light source, coupling lightguides, a lightguide, optical components. electrical components, a heat sink or other thermal components, attachment mechanisms, registration mechanisms, folding mechanisms devices, and frames. The housing or bolding device may include a plurality of components or any combination of the aforementioned components. The housing or holding device may serve one or more of tbe following fitncrious. as well as other suitable binerions: protecting from dust and debris contamination, providing an air-right seal, providing a water-tight seal, housing or containing components, providing a safety housing for electrical or optical components, assisting with folding or bending the coupling lightguides, assisting in aligning or holding the lightguide, coupling lightguide, light source or light input coupler relative to another component, maintaining the anangement of the coupling lightguides, recycling light (such as with reflecting inner walls), providing attachment mechanisms for attaching the .light emitting device to an external object or surface, providing au opaque container such dial stray light does not escape through specific regions, providing a translucent surface for displaying indicia or providing illumination to au object external to the light emitting device, including a connector for release and so interchangeability of components, and providing a latch or connector to connect with other bolding devices or housings.

[97] In one embodiment, the housing or holding device includes one or more of the following: a connector, a pin, a clip, a latch, an adhesive region, a clamp, a joining

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PCT/US2012/028578 inecbauism, and one or more other suitable connecting elements or mechanical means to connect or hold the housing or holding device to another housing or holding device, a lightguide, a coupling lightguide, a film, a cartridge, a removable component or components, a snip, an exterior surface such as a window or automobile, a light source, electronics or electrical components, a circuit board for the electronics or a light source such as an LED. a heat sink or one or more other suitable thermal control elements, a frame of the light emitting device, and other suitable components of the light emitting device.

[98) In another embodiment, one or more input ends and/or one or more output ends of the coupling lightguides are held in physical contact with a relative position maintaining element by one or more of the following: magnetic grips, mechanical grips, clamps, screws, mechanical adhesion, chemical adhesion, dispersive adhesion, diffusive adhesion, electrostatic adhesion, vacuum holding, and an adhesive.

CURVED OR FLEXIBLE HOUSING

[99) In another embodiment, the housing includes at least one curved surface. A curved surface can permit non-linear shapes or devices or facilitate incorporating non-planer or bent lightguides or coupling lightguides. In one embodiment, a light etnirting device includes a housing with at least one curved surface wherein the homing includes curved or bent coupling lightguides. In another embodiment, die housing is flexible such that tbe housing may be beur temporarily, permanently or semi-permanently. By using a flexible bousing, for example, the light emitting device may be able to be bent such that the light emitting surface is curved along with the housing, or die light emitting area tnay curve around a bend in a wall or comer, for example. In one embodiment, the housing or lightguide may be bent temporarily such dmt the initial shape is substantially restored (bending a long housing to get it through a door for example).

HOUSING INCLUDING A THERMAL TRANSFER ELEMENT

[100) In one embodiment, the housing includes a thermal transfer element disposed to transfer beat horn a component within the bousing to an outer surface of the housing. In another embodiment, the thennal transfer element includes one or more of the following: a heat sink, a metallic or ceramic element, a fan. a heat pipe, a synthetic jet, an air-jet producing actuator, an active cooling element, a passive cooling element, a rear portion of a metal core or other conductive circuit board, a thermally conductive adhesive, or one or more t

other suitable components known to thermally conduct heat. In one embodiment, the thermal

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PCT/US2012/028578 transfer element bas a thermal conductivity (W/(m K}) greater than one selected from the group of: 0.2. 0.5. 0.7. 1. 3. 5, 50. 100, 120. 180, 237, 300, aud 400.

LOW CONTACT AREA COVER

[101] In one embodiment, a low contact area cover is disposed between at least one s coupling lightguide aud the exterior to the light emitting device. The low contact area provides a low surface area of contact with a region of the lightguide or a coupling lightguide and may further provides one or more of the following: protection from fingerprints, protection fi'om dust or air contaminants, protection from moisture, protection front internal or external objects that would decouple or absoib more light than the low contact area cover when in contact in one or more regions with one or more coupling lightguides, a means for holding or containing at least one coupling lightguide, holding the relative position of oue or more coupling lightguides, and preventing the coupling lightguides front unfolding into a larger volume or contact with a surface that could de-couple or absoib light. In one embodiment, the tow contact area cover is disposed substantially around one or more is coupling lightguide stacks or arrays aud facilitates one or more of die following: reducing the dust buildup on the coupling lightguides. protecting one or more coupling lightguides from fiustiated total internal reflection or absorption by contact with another light transmitting or absorbing material, and preventing or limiting scratches, cuts, dents, or deformities fiom physical contact with other components, assemblers. or users of the device

[ 102] in one embodiment, the low contact area cover is a film with at least one of a lower refractive index than the refractive index of the outer material of the coupling lightguide disposed near the low contact area covet , aud surface relief partem or stntcnire on the surface of the film-based low contact area cover disposed near at least one coupling lightguide. hi oue embodiment, the low contact area cover is a sheet, film, or component including oue or more of die following: paper, fibrous film or sheet, cellulosic material, pulp, low-acidity paper, synthetic paper, flashspun fibeis, fiashsputi high-density polyethylene fibers, and a micro-porous film. In another embodiment, the film material of die low contact area cover or the area of the low contact area cover in contact with the core layer of the lighrguide in the light emitting region includes a material with a refractive index in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the core surface less than one selected from the group of: 1.6, 1.55. 1.5. 1.45. 1.41, 1.38. 1.35. 1.34. 1.33. 1.30. 1.25. and 1.20 lu another embodiment, the film surface features that substantially prevent optical coupling include micro-structured and/or nanostruenned features that couple less than oue selected from the

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PCT/US2012/028578 group of: 40%, 30% 20%, 10%, 5%, 2% and 1% of the incident light in die lightguide out of the lightguide. In one embodiment, the light extraction region features, the features that substantially prevent optical coupling, or the low contact area cover features include a fibrous material with a specific surface (surface/mass ratio) greater than one selected from the group of: 0.1,0.5. 1.5.10. 20. 30,40. and 50 tnVg.

LIGHTGUIDE THICKNESS AND PROPERTIES

[103] In one embodiment, die thickness of the film, lightguide and/or lightguide region is within a range of0.005 nun to 0.5 min. In another embodiment, die thickness of the film or lightguide is within a range of 0.025 mm (0.001 inches) to 0.5 nun (0.02 inches). In a io further embodiment the thickness of the film, lightguide and/or lightguide region is within a range of 0.050 nun to 0.175 nun. In one embodiment, the thickness of the film, lightguide or lightguide region is less than 0.2 mm or less than 0.5 inm. In oue embodiment, one or more of a thickness, a largest thickness, an average thickness, a greater than 90% of the entire thickness of the film, a lightguide, and a lightguide region is less than 0.2 millimeters.

OPTICAL· PROPERTIES OF THE LIGHTGUIDE OR LIGHT TRANSMITTING MATERIAL

[104] With regards to die optical properties of lightguides or light transmitting materials for certain embodiments, tbe optical properties specified herein may be general properties of die lightguide, die core, die cladding, or a combination thereof or they may correspond to a specific region (such as a light emitting region, light mixing region, or light extracting region), surface (light input surface, diffuse surface, flat surface), and direction (such as measured normal to the surface or measured in the direction of lighr travel through tbe lightguide). In one embodiment. an average luminous transminance of die lightguide measured within ar least one of the light emitting region, the light mixing region, and the lightguide according to ASTM DI003 with a BYK Gardner haze meter is greater than one selected from the group of: 70%, 80%. 88%, 92%, 94%. 96%, 98%. and 99%: tbe average haze is less than one selected from tbe group of: 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%. 20%, 10%, 5% and 3%: and die overage clarity is greater than one selected from the group of: 70%, 80%. 88%, 92%, 94% 96%, 98%. and 99%.

REFRACTIVE INDEX OF THE LIGHT TRANSMITTING MATERIAL

[105] In one embodiment, the core material of the lightguide has a high refractive index and the cladding material has a low refractive index. In one embodiment, the core is

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 formed from a material with a refractive index (up) greater than one selected from the group of: 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6, 1.7. 1.8. 1.9. 2.0. 2.1. 2.2, 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. 2.7. 2.8. 2.9. and 3.0. In another embodiment, the refractive index (n_D) of the cladding material is less than one selected from die group of: 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5, 1.6. 1.7. 1.8, 1.9, 2.0. 2.1. 2.2.2.3. 2.4. and

2.5.

[106] In one embodiment, the core or tbe cladding or other light transmitting material may be a thermoplastic. thenuoset. rubber, polymer, silicone or other light transmitting material. Optical products can be prepared from high index of refraction materials, including monomers such as high index of refraction (meth)acrylate monomers, hajogeoated io monomers, and otheT suitable liigh index of refraction monomers as are known in tbe art.

SHAPE OF THE LIGHTGUIDE

[107] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the lightguide shape or light guide surface is substantially planar, curved, cylindrical, a formed shape from a substantially planar film, spherical, partially spherical, angled, twisted. rounded, have a quadric surface, spheroid.

cuboid, parallelepiped, triangular prism, rectangular prism, ellipsoid, ovoid, coue pyramid, tapered triangular prism, wave-like shape, and/or other known suitable geometrical solids or shapes. In one embodiment, tbe lightguide is a film formed into a shape by tbennofonning or other suitable forming techniques. In another embodiment, tlie film or regiou of the film is tapered in at least one direction. lu a ftirther embodiment, a light emitting device includes a plurality of lightguides and a plurality of light sources physically coupled or arranged together (such as tiled in a 1x2 array for example), hi another embodiment, the lightguide region of the film is substantially in the shape of a rectangle, a square, a circle, a toroid or douglmut (elliptical with a hole in the inner region), an ellipse , a linear strip, or a tube (with a circular, rectangular, polygonal, or other suitable shaped cross-section). hi one embodiment, a light*emitting device includes a lightguide formed from a film into a hollow cylindrical rube including coupling lightguide strips branching from the film on a short edge toward an inner porriou of the cylinder. In another embodiment, a light emitiing device includes a film lightguide with coupling lightguides cut into die film so that the coupling lightguides remain coupled to the lightguide region and the central strip is not optically coupled to tire lightguide and provides a spine with increased stiffness in at least one direction near the central ship region or lightguide region near the strip.

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TILED LIGHTGUIDES

[108] lu a further embodiment. a light emitting device includes lightguides with light input couplers arranged such that the light source is disposed in the central regiou of the edge of the lightguide, and tire light input coupler (or a component thereof) does not extend past the edge to enable the lightguides to be tiled in a suitable array, such as a 1x2. 2x2, 2x3, 3x3. or larger array. In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes light emitting lightguides with a low separation distance wherein the separation between the lightguides in at least one direction along the light emirting surface is less than one selected from the group of: 10 rum. 5 rum. 3 nun. 2 nun. 1 mm aud 0.5 mm.

io [109] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a linear array of lightguides in a first direction. In another embodiment, a light emirting device includes a linear array of lightguides in a first direcrion and a linear array of lightguides in a second direction orthogonal to The first direction. In a fiitther embodiment, a light cmirtmg device includes a rectangular matrix of lightguides. In light emitting devices including tiled is lightguides, the light input couplers, the coupling lightguides, and/or the one or more light sources may be disposed along the periphery of die riled lightguides, between the lateral edges of die lightguides along rhe side of the lightguide, folded back toward the central region between the lateral edges, or folded underneath or above the lightguide to permit a low separation distance between the lightguides and/or light emining regions, io [119] In another embodiment, the lightguide includes a single fold or bend near an edge of the lightguide such that tlie lightguide folds mider or over onto and optically coupled to itself. In this embodiment, light which would ordinarily be lost at the edge of a lightguide may be further extracted from the lightguide after the fold or bend to increase the optical efficiency of the lightguide or device. In another embodiment, the light extraction features on the lightguide disposed in the optical path of the light within the lightguide after the fold or bend near an edge provide light extraction features that increase otie or more of the following: a luminance, a luminance uiiifoimity, a color uniformity, an optical efficiency, an image or logo clarity and resolution.

LIGHTGUIDE MATERIAL so (111J In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a lightguide or lightguide legion formed from at least one light transmitting uiarerial. In one embodiment, the lightguide is a film includes at least one core regiou and at least one cladding regiou. each including at least one light transmitting material. In one embodiment, the light nansmirtiue

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 material is a thermoplastic, thennoser. rubber, polymer, high transmission silicone, glass, composite, alloy, blend silicone, or other suitable light transmitting material, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a component or region of the light emitting device includes a suitable light transmitting material, such as one or more of the following: cellulose derivatives (e.g.. cellulose ethers such as ethylcellulose and cyanoethylcellulose. cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate), acrylic resins, sryreuic resins (e.g., polystyrene), polyvinylseries resins [e.g., polyfvinyl ester) such as poly( vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl halide) such as poly (vinyl chloride), polyvinyl alkyl ethers or polyether-series resins such as polyfvinyl methyl ether), polyfvinyl isobutyl ether) and polyfvinyl t-buryl ether)], polycarbonate-series io resins (e.g., aromatic polycarbonates such as bispheno! A-type polycarbonate), polyesterseries resins(e.g., bomopolyesters, for example, polyalkylene terephthalates such as polyethylene terephthalate and poly butylene lerephlhalaie. polyalkylene naplithalates corresponding to tbe polyalkyleue terephthalates: copolyesters containing an alkylene terephthalate and/or alkylene naphthalate as a main component; homopotyiners of lactones

1S such as polycaprolactone). polyamide-series resin (e.g., nylon 6. nylon 66. nylon 610), urethane-series resins (e.g.. thermoplastic polyurethane resins), copolymers of monomers forming rhe above resins [e.g., styrenic copolymers such as methyl methacrylate-styrene copolymer (MS resin), acryloirittile-styiene copolymer (AS resin), styrene-(meth)acrylic acid copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer and styrene-butadiene copolymer, vinyl

2o acetate-vinyl chloride copolymer, vinyl alkyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer]. Incidentally, the copolymer may be whichever of a random copolymer, a block copolymer, or a graft copolymer. In one embodiment, a thennoset material is coated onto a thermoplastic film wherein die thennoset material is the core material and die cladding materia] is the thermoplastic film or material. In another embodiment, a fust thennoset material is coated onto a film including a second thennoset material wherein the fust thennoset material is the core material, and the cladding material is the second thennoset plastic. In one embodiment, the coupling lightguides include a core material including a glass material. In one embodiment, the glass material is one selected from the group of: fused silica, synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide, optical grade fiised qtiatrz. synthetic fiised silica, boiosilicate so glass, crown glass, and almninoborosilicate glass. In another embodiment, the core material includes a glass which is coated, or has an organic material applied to one or more of the following: an edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface, hi one embodiment, the coating on the glass functions ro provide a cladding region, increase impact resistance, and/or provide increased flexibility.

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OUTERMOST SURFACE OF THE FILM OR LIGHTGUIDE

[112] In one embodiment tbe outermost surface of the film, lightguide or lightguide region includes one or more of the following: cladding, surface texture to simulate a soft feel or match the surface texture of cloth or upholstery, a refractive element to redirect or β collimate light from the tight extraction features (such as uhcrolens array), an adhesive layer, a removable backing material, an anii-reflectiou coating or surface, an ami-glare coating or surface, and a rubber surface. In one embodiment, the outermost surface of the film, liglitguide. light emining film, light redirecting element, or light emining device includes surface relief features and the ASTM D523-89 60 degree gloss of the surface is less thau one to selected from the group of: 100, 50. 25, and 15 gloss units. In one embodiment, the gloss on the outer surface reduces ambient glare light intensity that would highlight the surface. For example, in one embodiment, die light emining device includes a liglitguide with an outermost surface with a uniform low gloss of 2 gloss units. When tins lightguide is disposed on a wall with a mane or diffusing surfa ce with a gloss of ahout 2 gloss units, the substantially transparent lightguide with high visible light rransmitrance is nearly invisible, even ar glare angles from light sources due to the matching of the gloss of the outermost surface. In this embodiment, die light emitting device is significantly less visible in the offstate in an applicadou such as a wall mounted light fixture. In one embodiment, the outermost surface with tbe low gloss is a surface of an anti-glare film, embossed film, cladding layer.

2<i light redirecting element, light turning optical element, light collimating optical element, lightguide, core region (where there is no cladding surface on that side of the core region), light re-directing element, tight emitting device cover, lens, or a bousing element.

[113) In one embodiment, the outermost surface of the film, liglitguide. light emitring film, light redirecting element, or light emitting device has an ASTM D523-89 60 degree is gloss greater than one selected front the group of: 50. 70, 90. 100. and 110 gloss units, hi this embodiment, the high gloss can match a glossy surface such as a window, glass partition, or metal smface, for example, such that die component is less visible in the off state at glare angles. In another embodiment, a kit includes a light emitting device and oue or more films with gloss levels different fichu a region of the outermost smface of the light emitting device that may he attached to an outermost surface region of the light emitring device to allow a choice of gloss level for die new outermost surface. For example, a film with the correct gloss level may be chosen ro match the gloss level of the wall adjacent die light emitting device.

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LIGHT EXTRACTION METHOD

[114] In one embodiment. one or more of the lightguide, the lightguide region, and the light emitting region includes at least one light extraction fe antre or region. In one embodiment, the light extraction region tnay be a raised or recessed surface pattern or a volumetric region. Raised and recessed surface patterns include, without limitation, scattering material, raised lenses, scattering surfaces, pits, grooves, surface modulations, microlenses. lenses, diffractive surface features, holographic surface features, photonic bandgap features, wavelength con vets ion materials, holes, edges of layers (such as regions where ihe cladding is removed front covering the core layer), pyramid shapes, prism shapes, and other io geometrical shapes with flat surfaces, curved surfaces, random surfaces, quasi-random surfaces, and combinations thereof. The volumetric scattering regions within tlie hght extraction region may include dispersed phase domains, voids, absence of other materials or regions (gaps, holes), air gaps, boundaries between layers and regions, and other refractive index discontinuities within the volume of the material different that co-planar layers with parallel tnterfacial surfaces

[115] In one embodiment, the light extraction feature is substantially directional and includes one or more of the following: an angled surface feature, a curved surface feature, a rougir surface feature, a random surface feature, an asymmetric surface feature, a scribed surface feature, a cut surface feature, a non-planar surface feature, a stamped surface feature.

zb a molded surface feature, a compression molded surface feature, a thermofoimed siuface feature, a milled siuface feature, an extruded mixture, a blended materials, an alloy of materials, a composite of symmetric or asymmetrically shaped materials, a laser ablated surface feature, an embossed siuface feature, a coated surface feature, an injection molded surface feature, an extiuded surface feature, and one of the aforementioned features disposed in the volume of the hghtguide. For example, in one embodiment, the directioual hght extraction feature is a 100 micron long. 45 degree angled facet groove fonned by UV cured embossing a coating on the lightguide film that substaurially directs a portion of the incident hght within the hghtguide toward 0 degrees from the surface normal of the lightguide.

[116] In one embodiment, the hghr extraction feature is a specularly, diffusive, or a act combination thereof reflective material. For example, the hght extraction feanue tnay be a substantially specularly reflecting ink disposed at an angle (such as coated onto a groove) or the hght extraction feature may be a substantially diffitsely reflective ink such as an ink including titanium dioxide panicles within a methacrylate-based binder.

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[117] bi one embodiment, the light extraction feature is a protruding feature on a film or component that is applied to the core or cladding region of a lightguide. In one embodiment, the light extraction features are protrusions from a film that are pressed into a

- rhin cladding such that the separation between the core and the cladding is reduced such that s the evanescent penetration depth of light in the cladding permits frustration of a first portion of the light into the material of the light extraction feature (or scattering therefrom in the case of a scanering tight extraction feature such as a TiCti particle). In one embodiment, a lightguide includes a high refractive index core layeT and a compressible, thin low refractive index material such that when a force greater than one selected from the group of: 1, 2, 5, 10. m 20, 40, and 50 pounds per square inch, a first portion of light is frustrated from the lightguide. For example. in one embodiment, a tight extraction film including a panent of light scattering ink including T1O2 panicles is physically coupled to a compressible fluoropolymer cladding with a first thickness on a film-based lightguide including a polycarbonate core layer. A glass plate compresses the light extraction film onto the cladding layer such that the thickness of the cladding layer reduces to a second thickness and a first portion of the light from the lightguide is scattered from the lightguide due to the evanescent coupling of the light through the cladding to the tight scattering ink.

[118] In one embodiment, a light extraction feature film includes protruding light extraction features that adhere to the core region and function as standoffs and adhesion locations to hold die light extraction feamre film in place and to protect the light emitting region. In this embodiment, an air cladding is disposed between the light extraction features along the s tufa ce of the core layer. For example, in one embodiment, n light emitting· device includes a light extraction feature film having 100 micron protrusions made of light scattering ink and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed in a pattern on the surface of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The tight extraction feature film is laminated to tlie core layer and bonded in the tight extraction feature adhesive protrusions. In this embodiment, the tight extraction feature film protects the core layer from scratches or dust/ditt accumulation tliat can occur during assembly, shipping or end-use.

VISIBILITY OF LIGHT EXTRACTION FEATURES

[119] In one embodiment, at least one light extraction region includes light extraction features which have a low visibility to the viewer when the region is not illuminated hy light from within the lightguide (such as when the device is in the off-state or the particular lightguide in a multi-lightguide device is uot illuminated). In one embodiment, the luminance

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 at a First measurement angle of one or more of a lightguide region, a square centimeter measurement area of the light emitting surface corresponding to tight redirected hy at least one light extraction feature, a light emitting region, a light extraction feature, and a light extracting surface feature or collection of light extraction features is tess than one selected s from the group of: 0.5 cd/m². 1 cd/uA 5 cd/uA 10 cd/nA 50 cd/πΑ and 100 cd/nr when exposed to diffiise illuminance front an integrating sphere of one selected from the group of:

lux. 50 lux. 75 lux, 100 lux. 200 lux. 300 lux, 400 lux, 500 lux. 750 lux. and 1000 lux when place over a black, light absorbing surface. Examples of a suitable light absorbing surface include, without limitation, a black velour cloth material, a black anodized aluminum, a material with a diffiise reflectance (specular component included) less than 5%. and a window to a tight trap box (a box with light absorbing black velour or other material lining the walls). In one embodiment, the average largest dimensional size of the light extracting surface features in the plane parallel to the light emitting surface corresponding to a light emitting region of the light emitting device is less than one selected from the group of; 3 min,

1$ 2 nun, 1 mm. 0.5 mm 0.25 innL 0.1 nun. 0.080 nun. 0.050 mm, 0.040 mm. 0.025 inm. and

0.010 nun

[120] In a further embodiment, tire light extraction region is designed to be substantially visible from only one side. In one embodiment, the light extraction features are disposed on die nou-viewing side of the light emitting device between a low light transmission region and the lightguide. For example, in one embodiment, the light extraction regions are primed white ink regions with light absorbing black ink overprinted on the white ink regions, hi this embodiment, the white ink scatters light out of the lightguide on die opposite side and a significant portion of the light transmitted dirough the white ink is absorbed by the black ink.

REMOVABLE AND REPLACEABLE LIGHT EXTRACTION REGION

[121] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light extraction region that may be removed and rep laced on a film-based lightguide or repositioned on a film-based lightguide. In another embodiment, the light extraction region is a film or component including tight extraction features that is physically and optically coupled to tbe lightguide ao such that light navels within the lightguide in a waveguide condition and is extracted by the light extraction features in the light extraction region. In another embodiment, the light extraction region includes light extraction surface features such that when the features are in contact with the film-based lightguide, a portion of the light incident on the light extraction

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 surface features is redirected into au angle such that light escapes the film-based lightguide. Iu another embodiment, the light exrractiou region on the film or component has a protective region or film that can be removed prior to adhering the light extraction region to the filmbased lightguide. In another embodiment, tbe light extraction region is adhered to the filrn5 based lightguide using a low peel strength adhesive, staric bond or other low strength bond. Iu one embodiment, the light extraction layer or region has an ASTM D 903 (modified for 72 hour dwell time) peel sneugih to standard window glass Less than one selected horn the group of: 70 oz/in. 50 oz/in. 40 oz/in. 30 oz/in. 20 oz/in and 10 oz/in. In another embodiment, tbe adhesive, when adhered to glass, will support the weight of the light emitting device. For example, the film-based light guide may be a polycarbonate film and the light extraction region may be a PVC or silicone-based film that can be disposed onto the film-based lightguide such that tlie light extraction region extracts light from the lightguide. In another embodiment, a first tight extraction region forms indicia from white ink Light extraction feantres on a silicone-based film. In dûs embodiment, the silicone-based film is removed by is peeling tbe silicone-based film away from a silicone film-based lightguide. hi this embodiment, the first light extraction region is replaced with a new light extraction region including embossed features on the surface of a new silicone film with the features oriented toward the silicone film-based lightguide where the light extraction region includes a low refractive index protective cladding region, layer or film on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the surface light extraction features on the light extraction region essentially become volumetric light extraction feantres for tlie lightguide which is formed from the combination of the silicone-based light extraction region and die silicone film-based lightguide. In a ftirther embodiment, the adhesive may be removed from die rwo components to which the adhesive is designed to combine. For example, in one embodiment, the adhesive film or component may be removed from window glass and a region of die lightguide. In another example, the adhesive film or component may be removed from tbe light extraction region and tlie lightguide. Iu one embodiment. the light extinction region maintains sufficient adhesion during normal operation and can be removed permitting reuse of a component or region. For example, iu one embodiment, the adhesive may be removed (by peeling for so example) from the lightguide film such that a new adhesive film may be used with tbe light extraction region to apply the light extraction region to another surface widtout din. contamination, or blemishes from the previous adhesion. In the previous example, this could be advantageous when one wishes to change a light emining device window display using a film-based lightguide from displaying a Thanksgiving holiday image in the light exnnction

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 film to a Christinas holiday image in a different light extraction film, for example. In another embodiment, tbe adhesive layer, region, or material may be cleaned, sucb as washing in soap and water, for example) and reused to reapply tbe light extraction region to the lightguide.

[122] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a cladding region on the s lightguide that may be removed or peeled back from the core region of the lightguide such that the light extraction region (or film including light extraction features) may be added. In another embodimeni, the tight emitting device includes a lightguide optically coupled io a first tight extraction region, and the fust light extraction region is peeled off and a second light extraction region is optically coupled to the lightguide. In one embodiment, the cladding to layer is physically coupled to tbe housing or lightguide along one edge or region such that when peeled back, the relative alignment and position is maintained for reapplying the cladding layer. For example, in one embodiment, the cladding layer is bonded with a high strength adhesive along the top end of b core region and is coupled to the region below the top end of the liglitguide by a low tack adhesive or adhesive with low peel strength that enables the cladding layer to be readily peeled back by hand.

[123] In one embodiment, the light extraction region includes a light transmitting film with an arrangement of light extraction features disposed within or upon a surface. In oue embodiment, one or more of the light extraction region, tbe core region, and the cladding layer has adhesive properties. In another embodiment, the adhesive properties are low tack” sucb as those typical with silicone, ‘'static cling film based on polyvinyl chloride with relatively high plasticizer content, or adhesives with low peel streugth.

[124] In another embodiment, the light extraction region is an ink or other suitable transferable material that can be transferred onto the film-based lightguide. For example, a film including an ink pattern with an adhesive component could be transferred onto the filra2$ based lightguide by lamination or pressing the film against die film-based iighrgnide. Tlie earner or transfer media supporting the trausfer material or feature may be a film, plastic, meial or other flexible or rigid material. For example, the transfer material may be an embossed metal plate that is pressed against the film-based lightguide to transfer a surface panem from the metal to the fihn-based lightguide to create surface relief light extraction so features. In another embodiment, the transfer material is a thin layer of a coating that can be released front or physically bonded to the light extraction region or feanires. In another embodiment, the light extraction region has a carrier film, layer or region that can be removed subsequeui to optically coupling the light extraction features to the film-based lightguide or the light extraction region may remain physically coupled to the light extraction

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PCT/US2012/028578 features. In one embodiment, the light extraction region of the lightguide includes light extraction films of a variety of shapes and the light extraction features or light extraction regions including the light extraction features may also be a variety of shapes to achieve a desired appearance or particular spatial or angular light output profile from the light emitting device. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a plurality of light extraction films or regions disposed to couple light out of the lightguide at specific locations or orientations that are predetermined or user configurable or reconfigurable.

[125] In another embodiment, a sign or display kit includes a light input coupler, a film-based lightguide and one or more light extraction films such that the user may chose rite io parricular light extraction region film to dispose on the film-based lightguide. In another embodiment, the light extraction film includes an alignment feature that indicates the correct side of the light extraction film to be optically coupled to tlie film-based lightguide. For example, a silicone light extraction film includes a printed ink partem underneath a removable protective film on one side, a low refractive index cladding region on the opposite side, and a notch cut from one comer. The user is instructed (through instructions or diagrams for example) to peel away the protective films from the silicone film-based lightguide and the silicone light extraction film and position the notch on the silicone light extraction film in the bottom left comer on the side of the silicone film-based lightguide that is opposite die side of the light inpul coupler, for example. Other alignment features or-guides including printed inks

2» patterns, registiariou marks, grooves, apertures and/or holes, for example, may be used.

[1261 m ^one embodiment, the light extraction region includes film surface features that substantially prevent optical coupling in first regions, and light coupling or light extraction regions that redirect light to angles not supported by the lightguide or transmit light to light extraction regions. In oue embodiment, the film surface features that substantially prevent optical coupling are low contact area cover features.

MULTIPLE LIGHTGUIDES

[127] Ln one embodiment, a light emitting device includes more than one lightguide to provide one or more of the following: color sequential display, localized dimming backlight, red. green, and blue lightguides, animation effects, multiple messages of different colors, a» NVIS and daylight mode backlight (one lightguide for NVIS, one lightguide for daylight for example), tiled lightguides or backlights, and large area light emitting devices comprised of smaller light emitting devices In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes a plurality of liglitguides optically coupled to each other, in another embodiment, at least one

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PCT/US2012/028578 lightguide or a component thereof includes a region with anti-blocking features such thal the lightguides do not substantially couple light directly into each other due to touching.

OTHER COMPONENTS {128) In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes one or more of the s following: a power supply, batteries (wliich may be aligned for a low profile or low volume device), a thermal transfer element (such as a heat sink, heat pipe, or stamped sheet metal heat sink), a frame, a housing, a heat sink extruded and aligned such that the heat sink extends parallel to at least one side of the lightguide, multiple folding or holding modules along a thermal nans 1er element or heat sink, a thermal transfer element exposed lo thermally » couple heat to a sttrface external to the light emining device, a solar cell capable of providing power, communication electronics (such as needed to control light sources, color output, input information, remote communication, Wi-Fi control. Bluetooth® control, and/or wireless internet control, for example), a magnet for temporarily affixing the light emitting device to a ferrous or suitable metallic surface, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, forward and is backwards oriented motion sensors, an optical feedback sensor (including photodiodes or LEDs employed in reverse as detectors), controlling mechanisms such as switches, dials, keypads (for fiinctions such as on/off, brightness, color, color temp, presets (for color, brightness, and'or color temp, for example), wireless control, externally triggered switches (door closing switch for example), synchronized switches, and light blocking elements to

2o block external light from reaching tbe lightguide or lightguide region or to block light emitted from a region of the light emitting device from being seen by a viewer. In one embodiment, the light emitting device is designed to be powered by an automobile’s electrical system or a 12 volt DC power battery or power supply. For example, in one embodiment, a tight fixture ' includes a light source such as a linear an ay of LEDs directing light upwards and a light input surface disposed to receive light propagating with a component upwards and direct the light through coupling lightguides to a light emitting region disposed on the underside of the light fixture. In this embodiment, for example, a linear pendant luminaire can direct light upwards and provide illumination directly downwards using the lightguide film and coupling lightguides. Similarly, a wall washing light fixture that directs light upwards may emit light so horizontally or downwards using die coupling lightguides and lightguide to redirect an angular range of the ligltt output of the ligltt source into the lightguide and out of the lightguide iu a different angular range.

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MOWN SENSOR (129) In another embodiment. the light emitting device includes a motion sensor. Types of motion sensors include passive infrared sensors, active infrared sensors, ultrasonic motion sensors, and microwave motion sensors, hi one embodiment, the motion sensor is î disposed to receive radiation passing through the film-based lightguide or from within the film-based lightguide (such as when exterior light is redirected into the lightguide by the light extraction fea n it es and travels through the lightguide to reach the motion sensor). In another embodiment, movement detected by the motion sensor triggers the light emitting device to change the light output characteristics. In one embodiment, the light emitting device has light io emitting characteristics that change by oue or more of the following: emining light in one or more light emitting regions, stopping emitting light in one or more light emitting regions, changing the overall light flux output (increase or decrease by an amount) in one or more light emitting regions, changing the angular light output profile iu one or more light emitting regions, changing the color of the light output in one or more light emitting regions. For is example, in oue embodiment, the morion sensor triggers the light einining device to nim on. In another example. the motion sensor tiiggeis the ligfit emitting device to pulse oue LED off and on for a flashing logo in a first light emitting region while maintaining tlie light output of a second LED at a constant visible light output level in a second light emitting regiou.

[130) hi another embodiment, the light input coupler is disposed to receive light from a light source and transmit the light tlirough coupling lightguide into a larger light emitting area such as to provide a lower luminance level light output spread over a larger light emitting area. For example, in oue embodiment, rite light input coupler is disposed to receive light directed upwards from a light source in a lamp and direct the light through coupling lightguides to the light emitting regiou disposed in the “lamp shade”. In this embodiment, the light is transmitted through die lightguide and exits the shade directly (in embodiments when the light emitting regiou is on the outer portion of the “lamp shade”) without being absorbed by travelling through the light absorbing material of the tamp shade. In this embodiment, the lightguide may be disposed within, ou the inner surface, or on the outer surface of a lamp shade. Iu another embodiment, the lightguide provides light diffitsing properties (such as a so volumetric diffusion layer, surface relief diffusing layer, or printed diffuser layer) to reduce the glare of the light source and includes light emitting regions that receive light from the light source through coupling lightguides.

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[131] la another embodiment, the light emitting device provides light output in a shade or patterned region that is different that the light exiting out of a neighboring region. For example, in one embodiment, the film-based lightguide emits light in a green and red flower pattern while the light transmitted through the shade (from a standard Edison type s incandescent light bulb disposed in the lamp, for example) is a second color such as warm white. In one embodiment, a low light transmitting region is disposed beiween the light emitting region and a light emitting region of external light incident on the light emitting region such lhat the saturation of the light emitted from the light emitting region is increased. For example. in one embodiment, a table lamp with an incandescent light source disposed to within includes a luminous lamp shade of with a lightguide film disposed to receive light from a blue LED and to emit blue light from white ink light extraction features in the form of a blue logo and a black ink overprinted on the white ink light extraction features increases the color saturation over the light extraction region without die low light transmitting region.

OTHER OPTICAL FILMS

[132] In another embodiment, the light emitting device fiirther includes a light redirecting optical film, element, or region that redirects light incident at a fust range of angles, wavelength range, and polarization range into a second range of angles different than the first.

LIGHT REFLECTING FILM

[133] In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes a lightguide disposed between a light reflecting film and the light emitting surface of the light emitting device. In one embodiment, the light reflecting film is a light reflecting optical element. For example, a wliite reflective polyester film of at least tlie same size and shape of the light emitting region may be disposed on the opposite side of the lightguide as the light emitting surface of the light emitting device or the light reflecting region may conform to the size and shape of one or all of the light emitting regions, or the light reflecting region may be of a size or shape occupying a smaller area than the light emitting region.

LIGHT ABSORBING REGION OR LAYER

[134] In one embodiment, one or more of the cladding, the adhesive, the layer disposed between the lightguide and lightguide region and the outer light emitting surface of the light emitting device, a patterned region, a printed region, and an extruded region on one

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PCT/US2012/02857S or more surfaces or within a volume of die film includes a light absorbing material which absorbs a first portion of light in a first predetermined wavelength range.

ADHESION PROPERTIES OF THE LIGHTGUIDE, FILM. CLADDING OR OTHER LAYER

1135} hi oue embodiment, one or more of the lightguide, the core material, the light transmitting film, the cladding material, and a layer disposed in contact with a layer of the film has adhesive properties or includes a material with oue or more of the following: chemical adhesion, dispersive adhesion, electrostatic adhesion, diffusive adhesion, and mechanical adhesion to at least one element of the hght emitting device (such as a earner film io with a coating, an optical film, the rear polarizer in an LCD. a brightness enhancing film, another region of the lightguide, a coupling lightguide, a thermal transfer element such as a thin sheet comprising aluminum, or a white reflector film) or an element external to the light emitting device such as a window, wall, or ceiling. In one embodiment, the cladding is a low tack” adhesive that allows the film to be removed from a window or substantially planar is surface while wetting out” the interface. By “wetting out” the interface as used herein, the two surfaces are optically coupled such that the Fresnel reflection from the interfaces at the surface is less rhau 2%, The adhesive layer or region may include one or more of the following: pressure sensitive adhesive, contact adhesive, hot adhesive, drying adhesive, multi-part reactive adhesive, one-pan reactive adhesive, natural adhesive, synthetic adhesive, polyacrylate adhesive, auirnal glue or adhesive, carbohydrate polymer as an adhesive, natural rubber based adhesive, polysulfide adhesive, tannin based adhesive, lignin based adhesive, furan based adhesive, urea formaldehyde adhesive, melamine formaldehyde adhesive, isocyanate wood binder, polyurethane adhesive, polyvinyl and ethylene vinyl acetate, hot melt adhesive, reactive acrylic adhesive, anaerobic adhesive, and epoxy resin adhesive. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer or region has an ASTM D 903 (modified for 72 hour dwell time) peel strength to standard window glass less than one selected from the group of: 70 oz/in. 50 oz/in. 40 oz/itL 30 oz/in, 20 oz/in and 10 οζ/in. In another embodiment, the adhesive, when adhered to glass, will support the weight of the light emitting device, hi another embodiment, the adhesive material has an ASTM D333O peel strength greater than one selected from the group of: 0.5. I, 2. 3. 4, 5, 6. 7. 8. 9. and 10 pounds per inch width when adhered to an element of the light emittiug device, such as for example, a cladding layer, a core layer, a low contact area cover, a circuit board, or a housing or when adhered to glass or other component or device external to the light emining device.

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LIGHT REDIRECTING ELEMENT DISPOSED TO REDIRECT LIGHT FROM THE LIGHTGUIDE

[136) In one embodiment, a Iigjtt redirecting element redirects a portion of liglit of a first wavelength range incident in a first angular range into a second angular range different β rban the first. In one embodiment, the light lediiecring element include at least one surface or volumetric element or feature selected from the ’group of: refractive, prismatic, totally internally reflective, specular reflective elemeut or coating, diffusely reflective element or coating, reflective diffractive optical element, transmissive diffractive optical elemeut, reflective holographic optical element, transmissive holographic optical element, reflective io light scattering, transmissive light scattering, liglit diffusing, multi-layer anti-reflection coating, moth-eye or substantially conical surface structure type anti-reflection coating. Giant Biréfringent Optic multilayer reflection, specularly reflective polarizer, diffusely reflective polarizer, cholesteric polarizer, guided mode resonance reflective polarizer, absorptive polarizer, transmissive anisotropic scattering (surface or volume), reflective anisotropic is scattering (surface or volume), substantially symmetric or isotropic scattering, biréfringent, optical retardation, wavelength convening, collimating, light redirecting, spatial filtering, angular dependent scattering, electro-optical (PDLC. liquid crystal, etc.), elechowerting. electrophoretic. wavelength range absorptive filter, wavelength range reflective filter, structured nano-feature surface, light management components, prismatic structured surface components, and hybrids of two or more of the aforementioned films or components. In a further embodiment, the light redirecting element includes a plurality of the aforementioned elements. The plurality of elements may be in the form of a 2-D array (such as a grid of uiierolenses or close-packed array of microlenses), a one-dimensional array (such as a lenticular lens array), random arrangement, predetermined non-regular spacing, semi-random arrangement, or other predetermined arrangement. The elements may include different features, wirh different surface or volume trie fearures or interfaces and may be disposed at different thicknesses within the volume of the light redirecting element, lightguide, or lightguide region. The individual elements may vaiy in the x. y. or z direction by oue or more of the following: height, width, thickness, position, angle, radius of curvature, pitch, so orientation, spacing, cross-sectional profile, and location in the x, y. or z axis.

[137] In one embodiment, the liglit redirecting optical elemeut is disposed between at least one region of the light eminiug region and the outer surface of the light emitting device (which may be a surface of the light redirecting optical elemeut). In one embodiment, a light

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 emining device includes a lightguide with light redirecting elements disposed on and/or within the lightguide and light extraction features disposed in a predetermined t ela nonship relative to one or more light redirecting elements. In another embodiment, a first portion of the light redirecting elements are disposed above a light extraction feature in a direction s substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface, lightguide, or lightguide region. In one embodiment, tire lightguide includes a substantially linear array of leuticules disposed ou at least one surface opposite a substantially linear atray of light extraction features wherein the light redirecting element collimates a first ponton of the light extracted from the lightguide by the light extraction features. Examples of lighr redirecting optical elements in io the form of films with prismatic structured surfaces include, bur are not limited to, Vikuiti™

Brightness Enhancement Film ( BEF 1, BEF Π. BEF ΓΠ. BEF Π1 90/50 5T . BEF Π1 90/50 M.

BEF ΙΠ 90/50 M2. BEF ΙΠ 90/50 7T . BEF ΙΠ 90/50 10T, BEF ΠΙ 90/50 AS), Vikuiti™

Transparent Rigid Angle Film ( TRAF ). Vikuiti™ Optical Lighting Film (OLF or SOLF),

IDF Π. TRAF Π. or 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Sheering, all of which are available from 3M is Company. St. Paul. Minn. Other examples of light management component constructions may include the rounded peak/valley films described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,394.255 and

5.552,907 (both to Yokota et al.), Reverse Prism Film from Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd or other totally internally reflection based prismatic film such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6.746,130. 6,151.169. 5.126,882, and 6.545,827, leniicular lens array film, tnicrolens array film, diffuser film, micros trucrure BEF, nanostructure BEF, Rowhix® tnicrolens film from

Rowland Technologies, films with arrangements of light concentrators such as disclosed in

U.S. Pat. No. 7.160.017. and hybrids of oue or more of the aforementioned films.

OFF-AXIS LIGHT REDIRECTION

[138] In a further embodiment, at least oue light extraction feature is centered in a as fust plane off-axis from an axis of a light redirecting element. In this embodiment, a portion of tbe fight extraction feature may intersect an optical axis of the light extraction feature or the light extraction feature may be disposed sufficiently far from the optical axis that the light extraction feanire does uot intersect the optical axis of the light extraction feature. Iu another embodiment, the distance between the centers of the light extraction featines and the so corresponding light redirecting elements in first plane varies across an array or arrangement of light redirecting elements.

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FLEXIBLE LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE, BACKLIGHT. OR FRONTLIGHT

[139J In another embodiment, a light emining device, such as a display, includes a film-based light emitting device including a light source, light input coupler, and lightguide wherein the lightguide, lightguide region, or coupling lightguides can be bent or folded to radius of curvature of less thau 75 times the thickness of lightguide or lightguide region and ft met Lou similarly to similar lightguide or lightguide region that has not been similarly bent. In one embodiment, the light emitting device or display incorporating the light emitting device has a tight emitting surface area substantially in the shape of or including a portion of a shape of one or more or the following: a cylinder, sphere, pyramid, toms. cone, arcuate to surface, folded surface, and beut surface. By folding tlie input coupler behind the light emitting region and inside a curved or beut region of the light emining device or display, the input coupler can be effectively “hidden” from view and a substantially seamless display or light fixture can be created. In another embodiment, two or more regions of a light emitting region in a lighr emitting device overlap each other in the thickness direction such that there is a continuous light emitting region such as in the case of a cylindrical light emitting device or a light enduing device wrapping around two or more sides of a rectangular solid.

POINT OF PURCHASE DISPLAY

[140[ In one embodiment, a light emitting point of purchase (POP) display includes a film-based lightguide, coupling lightguides, and a light input coupler. In another so embodiment, the point of purchase display is a shelving system with tags, indicators, indicia, graphics, or other media. In another embodimeur. the POP display includes a lighr enduing device electrically connected to a motion sensor. In one embodiment, the light emitting device is integrated into the POP display such that one or more regions of the POP display have light emitting indicia (such as a logo, graphic, text, symbol, or picture). In another embodiment, the lightguide has one or more substantially transparent regions and is disposed in front of a region of the point of purchase display.

[141] In one embodiment, ibe light emitting device is a point of purchase display including a light input coupler and lightguide disposed to be extended from the base of the display to a second region away from the display. For example, in one embodiment, a light emitting point of purchase display includes a light input coupler disposed in a support structure or surface, such as in the ceiling of a store with a film-based lightguide exteudiug from the ceiling to the display base and the film-based lightguide is substantially transparent between tbe ceiling and the display base. In one embodiment, the light exiting the point of

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 purchase display exits the film-based lightguide from a light emitting region. In another embodiment, the light exiting the point of purchase display exits the film-based lightguide through output coupling lightguides disposed to emit light through light emitting regions. In this embodiment, for example, the light output couplers of the light emitting device may be s reconfigured or replaced to change the light emitting properties of îhe display without needing to change the film-based lightguide fimctioning as a distribution lightguide extending from ihe ceiling to the display base.

ILLUMINATION DEVICE (142] In one embodiment, the light emitting device provides illumination, hi another io embodiment, the light emitting device includes a light source and a fight emitting film or film-based lightguide wherein the light emining device is a light fixture, can light, troffer light, cove light, recessed light, torch lamp. floor lamp, chandelier, surface mounted light, pendant light, sconce, track light, under-cabinet light, emergency light, wall-socket light, exit light, high bay light, low hay light, strip light, garden light, landscape light, building light.

ontdoor light, street light, pathway light, bollard light, yard light, accent light, background light, black hght. flood light, safelight, safety lamp, searchlight, security light, step light, strobe tight, follow-spot hght, or wall-washer light, flashlight, wall hght. ceiling light, ceiling fan light, window light, door light, floor light, car light, or vehicle light. In some embodiments, the types of illumination device are not limited to traditional light fixtures or io light source categories and embodiments include light emitting devices that are thin, flexible, lightweight, substantially transparent. made of uou-traditional materials can enable new categories or types of illumination devices. For example, in one embodiment, a light emitting device including a thin substantially transparent film-based lightguide that emits light may be disposed on a wall such that the light emitting device emits light from uniform or patterned light emitting regions in the luminous state, and the film-based lightguide is substantially not visible in the off stare due to low absotptiou or high transmittance, hi another embodiment, the light emitting device can be adhered, physically coupled to or disposed adjacent one or more surfaces of a wall, velncle, floor, ceiling, mirror, window, glass surface, door, metal surface, polymer surface, curved surface, roughened or low gloss surface, or flat surface. For example, in one embodiment, a film-based tight emitting device includes an adhesive such that die film region, the light input coupler, or both can be applied lo a wall or ceiling and tbe adhesive supports the weight. In another example, the light emitting device includes a wallpaper adhesive or wallpaper paste such as methyl cellulose, modified starch base, wheat

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PCT/US2012/028578 paste, pre-mixed vinyl clay, pre-mixed vinyl clear, for example. In another embodiment, tbe light emitting device includes a paper layer. In this embodiment, a wallpaper paste or adhesive may be used to adhere the lighr emitting region of the film, the film, or die light emitting device by allowing die adhesive to soak into die paper layer. For example, in oue s embodiment, a light emitting device includes a paper, board, or cellulose based layer disposed on one side of a light emitting region of a lightguide disposed to receive light from the lightguide and reflect or absorb a portion ofthe incident light such that the light emitting region has an increased luminance or increased image contrast from the opposite, viewing side and die layer can be adhered to a surface using a wallpaper adhesive or wallpaper paste, io In another embodiment, the paper, board, or cellulose based layer providing light reflection or absorption is white, translucent, black, gray, or colored. In another embodiment, die light emitting device has a peel-off liner that can be removed to expose an adhesive layer for application of a region of the lightguide to a surface.

[143] In other embodiment, the lighr emitting device may be luminous in the on srate is and substantially invisible in the off-state in the light emitting region. In one embodiment, the light emitting surface includes light emitting regions that are non-uniform and provide a visible pauem, image, logo, indicia, luminous accent lines corresponding to die edge of the lightguide, transparent windows for viewing through the lightguide, user-configurable or predetermined light output profiles, and/or reconfigurable or replaceable light output patterns or regions. In one embodiment, die light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide that can be positioned beneath a ceiling tile or panel with light source disposed above the ceiling tile. For example, in one embodiment, a light input coupler is disposed above the tiles in a drop ceiling and a thin film-based lightguide is wrapped underneath a ceiling rile. In this embodiment, the frhn-based lightguide maintains the continuity of appearance of the ceiling while allowing light to be emitted from regions of the light emining film-based lightguide. The film may be sufficiently thin to be positioned between the tile and the railing supporting the tile. In one embodiment the film-based lightguide passes between the rile and a railing on one side of a rile and passes though die rile and railing on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the film-based lightguide (and thus light emitting region of tire film-based so lightguide and angular light output profile) may be adjusted to be taught under tension due to the weight or force between the tile and rail or it may be disposed to drape downward in an arcuate manner In another embodiment, the film-based lightguide includes adhesive regions disposed on oue or more sides to allow for the film to adhere to a surface such as a ceiling tile or wall, hi a further embodiment, the film-based lightguide is substantially transparent in the

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PCT/US2012/02857S off-state and the tile, wall, ceiling or other surface seen through the lighrguide appears substantially the same as the neighboring surface seen without looking through the film-based lightguide. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes one or more organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) on a flexible substrate. In this embodiment, the flexible OLED is a light emitting film.

RECONFIGURABLE LIGHT OUTPUT REGION

[144] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with a reconfigurable region, hi one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a lightguide or light emitting film that is plastically deformable such that the position and/or io angle of orientation of one or more surface regions may be reconfigured. In one embodiment, the lighrguide or light emitring film may be reconfigured by hand without the use of tools. In one embodiment, the lightguide {or light emitting film) or a plastically deformable material physically coupled to the lightguide (or light emitting film) has one or more regions with a yield strength less than one selected from the group of: 700 psi, 500 psi. 500 psi, 200 psi, and is 100 psi. In another embodiment, the plastically deformable material may be deformed by at least one selected from the group of: 50. 40, 30, 20, and 10 degrees without fracture. For example, in one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a lightguide or light emitting film with a plastically deformable material that may be bent to form a new shape such as a thin aluminum sheet physically coupled to a white reflecting film that is physically coupled to a cladding region of film-based lightguide (or light emitting film). In this embodiment, the shape or orientation of one or more regions of the lightguide or light emitting film may be adjusted to achieve a desired result (such as redirection of die light output). In another embodiment. the light reflecting element is a plastically deformable light reflecting element

[145] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide or is light emitting film wherein the shape of one or more regions of the lightguide or light emitting film can be changed from a substantially planar shape to a curved, arcuate, bent or wrinkled shape and the light output profile is changed. For example, in one embodiment, a substantially planar light emitting region on a substantially planar film-based lighrguide is folded such that the lateral dimension of the lightguide is reduced (for example, with a shape ao similar to a handheld paper fan) and the angular full-width at half maximum luminous intensity in the output plane including the lateral dimension is increased.

[146] In one embodiment, the light emitting region of the film-based lightguide or light emitting film has a surface region with a surface angle relative to a reference direction

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PCT/US2012/028578 thaï varies across the light emitting regiou. The surface angle is the angle of the plane including the surface in the regiou relative to a reference direction. The average surface angle of the light emitting region is the average of the surface angles over all light emitting regions. For example, a light emitting device including a flat, planar lightguide with light emitting regions ort the surface disposed parallel to a reference direction has an average surface angle of 0 degrees from the reference direction. In another example, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with a sinusoidal light emitting regiou disposed continuously across the lightguide film surface with the reference direction parallel to the horizontal axis of lightguide film and in the direction of light travel (with the sinusoid running horizontally) has w an average surface angle of the light emitting region of 0 degrees from the reference direction due to the averaging of the positive and negative sloped surfaces, fn another embodiment the film-based lightguide or light emitting film includes light emitting regions only on the surface regions with positive slopes on the sinusoidal shaped lightguide or light emitting film and the average surface angle of the light emitting regions may be. for example, +45 degrees from the is reference direction. In another similar embodiment, where the film-based lightguide or light emitting film includes liglit emitting regions only near the peak regions of the sinusoidal shaped lightguide or liglit emitting film, the average surface angle of the light emitting regions may be. for example. 0 degrees from the reference direction.

BENDABLE OR ROTATABLE LIGHT EMITTING PANELS

2t> [±47| In one embodiment, the liglit emitting device includes a plurality of lightguides or light emitting film regions that may be repeatedly bent or rotated substantially independently such that the liglit output profile can be changed. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a plurality of light input couplets and film-based lightguides or light emitting films that may be rotated, bent or repositioned such that die angular light output profile of die liglit emitting device is changed. For example, in one embodiment, a liglit emitting device includes four liglit emitting panels disposed along the four edges of a square panel. In one embodiment, die liglit emitting panels include liglit input couplers and filmbased lightguides or light emitting films that may be independently rotated downward or upwards to change die light emitting profile. In this embodiment, the central square panel so includes a light emitting film-based lightguide disposed to receive light from a separate liglit input coupler. In one embodiment, more than onelieht pane] may receive light from the same liglit input coupler or light source. In another embodiment, all of ihe light emitting panels receive light from the same light source. hi some embodiments, the light emitting panels

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PCT/IJS2012/028578 include a rigid support on the light emitting side of the film-based lightguide (or light emitting film) or on the opposite side of the lightguide (or light emitting film), hi one embodiment, the rigid support is substantially transparent in die region adjacent the light emitting region of the lightguide or light emitting film. In another embodiment, the rigid s support is substantially white, gray or specular mirror-like in the region disposed adjacent the light emitting regiou of the film-based lightguide or hght emitting film such that it reflects hght back through it. In another embodiment, one or more rotatable, repositiouable, or substantially stationary ligiit emitting panels are substantially rectangular, square, circular, semicircular, triangular, shaped such that they include craved regions, shaped such that they to include linear regions, trapezoidal, polygonal, wave-like, shaped like strips, elliptical, enclosed shapes, or un-enclosed shapes (such as a shape of flat washer).

LIGHTGUIDE OR LIGHT EMITTING FILM ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM

[148] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film adjustment mechanism for reconfiguring the shape or location of one or more regions of a hghtguide or light entitling film. In one embodiment, die film adjustment mecltanism is physically coupled to ihe lightguide or light emining film (such as adhered, clamped, or bonded). In another embodiment, one or more components of the film adjustment mechanism are in physical contact with one or more regions of the lightguide or light emitting film in a first configuration and tnay be translated or rotated away from the point of contact with the lightguide or hght emitting film in a second configuration. In one embodiment, the film adjustment mechanism includes a plastically deformable material having at least oue region with a yield strength less than one selected from the group of: 700 psi, 500 psi, 300 psi. 200 psi. and 100 psi. In another embodiment, the yield strength is greater titan one selected from the group of: 5 psi. 10 psi, 20 psi, 40 psi. 50 psi, 70 psi and 100 psi. In another embodiment, the plastically deformable material of the film adjustment mechanism may be deformed by at least one selected ftoui the group of: 50, 40, 30. 20, and 10 degrees without fracture. In another embodiment, the film adjustment mechanism includes one or more rails, wires, frames, supports, guides, rollers, bars, covers, lenses, and/or housing elements, that may be adjusted and repositioned without bending. In one enibodiineur. the film adjustment so mechanism provides support for one or more of the following: a first light input coupler, a second ligdu input coupler, lightguide or light emitting film positioning elements or rods, rail couplets, housing components, power supplies, and other components of a lighr emitting device. In another embodiment, the film adjustment mechanism (such as a rail. tube, or guide,

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 foi example without limitation) includes the electrical wiring or electrical connection means for providing power to one or mote light sources or a runner that electrically moves a region of the lightguide, light emitting film, or light emitting device.

BENDABLE SIDE SUPPORT RAILS s [149] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film adjustment mechanism in the form of support rails for a region of the lightguide or light emitting film tliat can be curved, bent or re-configured to change the shape of the lightguide. The lightguide or light emitting film in may remain or become taught or it may remain or be allowed to relax or drape under low tension.

BENDABLE MESH SUPPORT (150] In one embodiment, die lightguide or light emitting film includes a film adjustment mechanism in die form of a bendable, plastically deformable mesb physically coupled to one or more regions of The lightguide or light emining film. In this embodiment, the lightguide (or light enhning film ) and mesh may be bent in a region such that the region rs has a different shape or location relative to other regions of the lightguide, light enhning film, or light etnining device. In one embodiment, the mesh includes an arrangement (such as matrix) of metal rods or tubes with combined yield strength less than one selected from the group of: 700 psi, 500 pst. 300 psi. 200 psi. and 100 psi in at least one direction for at least one region. In another embodiment, the yield strength of the lightguide, ligbt emitting film, or

2» plastically deformable material is anisotropic and has yield strength in a first direction parallel to die lightguide or light enhning film surface and a second yield strength greater than the fust yield snength in a second direction parallel to the surface of the lightguide or light enhning film and orthogonal to the first direction. For example, in one embodiment, a light enhning device includes a lightguide or light emitting film physically coupled to a

2$ plastically deformable wire mesh with a shoner pitch (or more wire) in first direction than in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the yield strength in (he fust direction (or in a direction within the plane comprising the first direction) is greater than the yield strength in the second direction. In one embodiment, the ligbt emitting device includes one or more of the following: mesh disposed within a film or material, mesh including one or more so layers between the mesh and lightguide or light enhning film, mesh including one or more materials on the opposite side of the mesh than the lightguide or light emining film, and mesh

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PCT/US2012/028578 with oue or more materials within the mesh. For example, in one embodiment, the mesh includes a flexible adhesive or polymer component within the mesh grooves.

[1511 In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film adjustment mechanism in the form of a plastically deformable mesh support including wires that are s physically attached at the intersection (such as welding joints) or the mesh may be interleaved. In another embodiment, the mesh wires in one direction thread rlirougb holes in the wires in the other direction. In a fonher embodiment, the wire mesh is twisted around tbe intersecting wire inesh, such as in the case witb common galvanized steel “chicken wire.” In another embodiment, the wire is embedded within, or sandwiched between two elements such io as light reflecting films. In a fiurther embodiment, the wire is chrome plated such that the reflectance from the wire is grearer than one selected from the group of: 50%, 60%. 70%,

80% and 90%.

ADJUSTABLE EXTENSION GUIDE

[152] In one embodiment, the lightguide or light emitting film adjustment mechanism is is an adjustable extension guide including two components that may be brought closer together or separated further apart substantially along a first direction. For example, in one embodiment, a light emitting device includes two light input couplers on opposite sides of a film-based lightguide or light emitting film wherein the light input couplers are physically connected by two slide extensions and can be pulled closer together or further apart. In tliis zo embodiment, tlie arc or radius of curvature of tbe film-based lightguide may be changed by bringing the light input couplet's closer together or fiuther apart. Additionally, in this embodiment, fhe at e or radius may be positive or negative, pointing upwards or downwards, resulting in different angular light output profiles for die light emitting device.

[153] In one embodiment, the adjustable extension guide includes adjustable rails, a 2S telescoping cylinder or similar telescoping device, a sliding rail, extension telescopic slides, a bearing slide, a linear-motion bearing, a roller slide, a dovetail slide, a plain bearing, a rolling element bearing, a jewel bearing. a fluid bearing, a magnetic beating, and a flexure bearing. In another embodiment, the film adjustment mechanism is an adjustable extensiou guide including two components that may be brought closer together or separated further apart in one or more regions along an arc or nou-linear direction. For example, in one embodiment, one tegion of a lightguide is physically coupled to the light input coupler and a second legion is physically coupled to a hinge such tliat the orientation of the lighrguide in the second region may be rotated along a curve relative ro the first region. In oue embodiment, the film

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PCT/US20127028578 adjustment mechanism is a hinge, such as a band hinge, a pivot hinge, a Butt/Monise hinge, a continuous hinge, a piano biuge, a concealed hinge, a emo/cup hinge, a butterfly hinges, a parliament hinge, a dovetail binge, a strap hinge, an H hinge, an HL hinge, a counterflap hinge, a flush hinge, a coach hinge, a rising Butt hinge, a double action spring hinge, a tee hinge, a friction hinge, a security hinge, a cranked hinge, a stormproof hinge, a lift-off hinge, a self-closing hinge, building access hinges, a Butler tray hinge, a card table hinge, a drop leaf table hinge, and a long hinge.

LIGHTGUIDE OR LIGHT EMITTING FILM POSITIONING ELEMENT

[154] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes oue or more lightguide or liglit emitting film positioning elements disposed to contact one or more regions of the filmbased Lightguide or liglit emitting film. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes lightguide or liglit emitting film positioning elements disposed substantially opposite each other on opposite sides of a fihn-based lightguide or liglit emitting film. In this embodiment, the lightguide or light emitting film positioning elements may be adjusted to apply pressure on the lightguide or tight emitting film to substantially maintain the location of the particular region of the lightguide between the rods. Thus, by clamping or holding hy pressure die lightguide or light emitting film in a location, the form or shape may be adjusted and be substantially held in that location until purposefully altered. For example, in one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light input coupler on one- side of film-based lightguide and a mil coupler on the opposite side of the film-based lightguide Guide rails disposed parallel to the fihn-based lightguide between the light input coupler and the base hold die ends of the lightguide positioning elements in the form of rods which may be moved along the rail while holding a region of die lightguide, thus changing the sliape. In one embodiment, the lightguide or liglit emitting film positioning element is an extended element with a length more than nvice as long as the width and the element has one or more regions with a cross-sectional shape of a tube, rod, circle, annulus, ellipse, semicircle, rectangle, square, triangle, polygon, or closed curve with a curved region. In oue embodiment, the film positioning element includes a light transmitting material and is translucent or transparent.

[155] In one embodiment, the lightguide positioning rod includes a slit through which so the lightguide may be inserted and the tod may be rotated and locked into place, such as by tightening a set screw in a guide slit (or opening) or a locking bolt in the guide mils. In one embodiment, the lightguide or light emitting film positioning rod includes a first linear rod component and a second linear rod component where the first linear rod compouent may be

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PCT/US2012/028578 moved relative to the second linear rod component such that the lightguide may be disposed between the components to hold increase tension, rotate, or otherwise guide the film location or orientation at the lightguide positioning rod. By using a second aud first linear component, the film is not required to be fed through a slot (in a positioning rod) aud the rod may he s added io the middle of the light emining device without requiring the removal of the other rods to feed die film through. In another embodiment, the use of two fixed light input couplers restricts or prohibits the film ro be fed through a slit in the direction between the light input couplers, and a top and bottom component of the lightguide positioning rod is needed for feeding the film through the rod without removing the end components (light w input couplers in this example). For example, in one embodiment, the positioning rod includes a top component that may be removed from the bottom component and rejoined back to the rod after die film is placed between the top component and the bottom component. In another embodiment, the top component is hinged to die bottom component.

ADJUSTABLE TENSION RAILS is [156] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film adjustment mechanism in the form of oue or more adjustable tension rails and lightguide or light emitting film positioning rods extending therefrom. In one embodiment, lhe lightguide or light emitting film positioning rod provides an extended surface that is in contact with one or more regions of lhe lightguide such that tension is applied to die film-based lightguide or light e mill in g film to achieve a desired shape. For example, in one embodiment a light emining device includes two primary adjustable tension tails on opposite sides of a film-based lightguide including light input couplers disposed on two sides substantially orthogonal to the rails, hi this embodiment, lightguide positioning rods are physically coupled to secondary adjustable tension rails physically coupled to the primary adjustable tension rails and/or the

2G secondary adjustable tension rails extending from the primary adjustable tension rails. By positioning the lightguide positioning rod at a distance away from the primary adjustable tensiou rails by using the secondary adjustable tension rails, the shape of the film-based lightguide may be controlled using tension in the film-based lightguide between one lightguide positioning rod to another (or to a light input coupler). In one embodiment. The so location of the lightguide or light emitting film positioning rod along the primary or secondary adjustable tension mil or die connection location of the primary, adjustable tension rail with the secondary adjustable tension rail may be adjusted using a screw, boll, tightening screw, set screw, clamp, lightening and unlocking mechanism, groove and locking locations.

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PCT/US2012/028578 guides and tabs, holes or grooves and protrusions, fasteners, pins, straps, rings, clips, clamps, ot other suitable temporary locking mechanisms or fasteners known in the art.

FLEXIBLE ADJUSTMENT EXTENSION

[157| In oue embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide or s tigbr emitting film and a film adjustment mechanism in the fonn of a flexible adjustment extension. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes at least one light input couplet, a fihn-based lightguide extending from the light input coupler and at least one flexible adjustment extension physically coupled to one or more regions of the film-based lightguide such that it guides the shape of the film-based lightguide in one or more directions.

For example. in one embodiment, die film adjusnnent mechanism is a pair of flexible adjustment rods or tubes disposed alongside opposite sides of a film-based lightguide (or light emitting film) with at least one light input coupler (or film support) disposed on a different side ofthe film-based lightguide (or light emitting film). In another embodiment, the flexible adjustment rods pass through holes in the film-based lightguide or light emitting film.

s In this embodiment, the shape of the flexible adjustment rod can be changed by hand bending die rod into a new shape. The holes in the film-based lightguide or light emitting film allow die region to move along the rod when it is bent and shape of the film can be altered. In another embodiment, the flexible adjustment extension is solid or hollow with a crosssectional outer shape of a square, rectangle, triangle, other polygonal shape, or non-polygonal shape. In one embodiment, the shape of the film-based lightguide or light emitting film substantially conforms to the shape of the flexible adjustment extension. In another embodiment, the shape ofthe film-based tiglirguide or light emitting film does not completely conform to die shape of the flexible adjustment extension. For example, in oue embodiment the film-based lightguide or light emitting film bows in a direction opposite that of a flexible adjustment rod in a region between two adjacent holes. The flexible adjustment extension may be substantially the same shape or a substantially different shape as the film-based lightguide iu a light emitting device. For example, by bending one flexible adjustment rod downwards and the flexible adjustment rod on the opposite side upwards, the film-based lightguide or light emitting film may be tilted at an angle in a particular region. In another embodiment, grommets are disposed in tbe holes in the film-based lightguide or lighr emitting film. Grommets can reduce the stress on a specific region of the hole or lightguide such that the likelihood of tearing is reduced In another embodiment. the film-based lightguide or light emitting film is physically coupled to at least oue flexible adjustment

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PCT/IJS2012/028578 extension by a loop in tbe film-based lightguide, light emitting film, glide mechanism, rolling mechanism, ring, or other translation device. For example, suitable translation devices include those that are typically used with curtains or drapes such as curtain rings, guide rings, loops of material, runner, hook, and roller rings/hooks, In one embodiment, tbe film-based lightguide or light emitting film is bonded, clamped, or adhered to a ring and it may be translated along a flexible adjustment lube. In another embodiment, the flexible adjustment extension includes a guide rail that supports a runner that is attached to the film based lightguide or light emitting film that can move along the flexible adjustment extension. In another embodiment, die translation device includes a locking mechanism that temporarily or io permanently prevents fiirther movement of the translation device along the flexible adjustment extension. For example. in one embodiment, the flexible adjustment rod is a band bendable extnided aluminum tube and spring clamps with substantially circular cross sections (for example, looped spring clamps such as those used on automobile hoses) near one end are physically coupled to the lightguide or light emitting film. In this embodiment, by pressing on is two levers of the spring clamp, the clamp opens to a -wider diameter than ihe tube and the clump (and thus the region of the lightguide or light emitting film it is physically coupled to) can be translated along the tube to a different location and the shape of tbe lightguide or light entitling film can be changed.

LIGHT EMITTING STRIPS OR EXTENSIONS

2« 11⁵⁸ J In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes light emitting liglitguide strips or exteusious extending from a common light input region disposed to receive tight from the input region and output the light from oue or more surfaces of the strips or extensions where the strips or extensions have folded, bent or arcuate shaped regions. For example, in one embodiment, an array of lightguide snips cur from a light transmitting film

2s are brought together in a bundle at one end and disposed to receive tight at their inpur edges from a light input coupler or light source sucb that light enters the strips and travels iu a waveguide condition and exits the strips in light e ini fling regions due to light extraction features. In one embodiment. tbe strips are substantially flexible and plastically deformable. In another embodiment, the Light emitting device includes oue or more of the following: so bendable side support rails, bendable mesh support, adjustable extension guides, lightguide or light emitting film (strip) positioning elements, adjustable tension rails, and flexible, adjustable light emitting film extensions with a repeatedly adjustable shape. For example, in another embodiment, the strips have a white. Light reflecting film disposed between a flexible

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PCT/IJS2012/028578 mesh and the strip lightguides or extensions. In this embodiment, the shape and orientariou of the strips can be adjusted by the user to direct ligltt to desired locations or to a desired angular illumination output profile.

[159] In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a tubular shaped s film-based lightguide including a light input coupler with coupling lightguides extended from the film-based lightguide ou one side and output coupling lightguides on a secoud side. In this embodiment, tbe input coupling lightguides receive light from a light source and couple the light into a film-based lightguide formed into a tube shape and rite light travels in the film-based lightguide where it is coupled into output coupling lightguides and exits through m light emitting regions. For example, in one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with input coupling lighigùides on one side that are folded and bundled into a round tube shape and disposed to couple light from a light source into a film-based lightguide. In this embodiment, the film based lightguide includes a light mixing region or a non-emitting region that is curled into rite shape of a tube and on the opposite side the output is coupling lightguides extend from the film-based lightguide and emit ligltt in light emitting regions. In one embodiment, the output coupling lightguides utay be shaped or formed to adjust tbe angular light output profile. In another embodiment, the output coupling lightguides include light entitling regions disposed at a distance greater than one selected from the group of: 0.5. 1, 2. 4. 8, and 10 feet front light source. In this embodiment, a film based lightguide, a light mixing region, a non-emitting region of the film-based lightguide, and/or an output coupling lightguide is longer than one selected from tbe group of: 0.5, 1,2. 4, 8. and 10 feet in a direction substantially parallel to tbe optical axis of light propagaring within the film-based lightguide. In one embodiment, for example, a light source may be located in a region with a plurality of arrangements of coupling lightguides extending

2G therefrom and a plurality of ligltt emitting regions extending from a plurality of film-based lightguides may be distributed further away from the light source to provide a light emitting system with distributed light emitting regions front a centralized light source.

LIGHTGUIDE OR LIGHT EMITTING FILM ATTACHMENT MECHANISM AND MEANS FOR TRANSLATION OR ROTATION so [ 160] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film adjustment mechanism in the form of a lightguide or light emitting film attachment mechanism and a means for translating or rotating tbe lightguide or light entitling film attachment mechanism. The lightguide or ligltt emitting film attachment mechanism includes a component for

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 physically coupling the mechanism to a region of the lightguide or light einirting film such that die lightguide or light emitting film is substantially translated or rotated when the lightguide or light einirting film attachment mechanism is translated or rotated. In one embodiment. the lightguide or light emitting film attachment mechanism includes oue or s more of the following elements: a fastener, clamp, hook, loop, screw, bolt, tightening screw, set screw, clamp, tightening and unlocking mechanism, protrusion, pin, strap, ring, clip, clamp, and other temponuy or permanent locking mechanisms or a suitable fastener known in the an. For example, in one embodiment, the lightguide or tight emitting film attachment mechanism is a plastic clamp pressed into a locking position such that it is affixed to a film10 based lightguide or hght emitting film and the clamp further includes a hole through which a rope is fed and tied in a knot. In this embodiment, opposite ends of the lightguide ate physically coupled to a light input coupler and the rope is also fed through a loop or eye-holt physically coupled to the hght input coupler (or housing) such that when tbe rope is pulled, the clamp and the middle region of the lightguide to which it is clamped is translated. In this

1$ embodiment, for example, die shape of the lightguide may convert from that of one having a cross-section similar to lhat of a bulb to oue of a flanened” bulb or a more planar-like shape More than one lightguide or hght etui ding film attachment mechanism may be used on one or more sides or interior regions of a film-based lightguide or light emitting film. For example, in oue embodiment a flexible lightguide drapes from the light input coupler above in a bulbous shape. A rope driven by a remote controlled motor in the housing of the light emitting device pulls the lightguide attachment mechanism disposed in the lower central region of the bulb toward the lighr input coupler such that the cross section has nvo inflection points on either side of the central region (such as in a cross-section similar to a ”W“ or rounded “W” shape).

2S ELECTRONICALLY ADJUSTABLE SHAPE

[161] In one embodiment, the shape of the film-based lightguide or light emitting film is changed hy a motor translating or rotating a film adjustment mechanism. In one embodiment, the motor is driven by wireless (such as infrared or IEEE 802.11 g. for example) or wired control mechanisms (such as a TCP/IP network connection). For example, in one so embodiment, a light emitting device includes an electrical motor controlled remotely using wireless transmission protocol that translates a pah of lightguide or hght emitting film positioning rods such that the shape of the lightguide or light emittiug film and die angular light output is chauged.

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RECONFIGURABLE LIGHT OUTPUT PROFILE

[162] In oue embodiment, the oneutation or location of one or more tight emitting regions of the lightguide or light emitting film may be reconfigured (re-oriented, repositioned. or both) by a film adjustment mechanism such that the angular light output profile hikI/oi ihe location of oue oi more light cuiiniug regions is changed. For example, in oue embodiment, a light emitting device includes at least one lightguide or light emining film that may be reoriented or repositioned io tilt or redirect the light in a first direction, in one embodiment, the light emining device includes a lightguide or light emining film physically coupled to a plastically deformable material that allows the lightguide shape to be altered to io achieve a specific light output profile such as more light in the vertical direction, more light in the horizontal direction, or more light away from the operator's eyes to reduce glare.

[163] Tlie light emined from a particular light emitting region of a light emitting device has an angle of peak luminous intensity. In some einbodimems, the angle of peak luminous intensity varies across the light emitting region. This variation can occur, for is example, due to variations in the shape of the light emitting region surface or a spatially varying light extraction region or light redirecting element. The angle of peak luminous intensity for a particular· light emitting region is the weighted average angleof peak luminous intensity for the light emitting regiou and can be measured by the far field peak luminous intensity of tire light emitted from only that particular light emitting region. The average angle of peak luminous intensity for a light emitting device is the weighted average angle of peak luminous intensity for all of tbe light emitting regions of the light emining device and is measured by tbe far field peak luminous intensity for die light emitting device. In one embodiment, die shape, orientation, and/or location of one or more regions of tbe lightguide or ligbr emitting film including light emitting regions is adjusted and the angle of peak is luminous intensity for rhe light emitting region is changed and the angle of peak luminous intensity for the light emitting device is changed. In one embodiment, the light emitting derice includes a substantially non-light emining region defined in an optical path of light front the light source between (he light source and the light emitting region. In one embodiment, a curvature of die film-based lightguide in the light emitting region is different so from a curvature of the film-based lightguide in tbe substantially non-light emitting region.

ELONGATED LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE

[164] In oue embodiment, a light emitting device is longer in a first direction than a second and third direction with the first, second, and third directions mutually orthogonal to

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 each other. In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a light input coupler with coupling lightguides extending substantially the length of tbe first, long direction. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a plurality of light input couplers disposed along the first, long direction to coupler light into a film-based lightguide along an input s edge. In one embodiment. the light emining device includes an arcuate film-based light guide.

For example, in one embodiment an elongated light emitting device includes a light somce coupling light into a first and second set of coupling lightguides. In this embodiment, the first set of coupling lightguides directs light into a film-based lightguide in a first direction and the second set of coupling lightguides direct light into the film-based lightguide in a second io direction opposite to the first. In this embodiment, for example, coupling lightguides cut from opposite sides of a lightguide film may be collected into two collective sets that are curled under the lightguide such that the light input surface of both sets coupling lightguides are positioned to receive light from a light source and the shape of the lightguide is arcuate or includes a curved region. In one embodiment, coupling lightguides are folded underneath tbe is film-based lightguide, and rhe coupling lightguides are substantially disposed within the volume encapsulated or partially encapsulated by the curved film-based lightguide with the light emitting device requiring less volume than one with coupling lightguides external to a similar arcuate filru-based lightguide. For example, iu one embodiment the light emitting device is a replacement light bulb for a linear fluorescent bulb and the coupling lightguides io {and possible the light source) are be disposed inside the volume substantially encapsulated by the arcuate shaped film and the device requires less volume to achieve a uniform spatial luminance profile iu the light emitting region than other LED-based fluorescent bulb replacements.

VERTICAL DRAPING LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE is [165J In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide having a region that is suspended substantially vertically and the film-based lightguide hangs downward due to gravity. For example, in one embodiment, the light emitting device is a suspended light fixture including a light input coupler, and a pair of lightguide positioning rods. The lightguide film feeds through the lightguide positioning rods and the end region of so tire film is suspended downward. In this embodiment, the fihn-based lightguide includes a light emitting region at the end region and the liglit extraction features of the lightguide redirect the a majoniy of rhe light out of the lightguide at a substantially steep angle from the surface normal (such as within the angular range from 70 io 90 degrees from the surface

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PCT/US2012/028578 normal) and the light emitting device lias a substantially directional light output in the downward direction {such as a light output profile with at least 80% of the light output within 60 degrees of the nadir). In another embodiment, the lightguide positioning rods may be adjusted such that the vertical draping light emitting device is convened to a light emitting device with a light emitting film-based lightguide oriented in a wave shape extending less in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the light output profile can be adjusted by changing the orientation and length of the draping region (and thus shape) of the film-based lightguide.

[166] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide or light emitting film witli a liglit emitting region oriented substantially vertically and the liglit exiting the lightguide has a luminous intensity hi a liglit emitting region less titan 300 candelas at 55 degrees from the nadir (-x direction) in the x-y plane with the thickness of the lightguide in a light emitting region substantia)ly in the y direction. Iu oue embodiment, the light is emitted from either or both surfaces of the substantially vertical region of the filrn15 based lightguide in the light emitting region. For example, in one embodiment, mote than 80% of the liglit emitted from the light emitting device is witliin oue angular range selected from the group of 50 degrees, 40 degrees, 30 degrees, and 20 degrees from the nadir (-x direction).

BULBOUS LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE

[167] In one embodiment, a light eminiug device includes a film-based lightguide or light emitting film wirh a region that is formed into a bulbous shape. In another embodiment, the coupling lightguides couple light into the periphery region of the bulbous shaped lightguide region of the film-based lightguide. For example, in one embodiment, a region of a planar film-based lightguide is vacuum thennofonned into the shape of a bulb and coupling liglit guide strips are cut radially from die bulbous region and brought together to provide an arrangement of light input surfaces disposed to receive light from a light sotuce. In this embodiment, the liglit is effectively enteriug the light emitiing region of the bulbous shaped film-based lightguide through all of tbe peripheral directions due to the radially extending coupling lightguides. Other shapes and form fa croîs of the fihn-based lightguide or light emitting film or sub-region thereof including one or more light emitting regions may similarly be formed into the film by thennofonntng. vacutun thennofonning. hot pressing, compression molding, cold forming, or other techniques known in the art to form a film into a

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PCT/US2012/028578 shape. Similar circular or round shapes, such as discs, bowl-shapes, cylinders, and/or cones, for example, may also be formed with radially extended coupling lightguides.

DOME SHAPED LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE {168] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide or' s light emitting film formed substantially into the shape of a dome or hemisphere. For example, in one embodiment, two sets of coupling lightguides from opposite sides of a film-based lighrgnide formed wiih a dome region between are folded and brought together to receive light from a light souice disposed substantially within the dome region. In tilts embodiment, the light navels in opposite directions due to the two sets of coupling lightguides from io opposite ends of the film-based lightguide. In another embodiment, light travels with an optical axis substantially in one direction fiom the light source in the film-based lightguide formed with a dome-shaped region. In another embodiment, the light travels in radial directions from a light source through a dome-shaped region of a film-based lightguide due to coupling lightguides formed by radial cuts from a dome region. In another embodiment, a

1B light emining device includes a film-based lightguide with a dome-shaped region and one or more of die following: a light source, a thermal transfer element, a camera, and an electrical driver disposed substantially within (or substantially encapsulated by) lhe dome-shaped region volume, outside the dome-shaped region volume, or partially within and partially outside die dome-shaped region volume.

îO LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE IS A REPLACEMENT LIGHT BULB |169] In one embodiment, the light emitting device is a replacement light bulb or a fight source that can be electrically coupled to a light fixture. As used herein, a light bulb is not necessarily bulbous or round in shape and may also represent light emitting devices with non-bulbous. flat regions, or shapes with curves and flat regious and oilier shapes as is is commonly used for a “light bulb such as linear fluorescent bulbs and halogen bulbs, for example. In one embodiment, a light emitting device is a replacement light bulb that includes a film-based lightguide with an arcuate shape and a light source disposed to couple tight through coupling lightguides into the film-based lightguide. In another embodiment, the light emitting device is a liglit bulb including a substantially planar light emitting region on a film30 based lightguide or light emitting film. In one embodiment, the liglit emitting device timber includes a protective cover or bulb-shaped lens disposed to receive and transmit light fiom light emitting regions of die film-based lightguide or liglit emitting film to the exterior of the

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PC T/IJS2012/028578 light emitting device, la one embodiment, the light emitting device receives electrical power through one or more bases, such as an Edison type screw base, Edison E27 type screw base, E5, E1O, Ell, E12, E14, E17, E17, E26, E27, E39, E4O, bayonet, hipin, festoon base. Fluorescent T8 base. Fluorescent T5. Fluorescent T5HO, PAR 36. MR11. MR 16. MR8. s single contact bayonet, double contact bayonet. S8 wedge. G4 BiPin, G5.3 BiPin. wedge. T5 wedge, onniui-cau. Iu oue embodiment, the light emitting device is a replacement light bulb or light source with an electrical connector disposed to receive electrical power and emit light wherein the light emitting device further includes one or more of the following components: au electrical base connector, a thermal transfer element, au electrical driver, an electrical io component, an LED. a light source, a light input coupler, a circuit board, a sensor, a control component, an optical feedback component, and a communication component, where the component is disposed within the base, disposed within lhe volume substantially enclosed by the protective housing, disposed within the housing of the light emitting device, or is pan of the outer surface of the light emitting device. For example, in oue embodiment, the light emitting device includes a protective lens with light redirecting surface features disposed on an inner surface of the-lens disposed to redirect and transmit light through the lens and out of the light emitting device.

FRONT LIGHT ILLUMINATION DEVICE

[170] In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a light emitting region with light extraction features that is disposed to illuminate a region of a reflective display and transmit light re flea ed from tbe reflective display back through the substantially transparent regions of the light emining region between the light extraction features. For example, in one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide laminated to an inner surface of a glass window positioned in a picture flame with the coupling lightguides and light source disposed within the picture frame. In this embodiment, tbe light fiom the light emitting regions is directed toward a picture in the frame and the lighr is reflected from the picture and transmitted through the film-based lightguide and glass window. In another embodiment, the light emitting device is a iron flight for a reflecrive display disposed adjacent the light emitting region of the film-based lightguide. Iu one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with a light emitting region including light extraction features that emits a light flux away fiom die liglir emitting device greater than oue selected fiom the group of: 2. 5. 10. 20. 30, 50. and 100 lumens in a first direction with a directional component parallel to a surface normal to one side of the ftontlight. The light emining region

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PCT/US2012/028578 lias an average ASTM DI003 luminous transmittance measured according to ASTM DI003 with a BYK Gardner haze meter greater than one selected fiotn the group of: 50%. 60%. 70%, 80%. 90%, and 95% iu a second direction opposite the first directiou. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with a light emitting s region including light extracting surface features that emits a light flux away from the light emitting device greater than one selected tum the group of; 2. 5, 10. 20, 30, 50. and 100 lumens in a first direction with a directional component parallel to a surface normal to one side of the frontlight. The light emitting region has an average clarity measured with a BYK

Gardner haze, transmittance, and clarity meter greater than oue selected from the group of: io 70%, 80%. 88%, 92%, 94%, 96%. 98%. and 99% in a second direction opposite the fust direction.

FRONTLIGHT AND LIGHT FIXTURE (171] In one embodiment, rhe light emitting device is a frontlight and a light fixture emitting light at two significantly different average luminous intensifies within two nou15 overlapping angular ranges. For example, in one embodiment. the lighr emitting device is a frontlight for a display {such as a wall-mounted self-luminous picture frame) and a fight fixture (such as wall-mounted uplight) providing high angle illumination of the ceiling that emits light such that the average luminance of the light emitting surface normal to the light emitting surface is (in the “on state or illuminating a diffiise white reflecting material with

70% reflectance) less than 500 Cd/nf and the average luminance of the light emitting surface at an angle within a range between and including 60 degrees and 90 degrees from the normal to the light emitting surface is greater than 2,000 Cd/nf. In another embodiment, die light emitting device is a frontlight for a display (such as a wall-mounted self-lunhuous picture frame) and a light fixture (such as wall-mounted uplight) providing high angle illumination of is the ceiling that emits light such that die luminous intensity of die light emitting device normal to the light emitting surface is (in the ou” state or illuminating a diffuse white reflecting material with 70% reflectance) less than one selected from the group of: I00 Candelas, 200 Candelas. 300 Candelas. 400 Candelas, and 500 Caudelas and the average luminance of the light emining surface at an angle within a range between and including 60 degrees and 90 so degrees from the normal to the light emitting surface is greater than one selected from the group of: 500. 750. 1000. 2000. 3000. 4000. and 500 Candelas. In another embodiment, the light emining device includes a light emining surface fiinctioning as a display with a first peak luminous intensity' output within a first angular range (in the on mode, white mode or

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 illuminating a white diffusely reflecting material with 70% diffuse reflectance) and (be light emitting surface functions as a light fixture within a second angular range not overlapping tbe first angular range with a second peak luminous intensity wherein the ratio of the second luminous intensity to the first luminous intensity is greater than one selected from the group of: 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80. In one embodiment, one or more cladding regions include light extraction features on a surface opposite the film-based lightguide and light from a light soiree is coupled into the cladding region(s) such that the light from the cladding region(s) provide illumination as a light fixture and the light extracted from the core region provides backlight or fronrlight illumination for a passive or active display. For example, in io one embodiment, a cladding region is position on each side of a film-based lightguide is three times as thick as the core region. A plurality of LEDs are disposed to couple light into a stack of coupling lightguides extending from the filin-based light guide such that more light is propagating within the cladding regions that reaches the light extraction features disposed on an outer surface or within one or more cladding regions than is propagating within the core region of the lightguide and reaches the light extraction feanu'es disposed on. within, or adjacent to the core region of die light guide.

(172) In another embodiment, the light emitting device operates as a display backlight or fiontlight and is oriented substantially horizontally such that it displays information when looked down (or up) onto the display and the display illuminates a wall, steps or other surface

2» disposed to receive the light. In a further embodiment, the light emitting device is a backlight for a display and light fixture, hi another embodiment, the light emitting device is a backlight or froutlight for a display and emits light out of the edge of one or mon? regions of the lightguide, core layer, cladding layer, or two or more cladding regions.

PREFERENTIAL LIGHT OUTPUT ON ONE SIDE OF THE LIGHTGUIDE

[173) In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with a light transmitting region within a light emitting region wherein the light flux emitted from a first side of the lightguide is substantially greater than die light flux emitted from a second side of the lightguide opposite die first side In one embodiment, the light flux emitted from one side of the lightguide is greater thau oue selected from the group of: 50%, 60%,

70%, 80%, 90%, 95% and 99% of the light emitted from the light emitting device. By having light transmitting regions within the light emitting regions, such as between light extraction features for example, aud controlling most of rhe light output to be emitted ffom one side, embodiments of die light emitting device can function as a one-way light source, analogous

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PCT/US2012/028578 to a one-way minor. For example, in one embodiment, the light emitting device emirs light from light extraction fearures that are sufficiently bright and small that the appearance front a predetermined distance appeals substantially uniform. This is analogous to a LED-based billboard sign wherein at a predetermined distance, the spacing regions between the LEDs is s nor readily visible. In this embodiment, the regions between the light extraction regions, for example, may be transparent such that a viewer can see through the light emitting region. In another embodiment, a camera is disposed on a side of the light emitting region with the lower light flux output such tliat the camera is not readily visible or ascertainable from the high liglit flux output side and the camera can image regions of the environment oo the io opposite side of the light emitting region, hi one embodiment, the light emitting region appears to be a substantially continuous light emitting surface from the high light flux emitting side of the light emitting region. In one embodiment, the average pitch separation between the light exiraction features is less than one selected from the group of: 10. 5. 3'. 2 and I millimeters and tbe average luminance of the light emitting region is greater than one selected from the group of: 50, 100, 200. 300. 500. 1000. 2000, and 3000. 5000. and 10,000 cdfrn². In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide including a light emitting region with light extraction features wherein a first liglit emitting surface of the light emitting device emits more light received from a lightguide than a second surface of the light emitting device on the opposite side of die lightguide than the first surface and light absorbing regions are disposed substantially between the liglit extraction fearures and the second surface. For example, in one embodiment a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide with white printed dots with an Average pitch of 1 turn on one side of a light emitting region and black printed dots oveiprinted on top of tlie white printed dots. In this embodiment, the light from within the lightguide scatters from the white printed dots and exits the lightguide and light emitting device from tlie liglit emitting region on the opposite surface of the film-based lightguide than which the dots are printed. The black dots substantially absorb light that is transmitted through the white dot regions such that less light is emitted from the liglit emitting device on the side of the lightguide on which the dots are printed , In one embodiment, the light absorbing regions aie larger than the light extraction an features in at least one direction by one selected from the group of: 5%. 10%, 20%, 40%,

50%, 60%, 80%, 100%. and 150%.

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DISTRIBUTED ILLUMINATION SYSTEM

[174] In oue embodimeut. a distributed illumination system includes a light emitting device including at least one light output coupler optically coupled to a distribution lightguide in a light transmitting region of the distribution lightguide. In one embodimeut. die lighi β output coupler includes one or more of the following: a film-based lightguide, an optical element, a light transferring element, a distribution lightguide, aud a coupling lightguide. For example, in one embodiment. a distributed illumination system includes a light source disposed to couple light into au array of coupling lightguides dial are extensions of a long thin strip film-based distribution lightguide. In this embodiment, the light travels along the io length of the distribution lightguide aud is coupled out of the lightguide in light transmitting regions where die distribution lightguide is optically coupled to light receiving regions of a light output coupler lightguide film. In dits embodiment, the ligiit travels dirough the light output coupler lightguide film and is extracted by hght extraction features in a light emitting region of the liglit output coupler lightguide film.

is LIGHT OUTPUT COUPLER

[175] More than oue light output coupler may be used to couple light out of the lightguide at various locations along the lightguide, hi one embodiment, a first portion of the light incident on the light output couplet is specularly reflected or transmitted such that the light does not exit the hght output coupler at the uext interface due to arriving at the interface at an angle less than the critical angle. By specularly reflecting or transmitting a first portion of light, that light may continue to navel within the light output coupler without being extracted within or near the light receiving region. For example, in one embodiment, the light output coupler is a film-based lightguide disposed to receive a first portion of ligln from transmitting tlirough die light trans mining region of the distribution lightguide in a light receiving region. The light output coupler transmits the light to a tight emitting region including light extraction features further along the light output coupler from the liglit receiving region, hi one embodiment, a liglit output coupler directs light away from the light transmitting region of the distribution lightguide and the liglit emitting region of the light ourput coupler is larger than the light receiving region. Thus, in this embodiment, the light so output coupler is able to extract a ponion of hght from the lightguide and emit the light in a light emitting area larger than the area that the light output coupler is in optical contact with the lightguide. In oue embodiment, the cross-sectional luminous flux density (measured perpendicular to the optical axis of the light propagating within the lightguide in

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Luinens/inin²) within the region of the distribution lightguide determined by a thickness of die distribution lightguide nod a width of the light transmitting region (in a direction orthogonal to die oprical axis) at the start of the light transmitting region is greater than the luminous flux density of the cross-section of the output coupling lightguide in the region determined by a width of the light emitting region or the output coupling lightguide and a thickness of the output coupling lightguide at a beginning of the light emitting region. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional luminous flax density within a region of the output coupling lightguide (measured perpendicular to the optical axis of the light propagating within the lightguide in Lumens/mm²) determined by a width and a thickness of the light receiving regiou at a beginning of the light receiving region is greater than the luminous flux density of the cross-section of the region of the output coupling film determined by a width and a tltickuess of tlie light emitting region at a beginning of the light emitting region. In another embodiment, a ratio of the distribution lightguide luminous flux density at the beginning of tlie light uansmining region to the luminous flux density of the output coupling is lightguide at the beginning of the light emitting regiou is greater than oue selected from the group of: 1. 2, 5.10, 20, 40, and 100.

[176( I¹¹ another embodiment, an average width of the light receiving region of the light output coupler in the direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light within the film-based lightguide is less than an average width of the film-based lightguide (or distribution lightguide) at the region. In this embodiment, the amount of light coupled out of the distribution lightguide can be reduced by reducing the width of the light receiving region of the light output coupler. In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes two or more light output couplers oprically coupled to a distribution lightguide wherein the light transmitting regions of the distribution lightguide do not both intersect a single line parallel to the oprical axis of the light within the film-based lightguide. In this embodiment, the light transmitting regions are not sequentially overlapping such that they each receive a ponton of the light travelling within the lightguide that is spatially separated from (he other along a direction perpendicular to tbe optical axis of the lightguide. For example, in one embodiment, one light output coupler transmits about 60% of die incident flux into the light output coupler, so and only about 40% of the light remaining fi'oin tliat region of the distribution lightguide travels onio the second output coupling lightguide. Separating the light output couplers laterally provides another variable of control for determining ihe flux of ligbt output from the lightguide from a particular light output coupler. Iu another embodiment, a light emitting device includes two or more light output couplers optically coupled to a distribution

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 lightguide with corresponding light transmitting regions (hat do not both intersect a single line perpendicular to the optical axis of the light within the film-based lightguide. In this embodiment, the light transmitting regions are not disposed substantially adjacent to each other along tire lightguide in a direction substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. In this embodiment, one light output coupler is disposed further along the distribution lightguide than the other such that a location of light output may be distributed further along in the direction of the optical axis. In another embodiment, the light transmitting regions of the distribution lightguide corresponding to first aud second light output couplers intersect a single line perpendicular or parallel to the optical axis of the distribution lightguide. For io example, a second tight output coupler may be disposed partially behind (fiuther along Ihe distribution liglitguide) a first light output coupler. In another example, a second light output coupler may be disposed partially adjacent aud behind a first light output coupler. In a fiuther embodiment, the location of the light output couplers in a direction par allel or perpendicular ro the optical axis of the light within the distribution lightguide is determined at least in pan is by a desired output location of the light exiting a light entitling region of the light output couplers In another embodiment, the light output coupler lias an average thickness larger thau the film-based lightguide iu the region of the light receiving region of the light output , coupler. In another embodiment, the light output coupler has an average width smaller than the film-based ligtirguide in tbe region of the light receiving region of the light output coupler.

[177] In oue embodiment, a location and an orientation of the light output couplers may be changed or first applied by the user or installer. For example, in oue embodiment, the light output couplets may be applied to the distribution lightguide upon installation. In another example, the location of the light output couplers may be changed by peeling back

2$ the light output couplets and reapplying the light output couplers to optically couple the liglit output couplers to the distribution lightguide by using low tack adhesives or low tack materials for all or part of the film-based lightguide or liglit output coupler.

[178] In another embodiment, a liglit emitting device includes a film-based distribution liglitguide and an output coupling lightguide optically coupled to the distribution so lighrguide in a plnraliry of light transmitting regions. For example, in one embodiment, the output coupling lightguide is optically coupled to the distribution lightguide by snip coupling lightguides separated by fold regions. By dividing up the liglit transmitting region into a plurality of smaller liglit transmitting regions that are separated from each other, a relative uniformity of the flux within the liglitguide may remain substantially tuiifoim in a direction

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PCT/US2012/028578 perpendicular to the optical axis. For example, in one embodiment, a light output coupler couples out 60% of the light flux from the distribution lightguide and the cross-sectional luminous flux density uniformity hi the lightguide in the regiou just past the light output coupler is reduced. By separating our the light transmitting region and spreading the light transmitting region out spatially along a surface of the distribution lightguide, a uniformity of the lighr remaining in die lightguide is improved over a single large, continuous light transmitting region.

(179] In one embodiment, fold regions in the output coupling lightguide increase a flexural rigidity or modulus of the output coupling lightguide in a plane perpendicular to the io fold regions. In another embodiment, the fold legions allow for an increased light emitting surface of the light output coupler. For example, in one embodiment, the light output coupler includes a folded light emitting region and coupling lightguides coupled to the distribution lightguide in light transmitting regions. A width of the light output coupler is larger than a width of the distribution lightguide in the direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the is distribution lightguide and orthogonal the optical axis of the light in the distribution lightguide.

RECYCLING LIGHT OUTPUT COUPLER

[180] In oue embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide, a light input coupler, and a lighr output coupler including output coupling lightguides disposed to receive light from within the film-based lightguide and direct the light through the output coupling lightguides to a specularly reflecting element such that the light returns through the coupling lightguides into the film-based lightguide and is recycled. In this embodiment, the light tltat passes rluough tlie lightguide without being extracted can be recycled by reflecting tlie light through the use of output coupling lightguides and a specular reflector. In one

I embodiment, the specular reflector used for recycling includes one or more of the following: a retroreflective film {such as specularly reflecting comer cube film), an aluminized component (such as an aluminized PET film), a specularly reflecting aluminum component, and a specularly reflecting multilayer polymer film. In another embodiment, the film based lightguide includes more than one ligj.it output coupler. For example, in oue embodiment, a film-based lightguide includes a lighr input coupler on a first edge of the hghtguide and tlircc light output couplers optically coupled to three specularly reflecting mirror films along the three remaining edges to efficiently reflect back the light tbat is not extracted from the lightguide in the first pass.

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RECYCLING USING OUTPUT COUPLING LIGHTGUIDES (181] In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes an input coupler disposed to couple light into a film-based lighlguide and a light output coupler disposed to receive light from die film-based lightguide. In this embodiment, the output coupling lightguides are folded to redirect light into a region of the light input surface of a plurality of input coupling lightguides in the input coupler. In another embodiment, a portion of die light propagating through the light emitting region of the light emining device that is not emined is recycled by propagating through output coupling lightguides with ends disposed to emit light into a region of the light input coupler, hi this embodiment, a portion of the light within the ta lightguide is recycled back into the lightguide. For example, in one embodiment a light emitting device includes a light input coupler including coupling lightguides disposed along a first side of a film-based lightguide and a light ourput coupler including output coupling lightguides disposed on a second side opposite die fust side. In this embodiment, the output coupling lightguides in the light output coupler are folded three rimes such that light travels ts alongside the film-based lightguide edge disposed between the first and second sides and the light emitting ends of the coupling lightguide are optically coupled to input light into a region of the input coupling lightguides. In this embodiment, two or more of the output coupling lightguides may be physically separated along the second side of the film-based lightguide and the region along the second side between the output coupling lightguides uiay include reflective features along the side such as 90 degree triangular cuts in the film that reflect light back into the liglit emining region of the fihu-based lightguide

REMOVABLE CLADDING REGION (182] hi one embodiment, the distributed illumination system includes a cladding region optically coupled to the lightguide that may be removable or reposiriouable. In another embodiment, the cladding may be’ separated from the lightguide in a light transminmg region and a light output coupler may be disposed in optical contact within the light transmitting region. For example, in one embodiment, a distributed illumination system includes a light source disposed to couple light into an aiTay of coupling lightguides that are extensions of a long thin snip film-based lightguide. In this embodiment, the light travels along a length of so the distribution lightguide film and substantially remains in the lightguide in a region beneath the cladding region. The cladding region is removed, exposing a light transmitting region of the core region. A light output coupler is optically coupled to the lightguide at the light transmitting region such that a portion of light within the lightgnide is coupled our of the

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PCT/US2012/028578 lightguide into the light transmitting regiou. In this embodiment, light travels through the light output coupler light guide film and is extracted by light extraction features in a light emitting region of the light output coupler lightguide film, hi another embodiment, the cladding region is a flap including a tab that allows it to be easily pulled away from the s lightguide while remaining physically coupled to the distributed illumination system such that a tight output coupler may be optically coupled to the lightguide. For example, the light output coupler is optically coupled to the lightguide by pressing a tacky fihn-based tight output coupler onto the core region of the lightguide film. In a fiuTher embodiment, the flap is laid back onto the light output coupler after the flap is optically coupled to the light io transmitting region on the distribution lightguide. When there is a desire to replace or change the light output coupler, the fight output coupler may be removed and the old or a new cladding region may be re-applied, adhered or otherwise optically coupled to the lightguide.

[183] In auother embodiment, tbe lightguide is a tacky film, such as a silicone film, and the cladding layer is peeled away from die lightguide such that the cladding layer is not is physically coupled to the distributed illumination system. The tacky film, in this embodiment, helps hold on the cladding region and promotes adhesion of the light output coupler to the lightguide or a new or the same cladding region subsequent to removal of the light output coupler.

LUMINOUS PATTERNS, SIGNS, AND WINDOW DISPLAYS

2« (184] hi another embodiment, a light emitting device is used as an overlay with indicia that can be illuminated. In one embodiment, the lightguide region has a low degree of visibility in the off-state, and in the on-stare can be clearly seen as illuminated indicia or luminous patterns. In another embodiment, the light emitting device is a ubiquitous display that displays information in the environment of the viewer. For example, in one embodiment.

tbe light emitting device is disposed in a frame adjacent a photograph with a matte board. The light emitting device is a frontlight with a first light emitting region on a first lightguide including a light emittiug region adjacent the photograph emitting white lighr to illuminate the photograph. The device further includes a second lieTir emitting region on a second lightguide adjacent the white mane board around die photograph that illuminates the matte so board with green lighr based on positive health information (or red information based on negative health information) of the individual in the photograph received by the light emitting device across a wireless network connected to a wireless personal health monitor on the individual.

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LIGHTGUIDE ADJACENT TO A WINDOW (185] In one embodiment, the lightguide film is substantially separated from the window by au air gap. In another embodiment, the light extraction feamres in the lightguide film do not redirect light into an angle within the window greater than die critical angle of the s window (typically angles greater than about 42 degrees from the surface normal). In one embodiment, the lightguide film is held in place by standoffs or physically coupling the lightguide, light input coupler, housing or other element of the light emitting device to the window, frame. or other element disposed in proximity to the window. In another embodiment, the lightguide is disposed proximate the window and is supported by a stand, a hanging mechanism to a wall or ceiling, or a mount to a wall or ceiling, for example.

[186] In one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a light source, coupling lightguides, a lightguide including a light emitting region, and a mechanism or component for physically coupling the lightguide to a window or window frame. For example, the lightguide may include an adhesive material (such as a ‘static cling” PVC film or silicone rubber film) disposed on one side of a core region of a lightguide such that the Hgdit emitting device may be laminated (by hand or with the assistance of a roller and/or application fluids, for example) to a window such that rhe light emitting device supports its own weight. In this embodiment, the region of the lightguide not emitting light may be substantially transparent aud the light emitting region may be substantially transparent, translucent, or partially transparent when the light source is turned off. In one embodiment, the light input coupler is disposed at the lower end of a lightguide such that the force does not substantially pull the lightguide away from rhe window. In another embodiment, the adhesion layer is a cladding layer with a refractive index lower dian a refractive index of die core layer. The lightguide further includes a cladding layer on the opposite side of rhe core layer. In another embodiment, the light emitting device is disposed on a window sill or other supporting structure with the lightguide physically coupled ro or disposed near the window, In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes one or more suction cups that physically couple the device to a substantially non-porous surface. For example in oue embodiment, a light input coupler disposed on the lower edge of a lightguide includes suction cups that adhere the light input

3tt coupler to a window. The lightguide film has a low peel-strength adhesive, material. or region disposed to physically couple the lightguide film to a non-porous surface such as a window. In another embodiment, the lightguide Elm defines apertures through which portions of a suction cup or a book or extension thereof may pass through such that the

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 lightguide film is supported vertically. Other suitable mechanical components such as latches, fasteners, hook and/or loop fasteners (using adltesive to bond the hook to the glass and the loop to the light input coupler, for example) may be used to fasten or couple the light emitting device or a component thereof (such as the Uelnguide) to a window or a substantially nou5 porous surface.

1187] In anorker embodiment, a kit includes a light emitting device with an adhesive film or water soluble adhesive that will physically and optically couple the lightguide to a glass window, hr a further embodiment, the kit includes a roller suitable for moving an application liquid between the lightguide and a window, thus removing air bubbles and spreading the adhesive.

LIGHT EMITTING PACKAGING

[188) In oue embodiment, a light emitting device including a film-based lightguide is disposed witliin or physically coupled to a packaging material, ln one embodiment, a packaging material or product includes a light emitting device including a light input coupler is with a light sotnce, and a light emitting region on a flexible fihn-based lightguide. Ln one embodiment, the film-based lightguide film is optically coupled to the packaging, hi a further embodiment, the packaging includes a transparent region disposed to transmit light exiting the film-based lightguide out of the package. In another embodiment, a light emitting device includes a film-based lightguide that substantially encloses one or more objects such that the fihn-based lightguide is a packaging material for the one or more objects. In this embodiment, the light input coupler may be disposed substantially within a volume of the packaging, substantially outside the volume of the packaging, or panially within and outside the volume of the packaging In another embodiment, the light emitting regions of the packaging includes designs, outlines, logos, graphics, images, pictures, and indicia or combinations thereof, in fiurlter embodiments, one or more of multiple film-based lightguide layers, different colored light sources, different extraction regions, sensors, motion detectors, batteries, and other devices enable additional functionality, properties, appearance. and/or liglit output profiles for the light emitting device incorporated into or within the packaging. In . another embodiment, tire packaging material, film-based lightguide, or both are shrink-wrap packaging materials In another embodiment. the packaging material, film-based lightguide, or both are heat-sealable packaging materials. In a further embodiment, a flexible photovoltaic panel is electrically coupled to the light input coupler to provide electrical power for die light emitting device. In another embodiment, the packaging includes a light emitting

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 device with a battery power source. In another embodiment, tbe light emitted from a light emitting region flashes or 'blinks to attract attention and conserve battery life. In one embodiment, the packaging including the light emitting device includes a motion detector that nuns on the light soiuxe in the light input coupler when the package is moved, motion is detected near the package, or when the package is moved and when motion is detected near the package.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE

[189J In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a communication device coupled in signal communication to receive and/or transmit communication signals from or to external devices or the environment. In one embodiment, the light emitting device communicates with one or more of the following devices: a local computer, a remote computer or server, a cellular phone, PDA, an electronic reader (eBook or eReader, for example), a short wave wireless comroiuiicatiou device, such as a Bluetooth® device, a microphone, a laptop, a portable computer, a portable communication device, an electronic is watch, an electronic wallet, a thermometer, a radio, a television, a digital video recorder, a telephone, a stereo, an entertainment system, a home network controller, a router, a modem, a satellite transmitter/receiver. a wireless transmitter/receiver. a security system, an air conditioning system, an energy monitoring device, an occupancy sensor, a motion sensor, a printer, a tablet computer, a vehicle, such as an automobile, a watercraft, an aircraft, or a land craft, an electronic transportation device, a train, a bus, a subway, a light ftxnire, a health monitoring device, an internet connected device, a GPS device, a light sensing device, a lighting controller, au HVAC c ont roller·, a home or office automation controller, a garage door controller, a remote control device, a camera, a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device, a projector, a monitor, a display (LCD. OLED, LED, or Plasma display, for example), a video game system, and a video game controller.

(I90J In oue embodiment, the light emitting device receives information from or transmits information to the environment through one or more of the following: an electrical connection, a wireless connection, a radio frequency connection, an iufrared-counection, visual light detectors or imagers, thermal detectors or imagers, a microphone, a transducer, a so sensor, an actuator, an accelerometer, an air flow sensor, a photodiode, act electronic display, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a metal detector, a chemical sensor, a molecular sensor, a biological material sensor, and a biosensor. In another embodiment, in response to information received directly or through analysis of information

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PCT/US2012/028578 received by the light emitting device, one or more of tbe following properties of the light entitling device including, without limitation, hght flux output, color of the light output, infrared light flux output, ultraviolet light flux output, wavelength of the lighr output, angular hght output profile, spatial lighr output profile, luminance, luminance uniformity, color s uniformity, rare of hght output (frequency), polarization, image displayed, logo displayed, indicia displayed, angle of peak luminous intensity, angular full-width at half maximum intensity in one or more hght output planes, size of the light emitting region, location of tbe hght emitting region, orientation of the hght emitting region, shape of the hght emitting region, dimension of the light emitting region in a direction, dimension of the light emitting io device, perceived transmittance or see-through. sound output, output communication to anotlier device, and rate of change or duration of one or more of the aforementioned properties in one or more regions or lightguides changes.

RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION

[191] In one embodiment the light-emitting device has a radio fiequeucy transmitter is and a receiver Thai receives and transmits infonuatiou. In a further embodiment, the light emitting device changes a property due to radio frequency communication with a device. In one embodiment, the radio frequency transmitter transmits and receives the frequencyhopping spread spectrum radio technology. In another embodiment, the light-emitting device includes a radio transmitter and receiver that receives and transmits radiation by Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK). In another embodiment, the light-emitting device has a short wavelength radio transmission protocol, such as Bhietootli® protocol, radio frequency transmitter and receiver that receives and transmits information. In another embodiment, the light-emitting device includes an IEEE 802.11 compliant radio transmitter and receiver. In another embodiment, the light-emitting device includes an IEEE 802.15.4-2003, ZigBee®

RF4CE, or ZigBee® compliant radio transmitter and receiver. For example, in one embodiment, the hght emitting device receives information from a wireless router using an IEEE 802.11 protocol that directs the light emitting device to change the relative light output from two different colored LEDs and the light emitted from tbe light emitting device changes color.

[1^2] In another embodiment, the light-entitling device includes a radio transceiver compliant to at least one communication standard for creating a wide area network (WAN) selected from the group of: iBurst™, Fast Low-latency Access with Seamless Handoff Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (Flash-OFDM™), Wi-Fi: 802.11 standard.

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WiMAX: 802.16 standard. UMTS over W-CDMA, UMTS-TDD, EV-DO xl Rev 0. Rev A, Rev B and x3 standards, HSPA D and U standards. RTT. GPRS, and EDGE. In another embodiment. the light-emitting device includes a radio transceiver compliant to at least one communication standard for creating a local area network (WLAN) selected from rhe group of: ŒEE 802.11-2007. IEEE 802.11a. IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g. IEEE 802.11η, and amended IEEE 802.11-2007 standards or protocols. In a further embodiment, the lightemitting device includes a radio transceiver compliant to at least one communication standard for creating a personal area network (WPAN) selected from the group of: short wavelength wireless transmission protocol, such as Bluetooth® protocol (including standard protocol and to low energy protocol), high level communication protocol such as ZigBee® Wireless USB. UWB, IPv6 over Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks, ONE-NET™, Z-Wave®, and EuOcean® standards. Iu another embodiment, tlie liglit emitting device includes a transceiver disposed to receive and transmit radio frequency information over a cellular phone connection protocol selected from the group of: CDMA, GSM. EDGE. 3G, UMTS, is and SMS. In another embodiment, the light-emitting device includes 2 or more radio frequency transceivers configured to receive similar or different protocols, such as

Bluetooth® protocol and 802.11 protocol, for example.

INFRARED COMMUNICATION

J193] In one embodiment, the tight-emitting device includes an infrared pbotodetector, a phototrausistor or an infrared (IR) receiver disposed to receive IR light. For example, in one embodiment, in one tight emitting device a light source in a Erst light input coupler for a first fihn-based lightguide is turned off and a second liglit source in a second light input coupler for a second Elm-based lightguide is turned on iu response to information received from or tluough an infrared receiver from an infrared remote control to change a logo displayed on the liglit emitting device from “OPEN”' to CLOSED,” for example.

COMMUNICATION ARCHITECTURE .AND PROTOCOL (194} In one embodiment, tbe light emining device communicates with a second device used in a wired connection. In another embodiment, the connection between the light emitting device and the second device iucludes one or more of tlie following connections: so serial, asynclironous serial, parallel, and USB. In one embodiment, the light emitting device commiuiicates with a second device using one or more communication architectures, network

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PCT/IIS2012/02S578 protocols, data link layers, network layers, network layer management protocols, transport layers, session layers, and/or application layers.

LIGHT DETECTOR (195J In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes a photodetector or a light s detector disposed to receive and process light into information. Foi example, in one embodiment, the light einitring device includes a camera disposed to capture an image, recognize an object, individual, or property of the individual or object, such as gender, height, age. and/or race, for example, and change a property of the light emitting device. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a photodetector to detect the ambient light io intensity and adjust tlie luminous intensity of the light output from the light emitting device to save energy or make the display or light emitting region more visible. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes a motion sensor, occupancy sensor, or smoke detector using a photodetector.

LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE COMPRISES A MICROPHONE

[ 196J In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes one or more microphones and local or remote components for analyzing and recognizing speech and changing the output of the display. For example, iu one embodiment, a system of light emitting devices disposed on an timer surfaces of a bank of refrigeration coolers includes microphones disposed to recognize speech from a customer or to determine a specific product stated and jo subsequently increase au illuminance or light output in a flashing manner in a corresponding region of the cooler including the product such that the product can be easily found by the customer. Iu this embodiment, for example, a location of the product and the corresponding lightguide regions may be programmed by the installer or someone refilling die coolers by talking to the device and engaging a setup or configuration mode by a button or a speech command and cycling or directly changing a region for a particular product. In another embodiment, die installer or person refilling the cooler may change the location of the products (and thus the appropriate regions to be illuminated) by an application on a cellular phone or communication device. In another embodiment, the light emitting device recognizes speech through the microphone and changes one or more properties accordingly. For example ao in one embodiment, an individual speaks the series of commands Light Fixture Command,” Brightness Two.” Spot. Wann White. In this embodiment, after processing the commands, the tight emitting light fixture will dim ro a brightness levekof two out of ten.

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PCT/IJS2012/028578 change the color to a warm white, and adjust the shape of the light emitting regiou to create a. narrow angular light output, for example.

USER IDENTIFICATION AND PREFERENCES

[197] In another embodiment, the light emitting device receives information from a device that indicates or provides information for determining one or more preferences or properties associated with the user of the device. For example, in one embodiment, a user with a cellular phone with a Bluetooth® compatible radio transceiver is identified through communication with the light emitting device through Bluctoodi® protocol communication and the user’s preferences are analyzed by the light emitting device (or a remote server) such to that the light emitting device provides illumination for tbe lightguide in the lightguide slack far a logo of the user's favorite soft drink. In another embodiment, the light emitting device receives biometric information such as face recognition, fingerprint recognition, and/or retinal scan, for example, and processes the information or sends the information to a remote server that processes the information such that a property of the light emitting device changes. In another embodiment, the light emitting device displays targeted information to the individual that the light emitting device or a controller operatively coupled to the light emitting device has identified based on information related to the individual or the device. For example, if the light emitting device has identified a person and the associated property that the person has a very high credit limit or typically charges for large purchases (such as by an “electronic wallet” application on the person's smartphone) the light emitting device illuminates the highs- priced items wiih a higher illuminance or displays a particular logo designed for a target market of wealthy individuals.

ANGULAR PROFILE OF LIGHT EMITTING FROM THE LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE (198) In one embodiment, the light emitting from at least one surface of the light emitting device has an angular full-width at half-maximum intensity (FWHM) less than one selected from the group of: 120 degrees. 100 degrees. 80 degrees, 60 degrees. 40 degrees. 20 degrees and 10 degrees. In another embodiment, the light emitting from at least one surface of the light emitting device lias at least one angular peak of intensity within at least one angular range selected from the group of: 0-10 degrees. 20-30 degrees. 30-40 degrees. 40-50 degrees, 60-70 degrees, 70-80 degrees. 80-90 degrees, 40-60 degrees. 30-60 degrees, and 080 degrees from tbe normal to the light emitting surface. In another embodiment, die light emitting from at least one surface of the light emitting device has two peaks within one or

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PCT/US2012/028578 more of ihe aforementioned angular ranges and the light output resembles a “bat-wing type profile known in the lighting industry to provide uniform illuminance over a predetermined angular range. In a ftinlier embodiment, the shape of the lightguide is substantially cylindrical wherein the light substantially propagates through the lightguide in a direction parallel to the

G longer (length) dimension of the cylindrically shaped lightguide and the light exirs the surface of the lightguide wherein at least 70% of the light output flux is contained within an angular range between and including 35 degrees to 145 degrees from the light emitting surface. In a furdier embodiment, the light emitting device emits light from a fust surface and a second surface opposite the first surface wherein the light flux exiting the first and second surfaces, ic respectively, is chosen from the group of: 5-15% and 85-95%; 15-25% and 75-85%; 25-35% and 65-75%; 35-45% and 65-75%; and 45-55% and 45-55%. In another embodiment, the first light emitting surface emits liglit in a substantially downward direction and the second light emitting surface emits liglit substantially in an upward direction. In another embodimeut. the first liglit emitting surface emits light in a substantially upward direction and the second light emitting surface emits light substantially in a downward direction.

[199] In one embodiment, a shape of rite light emitting region or lightguide aud/or a location of the light emitting region on die lightguide contribute to an angular profile of the light output from the light emitting device. For example, in one embodiment, the lightguide is configured in a wave-like shape and the light emitting regions are disposed on the sloped zo regions of the lightguide. In this embodiment, when light extraction feauues are used that direct 90%. for example, of the liglit out of the lightguide within an angular range of between and including 60 to 90 degrees from a surface normal (a high angular output profile), the light output from the liglit emitting device will be substantially within 30 degrees of the surface angle of the sloped region. For example, if the light is travelling in a lightguide with a directional component in the +x direction and an average angle of die slope region (relative to the horizontal, nadir, or other external or internal surface) is 40 degrees from the horizontal, then the liglit output from the light emitting device is substantially between and including 10 degrees and 70 degrees from the horizontal or between and including 40 degrees and 70 degrees from the horizontal if a specular reflector is disposed adjacent the bottom side of the so lightguide.

[200] In another embodiment, die lighrgnide is tton-planar and includes a light emitting region disposed in a valley region or a planar region of die lightguide. In this embodiment, for example, the light emitting regions are substantially horizontal, vertical, or not sloped relative to an internal or external reference plane and the light output relative to

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PCT/US2012/028578 the reference is due primarily to the light extraction features as opposed to the curved or tiouplanar regions. In another embodiment. tbe lightguide includes one or more light emitting regions on a substantially planar region, and one or more of the following: a valley region, a sloped region, a curved region, a bent region, and a folded region. In this embodiment, a relative location of the light output and tbe angular profile can be adjusted by placement or orientation of die light emitting region (or light extraction features along one or more surfaces of the lightguide or core region).

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING LIGHT INPUT/OUTPUT COUPLER

[201] In one embodiment, the lightguide and light input or output coupler are formed io from a light transmitting film by creating segments of the film corresponding to the coupling lightguides and translating and bending the segments such that a plurality of segments overlap. In a further embodiment, the input surfaces of tbe coupling lightguides are arranged to create a collective light input surface by translation of die coupling lightguides to create at least one bend or fold.

RELATIVE POSITION MAINTAINING ELEMENT

[202] In one embodiment, at least one relative position maintaining element substantially maintains the relative position of the coupling lightguides in the region of the first linear fold region, the second linear fold region or both the first and second linear fold regions. In one embodiment, tbe relative position maintaining element is disposed adjacent the first linear fold region of the array of coupling lightguides such that the combination of the relative position maintaining element with the coupling lightguide provides sufficient stability or rigidity to substantially maintain the relative position of the coupling lightguides wirltin the first linear fold region during translational movements of the first linear fold region relative to the second linear fold region ro create the overlapping collection of coupling

2s lightguides and the bends in the coupling lightguides. Tbe relative position maintaining element may be adhered, clamped, disposed in contact, disposed against a linear fold region or disposed between a linear fold region and a lightguide region.

PACKAGING

[203] In one embodiment, a kit suitable for providing illumination includes a light so source, a light input coupler, and a lightguide.

[204] In one embodiment, the flexible light emitting device can be rolled up into a tube of a diameter less than one selected from the group of: 6 inches. 3 inches. 2 inches and 1

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 inch. Iu another embodiment, the flexible tight emitting device includes a spring or elasticbased take-up mechanism wliich can draw a portion of the lightguide, the light emitting region, or the lightguide region inside the housing. For example, the light emitting region of tbe film can be retracted into a cylindrical tube when a button on tlie device is pressed to provide secure, protected storage.

FILM PRODUCTION |205) In one embodiment, the film or lightguide is an extruded film, a co-extruded film, a cast film, a solvent cast film, a UV cast film, a pressed film, an injection molded film, a knife coated film, a spin coated film, or a coaled film. In one embodiment, oue or two io cladding layers aie co-extruded on one or both sides of a lightguide region. In another embodiment, tie layers, adhesion promotion layers, materials or surface modifications are disposed on a surface of or between die cladding layer and the lightguide layer. In another embodiment, one or more of a lightguide layer, a liglit transmitting film, a cladding region, an adhesive region, an adhesion promotion region, and a scratch resistant layer is coated ouro is one or more surfaces of the film or lightguide.

SEPARATE COUPLING LIGHTGUIDES

[206] hi another embodiment, the coupling lightguides are discontinuous with the lightguide and are subsequently optically coupled to tbe lightguide. In one embodiment, the coupling lightguides are exnuded onto the lightguide, optically coupled to the lightguide

2» using au adhesive, optically coupled to the lightguide by injectiou molding a light transmitting material that bonds or remains in contact with the coupling lightguides and lightguide, thermally bonded to tbe lightguide, solvent bonded to the lightguide, laser welded to the lightguide. sonic welded to the lightguide, chemically bonded to the lightguide, or otherwise bonded, adhered or disposed in optical contact with the lightguide.

[207] The following are more detailed descriptions of various embodiments illustrated iu FIGS 1-56.

[208] FIG 1 is a lop view of one embodiment of a liglit emitting device 100 including a light input coupler 101 disposed ou one side of a film-based lightguide. Tlie light input coupler 101 includes coupling lightguides 104 and a light source 102 disposed to direct light into the coupling lightguides 104 through a liglit input surface 103 including one or more input edges of the coupling lightguides 104. In one embodiment, each coupling lightguide 104 includes a coupling lightguide terminating at a bounding edge. Each coupling lightguide

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PCT/US2012/028578 is folded such that the bounding edges of the coupling lightguides are stacked to form the light input surface 103. The light emitting device 100 fiirther includes a lightguide region 106 including a light mixing region 105. a lightguide 107. and a light emitting region 108. Light from the light source 102 exits the light input coupler 101 and enters the lightguide region s 106 of the film. This tight spatially mixes with light from different coupling lightguides 104 within the light mixing regiou 105 as light propagates tlirough the lightguide 107. In one embodiment, tight is emitted from the lightguide 107 in the light emining region 108 due to light extraction features (nor shown).

[209] FIG 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light input coupler 200 with coupling lightguides 104 folded in the -y direction. Light from the liglit source 102 is directed into the light input surface 103 including input edges 204 of the coupling lightguides 104. A portiou of the light from die light source 102 propagating within the coupling lightguides 104 with a directional component in tlie +y direction will reflect in the +x and -x directions from lateral edges 203 of the coupling lightguides 104 and will reflect in the +z and -z directions from the top and bo nom surfaces of the coupling lightguides 104. The light propagating within the coupling lightguides is redirected by folds 201 in the coupling lightguides 104 toward the -x direction.

[210] FIG 3 is a top view of one embodiment of a liglit emitting device 300 with three light input couplers 101 on one side of the lightguide region 106 including the light mixing region 105, the lightguide 107, and the light emitting regiou 108.

[211] FIG 4 is a top view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 400 with two light input couplets 101 disposed on opposite sides of the lightguide 107. In certain embodiments, one or more input couplets 101 may be positioned along one or more corresponding sides of the lightguide 107.

[212] FIG 5 is a top view of one embodiment of a liglit emitting device 500 with two light input couplers 101 disposed on the same side of the lightguide region 106. The light sources 102 are oriented substantially with the liglit directed toward each other in the +y and -y directions.

[213] FIG 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of .a liglit emitting device 600 defining a region 604 near a substantially planar liglit input surface 603 including planar edges of coupling lightguides 104 disposed to receive light from a light source 102. The coupling lightguides include core regions 601 and cladding regions 602. A portiou of the light from the light source 102 input into the core region 601 of the coupling lightguides 104 will totally internally reflect from the interface between the core region 601 and die cladding

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PCT/US2012/0285 78 region 602 of tbe coupling lightguides 104. In tbe embodiment shown in FIG 6. a single cladding region 602 is positioned between adjacent core regions 601. In auothei embodiment, two or more cladding regions 602 are positioned between adjacent core regions 601.

[214] FIG 7 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 3600 including a plurality of input couplers, such as two light input couplers 101 disposed to couple light into opposite sides of a film-based lightguide 3603 without a core region, and a low coutact area cover 3601 extending substantially around the light input couplers 101 and the film-based lightguide 3603. The low contact area cover 3601 is adhered to itself using an adhesive 3602. In this embodiment, the low contact area cover 3601 io substantially protects die tui-cladded film-based lightguide 3603 and the coupling lightguides within the light input coupler 101. Light 3605 from the light source (not shown) in the light input coupler 101 travels through the film-based lightguide 3603. is extracted by a light extraction feature and is directed through the low coniact area cover 3601 and through a transmissive spatial light modulator 3604 (or a passive display such as a printed film or is graphic, for example) to form a light emitting device 3600. In this embodiment, the low contact area cover 3601 substantially encapsulates or covers die film-based lightguide 3603 in the x-z plane.

[215] FIG 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 11800 disposed adjacent a wall 11801 or other suitable structure or surface. The light emitting device 11800 includes a light input coupler 101 disposed to receive electrical power dtrough a power cable 1003 anached to a power plug 1004. In this embodiment, a lightguide 107 includes a core region 601 disposed between two cladding regious 602 and 11805. In this embodiment, tlie cladding region 602 is adhered to the wall 11801 using a light transmitting adhesive 11806. Light 11803 from the light source 102 in the light input coupler travels through die core region 601, reflectively scatters from a light emitting indicia 1001 light extraction feature, passes tluough the core region 601, passes through the cladding région 11805 and this light 11804 exits die ligltt emitting device 11800. In this embodiment, the cladding region 11805 has a non-plauar surface relief profile 11802 sucb that its gloss is low and specular reflection of ambient ligltt is low (as in the case of displays including anti-glare coatings or mane paint). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lightguide 107 substantially transmits ambient ligltt tltrough the lightguide 107 to the wall 11801 where reflected light is transmitted back through the lightguide 107 and the color of the wall perceived through the lightguide is substantially the saute as the wall 11801 without the lightguide 107 coupled to tlie surface. In this embodiment, the lightguide 107 of the light emitting device 11801

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PCT/US2012/028578 substantially resembles tlie wall 11801 in color and luminance when the lightguide 107 is not emitting light from the light source 102 and the glare is reduced as with most wall matte paints and textures.

(216) FIG 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of one embodiment of a light emining device 11900 including a lightguide with the core region 601 disposed between two cladding regions 602. On one side of the lightguide, a light reflecting film 11901 is optically coupled to the cladding region 602 by a light transmitting adhesive 11806. A plastically deformable material 11903 is physically adhered to the light reflecting film 11901 by an adhesive 11902. In this embodiment, the light emining device 11900 may be beut to form a io new shape due to the plastically deformable material 11903.

[217( FIG 10 is a cross-sectioual side view of a portion of a light emitting device )2000 including a lightguide with the core region 601 disposed betweeu two cladding regions 602 On one side of die lightguide, a plastically deformable light reflecting film 12001 is optically coupled to the cladding region 602 by the light natisroirniig adhesive 11806. In this is embodiment, the plastically deformable light reflecting film 12001 reflects light and provides mechanical support for bending the light emitting device 12000 to a desired shape. '

[218) FIG 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a light emining device

12002 including a lightguide with the core region 601 disposed between tbe low refractive index cladding region 602 and an air-gap cladding region 12004 includiug light transmitting adhesive regions 12003 in a partem thar couple light out of the lightguide into the lighr reflecting film 12001 Light 12006 from the light source and a light input coupler (not shown) is coupled to the light reflecting film 12001 by die light transmitting adhesive regions 12003 where the lighr reflects back tlrrouglr the light transmitting adhesive regions 12003, through the core region 601. through the cladding region 602, and refracts aud totally internally reflects in a light redirecting elenteut 12005. Light 12007 from the light source is totally internally reflected at the lightguide core region 601 and the air-gap cladding region 12004.

[219] FIG 12 is a perspective view of a light emitting device 12100 including the film-based lightguide 10? formed into a wave-like shape, a first light input coupler 12107. and a second light input coupler 12108. The film-based lightguide 107 includes first light ' so extraction regions 12103 and second tight extraction regions 12104 disposed on positive and uegnrive sloped regions in the x-y plane, respectively, of the film-based lightguide 107. At least one of the first light extraction regions 12103 and the second light extraction regions 12104 includes one or more light extraction features. In one embodiment, light from the first light input coupler 12107 is extracted from the first light extraction regions 12103 out of the

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 film-based lightguide 107 iu a first peak luminous intensity direction 12101 with a component in the +y and +x direction. Light from the first light input cottpler 12107 is extracted fiom the second light extraction regions 12104 out of the film-based lightguide 107 in a second peak luminous intensity direction 12102 with a component in the -y and +x s direction. Light fiom the second light input coupler 12108 is extracted fiom the first hght extraction regions 12103 out of the film-based lightguide 107 in a third peak luminous intensity direction 12105 with a component in the -y and -x direction. Light fiom the secoud lighr input couplet 12108 is extracted from the second light extraction regions 12104 out of the film-based lightguide 107 in a fourth peak luminous intensity direction 12106 with a io component in the +y and -x direction. In one embodiment, the light extraction regions 12104 and 12103 in the angled sections of the wave-like shape of the film-based lightguide 107 direct the hght output that would typically be about 70 degrees front the nadir (-y direction) on a flat, horizontal lightguide to about 40 degrees from the nadir such that there is a lower luminance of the light in the angular glare region from about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees s from tlie nadir (-y direction).

[220] FIG 13 is a photometric plot of an angular lumiuous intensity output 12109 of the light emitting device 12100 of FIG 12.

[221] FIG 14 is a perspective view of a light emitting device 12200 including the film-based lightguide 107 that is fonned in a wave-like shape, the first light input coupler

12107, and the second light input coupler 12108. The film-based lightguide 107 includes a light extraction region 12202 disposed in the valley inflection region of the curve of the filmbased lightguide 107. In this embodiment, lighr fiom the first light input coupler 12107 and light from the second light input coupler is extracted from the light extraction region 12202 out of the film-based lightguide 107 with an angular output profile with a peak luminous intensity axis 12203 in the -y direction and the light input couplers 101 block a view of high angle (about 45 degrees to 80 degrees from the nadir) light fiom the light extraction region 12202 to reduce glare.

[222] FIG 15 is a perspective view of a light emitting device 12300 including the film-based lightguide 107 fonned into a wave-like shape, hendable side support rails 12301, so the first light input coupler 12107, and frie second light input coupler 12108. In this embodiment, die bendable side support rails 12301 substantially support the film-based lightguide 107 and have a yield strength of 50 psi such that tlie side support rails 12301 can be bent or configured to provide curved or angular light emitting shapes in the lightguide disposed between them.

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[223] FIG 16 is a perspective view of a liglit emitting device 12400 including the film-based lightguide 107 formed into a wave-like shape, a plastically deformable mesh support 12401 physically coupled to the film-based lighrguide 107. and the light input coupler 101. In this embodiment, the plastically deformable mesh support allows the film ro s be shaped and bent into a desired form (such as a wave-like shape, arcuate shape, angled shape, or L”-shape. for example).

[224] FIG 17 is a perspective view of a liglit emitting device 12402 including the film-based liglitguide 107 formed into a wave-like shape, a first set of plastically deformable wire supports 12403 physically coupled to the fihn-based liglitguide 107. a second set of io plastically deformable wire supports 12404 oriented orthogonal to the fust set of plastically deformable wire supports 12403 and physically coupled to the film-based lightguide 107, and the light input coupler 101. In this embodiment, an average pitch of the second set of plastically deformable wire supports 12404 in the x direction is larger than an average pitch of die fust set of plastically deformable wire supports 12403 in the z direction. In this is embodiment, the plastically deformable wire support configuration facilitates a flexural modulus and/or a yield strength to be less in a plane including die first set of plastically deformable wire supports 12403 (y-z plane) than a flexural modulus and/or a yield strength in a plane including the second set of plastically deformable wire supports 12404 (x-y plane) and die yield strength is anisotropic. As shown in FÏG 17, it is easier to bend the fihn-based lightguide 107 physically coupled to the plastically deformable wire supports 12403 and 12404 in tbe y-z plane than the x-y plane.

[225] FIGS 18 and 19 are perspective views of oue embodiment of a liglit emitting device including a cladding layer 12502 that can be peeled back and a liglit extraction region 12501 that can be placed on the core region 602 of the lightguide. The lighrguide fiuther includes the cladding region 602 optically coupled to an opposite surface of the core region 601. As shown in FIG 18, the cladding layer is peeled back in the +z aud +x direction from the core region 601 and the liglit extraction region 12501 is placed onto tbe core region 601. FIG 19 illustrates the cladding layer 12502 being laid on top of the light extraction region 12501 and die core region 601. Light 12601 fiom die liglit input coupler 101 navels through so tbe core region 601. is reflected from tbe liglit extraction region 12501 aud is directed out of the light emining device 12500 with a component in the -z direction.

[226] FIG 20 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a liglit emining device 12700 disposed substantially horizontally (x direction). The light input coupler 101 is positioned within a support smface or structure, such as within a ceiling 12704, and die lightguide 107

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PCT/US2012/028578 extends below the ceiling 12704 in the—x direction. The lightguide 107 includes one or more of die following; one or more rectangular removable and replaceable light extraction regions 12501. one or more elliptical removable and replaceable light extraction regions 12701, one or more substantially linear removable and replaceable light extraction regions 12702, and a s collection of a plurality of removable and replaceable light extraction regions 12703, such as an array of removable and replaceable light extraction regions 12703, disposed between tbe core region and a removable cladding regions 12707 in one or more sections ofthe lightguide

107. In this embodiment, the film-based lightguide 107 is draped across die ceiling and . includes apemires 12705 through which hooks 12706 or other suitable fasteners connect the io lightguide 107 to the ceiling. In this embodiment, when one wishes to change the tight output patient of light emitted front the light emitting device 12700, the lightguide 107 can be disconnected from the hooks 12706 and the removable cladding regions 12707 can be removed (or peeled back) in regions where the light extraction region is to be removed, replaced, or changed to a light extraction region with a different shape, extraction pattern, is optical output, color, and/or light extraction feature with a different angular output, for example.

[227] FIG 21 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light einining device 12800 disposed underneath a ceiling rile 12801. Light from the light input coupler 101 physically coupled to a ceiling tile rail support 12802 travels dirough the film-based lightguide 107 and exits in a downward direction 12803 away from ihe ceiling tile 12801. In another embodiment, the tight exits the Ughtguide with an angular component in the downward (-z) direction and upward (+z) direction toward the ceiliug tile 12801 and reflects back downward through the lightguide 107 and continues with a downward (-z) directional component. In the embodiment shown, two tight input couplers 101 couple light into the lightguide 107 from opposite sides. A significant portiou of ambient light 12804 incident on the lightguide 107 passes through the lightguide 107, reflects back from tbe ceiling tile 12801, and passes back through tbe lightguide 107. In one embodiment, an average color and huiiiuauce of the ceiling rile 12801 disposed above non-emitting regions of the lightguide 107 (when the light sources in the light input couplers 101 aie turned off) measuring through the so lightguide 107 normal to the surface is substantially the same as an average color and huninance of the neighboring ceiling tiles 12801 when illuminated from a D65 standard white tight source of substantially the same illuminance and color. In another embodiment, an average color and luminance of the ceiling tile 12801 disposed above the lightguide 107 (when the light sources in the light input couplers 101 are turned off) measuring through the

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PCT/US2012/028578 lightguide 107 normal to the surface is substantially the same as an average color aud luminance of the neighboring ceiling tiles 12801 when illuminated from ambient light of substantially the same illuminance and color. In one embodiment, an ASTM D1003 luminous transmittance of the lightguide in the regions surrounding the light exuacrion features is greater than 70% and the spectral transmission between 400 nm and 700 tun is within +/10%.

[228] FIG 22 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 12900 including die film-based lightguide 107 curved in an arcuate shape in the +z direction between two light input couplers 101 that are separated by an adjustable extension guide to 12901. Tlie light emitting device 12900 includes adjustable extension guides 12901 oriented in the x direction on both sides of the lightguide 107 in the y direcrion. hi this embodiment, a separation between the two light input couplers 101 is low and an arc of the lightguide 107 has a first average radius of cmvamre 12903 and a light output of die light emitting device . 12900 has a first angular light output 12902. In one embodiment, the adjustable extension is guide 12901 includes two extruded aluminum profiles with substantially parallel guide surfaces that align such that die rwo guides can move closer (such as by sliding, for example) together or further apart and guide the light input couplera apart without torsion or rotation relative ro each other.

[229] FIG 23 is a perspective view die light emitting device 12900 of FIG 22 with the 20 adjustable extension guide 12901 extended in the x direction such dial the light input couplers

101 are separated by a larger distance and an arc of the ligbrguide 107 has a second radius of curvature 12905 larger than a first average radius of curvature 12903 shown in FIG 22 aud a second angular light output 12904. The second angular output 12904 of the light emitting device 12900 is changed relative to the first angular output 12902 of the light emitting device

12900 of FIG 22 due to a cliange in shape of the lightguide 107.

[230] FIG 24 is a perspective view the light emitting device 12900 of FIG 22 with the adjustable extension guide 12901 extended in the x direction and the film having an arc that extends in rhe -z direcrion. Tlie light input couplers 101 are separared by a larger distance and the arc of die lightguide 107 has a third average radius of curvanue '12907 larger than rhe first average radius of curvature 12903 sltown in FIG 22 and with a direction component in the -z direcrion. Tlie arc of the lightguide 107 in this embodiment results in a third angular fight output 12906 different dian the first angular output 12902 of FIG 22 and die second angular output 12904 of FIG 23.

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PCT/US2012/028578 (231] FIG 25 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ligtn emitting device

13200 including the fihn-based lightguide 107 formed into a wave-like shape between two light input couplers 101 that ate separated by gtiide rails 13202 on both sides of the lightguide 107 in the y direction. Lightguide positioning rods 13201 are disposed between guide rails $ 13202 to position the film. In one embodiment, one ot more of the lightguide positioning rods

13201 may be moved and positioned in a different location along the guide rails 13202. In this embodiment, the lightguide positioning rods 13201 aie positioned such that the lightguide positioning rods 13201 damp a region of the lightguide 107 between the neighboring lightguide positioning rods and substantially maintain the position of the region to and hold a sliape of the lightguide 107. The shape of tlie lightguide 107 can be changed by sliding (and locking down by a bolt or suitable fastener, for example) the pairs of lightguide positioning rods 13201 along the guide rails 13202 and/or by looseuiug a hold on the lightguide hy separating the pairs of lightguide positioning rods 13201 and feeding the lightguide 107 between the pair of rods.

is [232] FIG 26 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device

13300 including the film-based lightguide 107. The film-based lightguide 107 is held in a wave-like shape by the lightguide positioning rods 13201 with ends physically coupled to guide rails 13202 on opposite sides of the film-based lightguide 107. Tlie guide rails 13202 * are physically coupled to the light input coupler 101 and a rail coupler 13305 Tlie film-based lightguide 107 includes light emitting surface regions 108 oriented in an average fust direction 13301 at a first angle 13307 from a refereuce direction 13303 parallel to the x axis. Liglit from the light input coupler 101 travels witliin the lightguide 107 and exits the lightguide 107 in the light emitting region 108 in a second direction 13302 with a first angle of peak luminous intensity 13304 from a refereuce direction 13303 parallel to the x axis for the light emitting region 108. In this embodiment, the liglit emining regions repeat and aie substantially similar in size, shape and orientation, the first angle of peak luminous intensity 13304 of the light emitting region 108 is the same as the angle of peak luminous intensity of the light emitting device 13300. Tlie angle of the peak luminous intensity for the light emitting surface region 108 may vary across die light emitting surface region 108 and a fust so angle of the peak luminous intensity 13304 for the liglit emitting region 108 is an angle of the peak huninous intensity for total light emitted from die parricular light emitting surface region 108. in one embodiment, the lightguide positioning rods 13201 can be repositioned by sliding the lightguide positioning rods 13201 along the guide rails 13202 such that the first angle of peak luminous intensity 13304 cau be increased or decreased for oue or more light

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PCT/US2012/028578 emitting regions. In a furthei embodiment, the x axis is in the vertical direction and the light emitting device is a light fixture mounted vertically such that tbe light output can be adjusted by changing the relative positions, orientations, and/or number of lightguide positioning rods and/or the shape of the fd in-based lightguide passing between the rods. For example. in one e embodiment, an angle of peak luminous intensity for the hght emitting device is adjusted by pulling a cord that brings die lightguide positioning rods closer together, hi another embodiment, the light emitting device has a second light input coupler on (he opposite edge of the lightguide with a second angle of peak luminous intensity for the light from the second light input coupler. In another embodiment, die guide rails are extendable.

[Χ3Λ] FIG 27 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the light emitting device

13300 of FIG 26 wherein the spacing between the pairs of the lightguide positioning rods 13201 has been increased such that the film-based lightguide 107 is formed in a wave-like shape with a larger pitch aud with light emitting surface regions 108 oriented in an average dtird direcriou 13404 at a third angle 13402 from the reference direction 13303 parallel to the x axis. The film-based lighrguide 107 is held in a wave-like shape by the lightguide positioning rods 13201 clamping the lightguide 107 between the lightguide positioning rods at regularly spaced locations. Light from die light input coupler 101 travels within the lightguide 107 and exits the lightguide 107 in the light emitting region 108 in a fourth direction 13401 with a second angle of peak luminous intensity 13403 from the reference direction 13303 parallel to the x axis. The second angle of peak luminous intensity 13403 shown in FIG 27 is smaller than the first angle of peak luminous intensity 13304 shown in FIG 26 and more light is directed toward die +x direction (toward the ceiling, for example, if the light emitting device is oriented vertically).

[234] FIG 28 is a perspective view of oue embodiment of a light emitting device

13500 including light input couplers 101 and the Ahn-based lightguide 107 with adjustable tension rails 13501 physically coupled to lightguide positioning rods 13201 with light output from substantially one side of die film based lightguide 107. In diis embodimeut, the light 13503 is substantially emitted with a component in the +x direction (up direction, for example). The angle of peak luminous intensity can be adjusted by moving an intersection so location and an angle of intersection of the adjustable tension rails 13501 and a location of the lightguide positioning rods 13201 on the adjustable tension rails 13501 using the adjustment bolts 13502. Thus, an angular light output and spatial locations of the light emitting regions 108 of tbe film-based lightguide 107 can be adjusted to a variety of shapes. In a further embodimeut. a location of one or more light emitting regions 108 is

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 recotifigurable by using removable and replaceable light extraction regions or films including light extraction regions.

(235) FIG 29 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 13600 including light input couplers 101 and the film-based light guide 107 with the s adjustable tension rails 13501 physically coupled to lightguide positioning rods 13201 with light output from both Sides of the film based lightguide 107. In this embodiment, light 13503 is substantially emitted with a component in the +x direction (up direction, for example) and light 13601 is emitted with a component in the —x direction. Tlie angle of peak luminous intensity can be adjusted by moving the intersection location and the angle of intersection of η» the adjustable tension rails 13501 and the location of the liglitguide positioning rods 13201 on the adjustable tension rails 13501 using the adjustment bolts 13502. Thus, the angular light output and spatial locations and orientations of tbe light emitting regions 108 of the filmbased lightguide 107 can be adjusted for a desired angular light output profile or location of light emitting regions.

is [236] FIG 30 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device

13700 including light input couplers 101 and the film-based lightguide 107 with flexible adjustment rubes 13701 extending through apertures 13702 in the film based Lightguide 107. Iu this embodiment, the shape of the film-based lightguide 107 (and the angular light output profile) can be varied by bending the flexible adjustment tubes 13701 physically coupled to

2t> the tight input couplers 101. hi one embodiment, the flexible adjustment tubes have shapes different from each other such that the film-based lightguide is oriented at an angle (sucb as oriented at an angle in the x-z plane to the orientation of tbe film-based lightguide exiting the light input coupler). In one embodiment. the flexible adjustment tubes are plastically deformable by hand and enable shaping of the lightguide or light emining film without the use of tools. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes flexible adjustment tubes that physically support the second light input coupler such that the second light input coupler is suspended and carries* the electrical wires within the tube.

(237] FIG 31 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elongated light emitting device 13800 including the light input coupler 101 and the film-based liglitguide 107 with a so lightguide film adjustment mechanism 13806. Tlie lightguide film adjustment mechanism includes two drawstrings 13803 and 13804 threaded tltrough a ring 13802. Tlie drawstring 13804 is connected to a middle region 13807 of the film-based liglitguide using a film attachment device 13805. In one embodiment, the film attachment device 13805 includes a clip, clamp, aperture region in die filnt-based lightguide, or other attachment device to

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 connect the drawstring to the film. The drawstring 13803 is similarly attached to the filmbased lightguide 107 in the middle region 13807 on the opposite side of the film using a second film attachment device (uot shown). The light from the light input coupler 101 travels through the film-based lightguide 107 and light 13801 exits in the light emitting surface regions 108. This light 13801 exits the sides of the film-based lightguide 107 with a first fiillsuigulax widths from the nadir (-x direction) at half maximum luminous intensity in the x-y plane due to the low extraction angles from tbe lighl emitting surface regions 108 and the orientation of the film-based lightguide 107. For example, in one embodiment, tlie first fullangular width from the nadir at half maximum intensity is within a range between and io including 10 and 60 degrees from the nadir When tlie drawstrings 13804 and 13803 are pulled, the middle region 13807 of the film-based lightguide 107 are pulled upward, changing the shape ofthe lightguide as shown in FIG 32.

[238J FIG 32 is a perspective view of the light emitting device 13800 ofFIG 31 with the drawstrings 13803 and 13804 pulled such that tlie middle region 13807 of the film-based is lightguide is pulled closer to the light input coupler 101 and portions of the sides of the filmbased lightguide 107 and the light emitting surface regions 108 are oriented at larger angles from tlie nadir. Tlie light 13901 emitting from the light emitting device 13800 with the drawstrings pulled has second full-angular widths from the nadir (-x direction) at half maximum luminous intensity larger than the first full angular widths. Thus, by pulling on the drawstrings, the angular profile (width) of the light emitting device is widened in a fust output plane (x-y plane). For example, iu one embodiment, the second full angular widths are within a range between and including 30 and 70 degrees from the nadir. Tlie light emitting surface area is determined by the light extracting surface features and the light exhacting surface feature type, size, location, and pattern will affect the angular output from the light emitting device And can be designed to allow for optimal control (such as large angular adjustment with minimal glare fr om die side walls, for example).

[239( FIG 33 is a top view of one embodiment of a liglit emitting device 14000 including die light input coupler 101 including the coupling liglit guides 104, the film-based lightguide 107, and a light output coupler 14002 including coupling lightguides 104. The so light from die light source 102 in the light input coupler 101 travels through the coupling lightguides 104 of the film-based lightguide 107. A ponion of the liglit from the light source 102 is emitted from die film-based lightguide 107 in the liglit emitting region 108 and a ponion of the light travels through the film-based lightguide 107 and into the light output coupler 14002 including the folded array of coupling lightguides 104 arranged to direct liglit

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 onto a specular reflector 14001. The specular reflector 14001 may be disposed adjacent to or optically' coupled to the ends of (lie coupling lightguides 104. The light reaching the specular reflector 14001 is reflected back into the coupling lightguides 104 of the light output coupler 14002 and a portion of this light exits the ligdlt emitting device 14000 through the light s emitting region 108. In this embodiment, the light output coupler 14002 and the specular reflector 14001 serve to recycle the liglit back into the lightguide where there is another opportunity to be extracted. Iu one embodiment, the recycled light increases one or more of the following: optical efficiency, spatial luminance uniformity in die light emitting region, spatial color uniformity in the light emitting region, angular full-width at half maximum io luminous intensity of the liglit euiined from tire light emitting region, and die number of angular peak regious of the angular liglit output profile. For example, in one embodiment, the light extracted in the light emitiing region from liglit propagating in the +x direction as shown in FIG 33 has an angular peak of about 70 degrees from die 2 direction (out of die page) toward the +x direction. The liglit extracted in the light emitting region from liglit is propagating in the -x direction (after reflecting from the reflector) has an angular peak of about 70 degrees from the z direction (out of the page) toward the -x direction. Thus, by recycling the lighi in this manner, the light output has nvo angular peaks in the x-z plane at +70 and -70 degrees, providing a symmetric and a more optically efficient light emitting device20 (240( FIG 34 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device

14100 with a longer dimension in the y direction than the x direction including nvo sets of coupling lightguides 104 on opposite sides of the film-based lightguide 107 that are folded under and stacked adjacent each other. The input edges 204 of the coupling lightguides 104 aie disposed to receive light from the light source 102. In this embodiment, a single light source (or an array or arrangement of liglit sources) is disposed to couple light 14102 initially travelling in the +y direction into a first set of coupling lightguides 104 and the direction is changed due to the fold in the coupling lightguides 104 to travel in the +x direction through the film-based lightguide 107. Light 14101 exits the film-based lightguide 107 from the light emitting region 108 with a directional component in the -z direction. In this embodiment, a so single liglit source can be employed to provide a more uniform spatial liuuiuauce profile in the light emitting region of the film-based lighrguide or provide two angular luminous intensity peaks (in the x-z plane) due to the light propagating in opposite directions within the lightguide. By .using coupling lightguides that aie folded underneath the film-based lightguide, the coupling lightguides (and possibly the light source) can be substantially

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 disposed within a volume encapsulated by the cmved film-based lightguide. Thus, in (his embodimeut. the light’emitting device requires less volume than one with the coupling lightguides exterior to the volume encapsulated by the Film-based lightguide.

[241} FIG 35 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elongated light emitting s device 14200 including rlie light input coupler 101 and the film-based lightguide 107 with two lightguide positioning rods 14202 and 14203. The light from the light input coupler 101 is directed into tbe lightguide travelling in the +y direction and is emitted from die lightguide in tbe light emining region 108 substantially in the vertical directum downward (-x direction). The light 14201 exiting the light emitting region has a directional component in the _x io direction (downward toward thé nadir). For example, in one embodiment, more than 80% of the light emitted from the lighr emining device is within one angular range selected from the group of: 50 degrees, 40 degrees, 30 degrees, and 20 degrees from the nadir (-x direction).

[242] FIG 36 is a perspective view of tbe liglit emitting device 14200 of FIG 35 wherein the relative positions of the lightguide positioning rods 14202 and 14203 have been is changed (lightguide positioning rod 14202 is translated in tbe -x direction) and a sliape and a position of the film-based lightguide 107 and a position of die light emitting regiou 108 is changed relative to ihe embodiment illustrated in FIG 35. As the lightguide positioning rod 14202 is translated in the -x direction, the end regiou of the film-based lightguide 107 and tbe light emitting region 108 translate upwards (+x direction) and around die lightguide positioning rod 14203. As a result, a significant portion of die liglit emitted from the light emitted device exits the liglit emitting region 108 with a directional component upwards (in the +x direction). By translating the position of lightguide positioning rod 14202 the directional light output profile of the light emining device is changed from substantially directing light downwards (FIG 35) to directing more light 14301 upwards (FIG 36). Iu oue embodiment, the lightguide positioning rods are attached to a rail, suspended from the ceiling, or othetwise physically coupled to a supporting device that allows die relative location of one or more ligiitguide position rods (and/or the light input coupler) to be changed. Additionally, die liglit extraction feature pattern, size. type, and/ot location can be adjusted ro control the relative tight output. For example, as shown in FIG 36. a portion of the so light emitting region 108 directly above die ligiitguide positioning rod 14203 may émit light with a substantially horizontal (+y direction) component tiiat could cause glare. Thus, by adjusting the location of the liglit extraction features in the light emitting regiou 108 to create two separate light emining regions on either side of ihe lightguide positioning rod 14203 with a non-light emitting region between. when the lightguide positioning rod 14203 is in the

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 location shown in FIG 36. an absence of the light emitting region directly above the light emining rod could reduce or eliminate glare light with a directional component in tbe horizontal direction (+y direction) at angles such as 55 to 85 degrees from the nadir (-x direction), for example.

s [243] FIG 37 is a side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 14400 including the film-based lightguide formed into a bulbous shape with coupling lightguides 104 twisted and stacked together and disposed to receive light from die light source 101. Light 14401 from the light source 102 exits the film-based lightguide 107 in the liglit emining region 108. In one embodiment, the light extraction features extract at least 80% of io the extracted liglit within an angular range greater than 60 degrees from die normal to the film-based lightguide at the light extraction feature, hi this example, light propagating downward in a light emining device as shown in FIG 37 will emit die light 14401 with directionality substantially downward (-x direction). This enables the liglit emining device to be optically efficient at directing light with a directional component hi oue direction, such as is directing the liglit tiirough rhe light emining regiou 108 in the -x direction as shown iu FIG 37. This directionality is advantageous when the light emitting device is a replacement bulb for a downlight or is a downlight light fixture. Other shapes may also be used such as conical, polygonal, arcuate, or other geometric or non-geomerric shapes. For example, when the light emitting region is substantially oriented along die surface of a shape that is substantially vertical or withiu a small angle from die vertical (such as in the case of a conical shape that is long relative io its diameter), most of the liglit output (80% for example) may be contained within a small angular range (such as 40 degrees) from the vertical or nadh (-x direction as shown in FIG 144). In one embodiment, a lower cennnl regiou 14403 of the film-based lighrguide does not include light extraction feamres. In another embodiment, the light from the liglit emining device 14400 is emitted into a large angular range (such ns radially in all diiecrions in the y-z plane and at angles greater than 2 degrees from the + x axis).

[244] FIG 38 is a top view of one embodiment of a liglit emitting device 14500 including coupling lightguides 104 and output coupliug Lightguides 14501 disposed to recycle light back to the input coupliug lightguides. The liglit source 102 is disposed to direct liglit so tiirough a first region of the input surface 103 of the input coupling lightguides 104 and the output coupling lightguides 14501 are disposed on an opposite surface of tlie film-based lightguide 107 to receive a fu st portion of liglit from witliin a film-based lightguide 107 and direct this light thiough.output coupling lightguides 14501 to a secoud region of the input surface 103 on the input coupling lightguides 104. Light 14506 from die light source 102 is

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PCT/US2012/028578 directed into tbe first set of input coupling lightguides 104 and travels through the film-based lightguide 107 and is not redirected out of the film-based lightguide 107 by light extraction features in the light emitting region 108 in the first pass. The hght 14506 is then coupled into the output coupling lightguides 14501 where the hght travels in a waveguide condition and is s folded ¢14503. 14504, and 14505) three times before entering into a second region of the input surface of the input coupling lightguides 104. Light 14507 front ihe lighl sotirce 102 travels through the input coupling lightguides 104 and film-based lightguide 107. On the opposite side of the film-based lightguide 107 the light is reflected back from hght reflecting features 14502 into the hght e minute regiou 108 rvhere tbe hght is recycled. The hght may io eucoiuiter a lighr extraction feature within the light emitting regiou 108 that redirects the hght our of the film-based lightguide 107 and the light emitting device 14500. In one embodiment, the hght reflecting features include triangular cuts with about 90 degree apex angles disposed to totally internally reflect hght within a first acceptance angle from within the film-based lightguide.

s [245] FIG 39 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hght emitting device

14600 including the light input coupler 101 and the film-based lightguide 107 lianging downward such that a substantially vertical region of the film-based Lightguide includes a light emitting region 108 that emits hght 14201. The hght 14201 exiting die hght emitting region 108 has a directional component in the -x direction (downward toward the nadir). In oue embodiment, the lighr exiting the lightguide has a himinous intensity less than 300 candelas at 55 degrees front the nadir (-x direction) in the x-y plane. The hght may be emitted from either or both surfaces of the substantially vertical regiou of the film-based lightguide in the light emitting region. For example, in oue embodiment, more than 80% of die hght emitted from the hght emitting device is within one angular range selected from tbe group of:

50 degrees, 40 degrees. 30 degrees, and 20 degrees from the nadir (-x direction).

[246] FIG 40 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hght emitting device

14700 including the light input coupler 101 which couples hght into a film-based distribution lightguide 1591. The hght 14795 from tbe light source within the light input coupler 191 travels through the distribution lightguide 1501 with an optical axis substantially parallel to the +y axis and is coupled into a first output coupling lightguide 14701 where the light travels in a waveguide condition with a directional component in die -x direction and is redirected by hght extraction features such that the light exits the first output coupling lightguide 14701 in the hght emitting region 108. Lighl transmitting regions 14707 are the regions of the distribution lightguide 1501 that are optically coupled to the hght receiving regions 14708 of

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PCT/US2012/028578 the output coupling lightguides 14701 and 14702. The light 14706 from the light source within the light input coupler 101 travels through the distribution lightguide 1501 with an optical axis substantially parallel to the +y axis and is coupled into the second output coupling lightguide 14702 where the light travels in a waveguide condition with a directional s component in the -x direction and is redirected by light extraction features such that the ligltt exits the secoud output coupling lightguide 14702 through the light emitting region 108. A width 14703 of the light receiving region 14708 of the first output coupling lightguide 14701, in the direction (z direction) substantially perpendicular to die optical axis (+y direction) of tbe light in the distribution lightguide 1501. that is optically coupled to the distribution io lighrguide 1501 is less than a w id tit of die distribution lightguide 1501 in the z direction. By using tbe light receiving region 14708 with the smaller width 14703 than the output coupling light guide 14701 in the ligltt emitting region 108, less light is coupled into the first output coupling lightguide 14701 than if the width 14703 of the light receiving region 14708 was the full width of die fust output coupling lightguide 14701 in the light emitting region 108. Tliis. is for example, can enable one to compensate for the higher flux of light closer to the light source such that the light flux exiting the liglit emitting regions is more uniform.

Alternatively, the width 14703 of the output coupling lightguide 14701 can be used to control the tight output for other reasons such as highlighting a region of a room The width of the light receiving region 14708 of the second output coupling lightguide 14702 is the full width

14704 of the second oiitput coupling lightguide and an output coupling efficiency of the second output coupling lightguide 14702 is greater than an output coupling efficiency of the first output coupling lightguide 14701. As shown, a thickness (x direction iu the region of optical coupling) of die output coupling lightguides 14701 and 14702 is greater than a thickness of tbe distribution lightguide 1501 such to enable more light to be coupled into the output coupling lightguides 14701 and 14702. The tocation of the light trans mitring region 14707 is further along the distribution lightguide 1501 (in the direction of the optical axis) enabling the extraction of light further from the liglit hiput coupler 101. In one embodiment, a location aud an orientation of the liglit output couplers may be clianged by peeling back the light output couplers and reapplying the light output couplers to the distr ibution lightguide in se different locations.

[247] FIG 41 is a side view of one embodiment of a light e mining device 14800 including the light input coupler 101 which couples light into the film-based distribution lightguide 1501. An output coupling lightguide 14801 is optically coupled to the distribution Lightguide 1501 using strip coupling lightguides 14802 separated by fold regions 14803. The

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PCT/US2012/028578 light input coupler 101 and distribution lightguide 1501 are similar to those shown iu FIG 40 fiom a different viewpoint. Light 14805 from the light input coupler 101 travels with a directional component in the +y direction (out of the page) through the distribution lightguide 1501 and is optically coupled into the strip coupling lightguide 14802 formed ar the edge of the output coupling lightguide 14801. This light 14805 travels with a directional component iu the —x direction widiin the output coupling liglitguide 14801 and exits 14804 the output coupling lightguide 14801 through the light emitting region 108 with a directional component in the —x direction. As shown in FIG 41. the total width of the strip coupling lightguides 14802 that are optically coupled to the distribution lightguide 1501 is less than the width of io tbe distribution lightguide 1501 and less than the width of the output coupling lighTguide 14801 in the z direction. Tbe width and number οΓ the strip coupling lightguides 14802 can control an amount of light coupled into the output coupling lightguide 14801. Also, by distributing the coupling regions (where the strip coupling lightguides 14802 are optically coupled to the distribution lightguide 1501). a spatial luminance miifonuity of the lighr 14804 is emitted front the output coupling lightguide 14801 is typically increased relative to the uniformity of an output coupling lightguide that receives light fioin oue side with the width of the output coupling lightguide significantly greater than a width of the coupling region. The folds allow for an increased light emitting surface relative to a non-folded output coupling lightguide and can offer increased rigidity or increased flexural modulus in the x-y plane for the output coupling lightguide.

[248) FIG 42 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device

14900 including the light source 102 disposed to couple light into an atray of liglitguide strips

14901 including light emitting regions 108. Light 14902 fiom the light source 102 travels in a waveguide condition within the lightguide strips and exits in the light emitting regions 108.

As shown in FIG 42, the light 14902 exits from a top surface and an opposing bottom surface of the lightguide strips 14901 due to light extraction features (not shown) within the light emitting regions 108. In one embodiment, the orientation and/or the shape of die lightguide snips can be controlled to produce a desired lighr output profile. For example, as shown, the light emitting device 14900 emits light in a range of angles substantially within a so hemispherical output with an axis parallel to the ->-x axis. By orienting the strips substantially parallel to tbe x axis in the +x direction. 80% of the light output can be contained witbin an angular range 40 degrees fiom the -t-x axis, for example. Different sliapes and orientations of the strips can produce a range of angles in differeut directiou.

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[2-19] FIG 43 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 15000 including a tubular* light input coupler 15001 (including folded coupling lightguides bent in a circular shape and a light source) extending from a tubular fihn-based lightguide 15002 with output coupling lightguides 15003 on an opposite end. Light from the nibe shaped light iuput coupler 15001 is coupled into the tubular film-based lightguide 15002 and is output into the output coupling lightguides 15003 where the liglit 14902 exits from the light emining region 108. In the embodiment shown in FIG 43. die tubular fihn-based lightguide 15002 can fimction as a distribution lightguide to transfer, in certain embodiments over distances of many meters, the light from tbe liglit input coupler 15001 to the output io coupling lightguides 15003. In this embodiment, for example, the light source may be disposed further from the output coupling lightguides as in the case where the light source is disposed near the ceiling, and the fihn-based lightguide is suspended from the ceiling and has light emitting output coupling lightguides on an opposite end forming a type of chandelier that could be circular, linear, or arranged as an arcuate or wave-like shape, or other suitable is shape that can he formed front a film or arrangement of light emitting sections from a film.

(250] FTG 44 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a liglit emitting device

15100 including the light input coupler 101 and a plastically deformable film-based lightguide 15101. Light 15102 from tlie plastically deformable film-based lightguide 15101 is emitted from a substantially planar surface (parallel to tlie x-z plane) and the liglit 15102 from the light input coupler 101 is emitted from the liglit emitting region 108 within a fust angular range from the +x axis. For example, in one embodiment, at least 80% of the light emirted from the light emitting device is emitted within 40 degrees from the +x axis. Light 15103 from the light input coupler 101 is emitted from the light emitting region 108 at a secoud angle from the x-z plane and a third angle from the x-y plane.

P-Ί] FIG 45 is a perepective view of tlie liglit emitting device 15100 of FIG 44 wherein the plastically deformable film-based lightguide 15101 is folded into a shape with a wave-like cross-sectional profile in the y-z plane. Liglit 15202 exits the plastically deformable film-based lightguide 15101 in the light emitting region 108 from either side of tbe plastically deformable film-based lightguide 15101 with directional components in the +y so and -y directions, hi tins embodiment, the plastically deformable film-based lightguide

15101 can be folded or a lateral dimension in the z direction can be reduced such tliat an angular light output profile can be changed. The liglit 15203 has an angular component in the y-z plane that is increased due to a surface profile created due to bends in the light emirting region 108. An angular width fiill-widtli at half maximum liuninous intensity of the tight

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PCT/US2012/028578 exiting the emitting device 15100 of FIG 45 is increased in the y-z plane relative to the flat, plastically deformable, film-based lightguide of FIG 44 due io bends. In another embodiment, tbe lateral dimension in the x direction of a plastically deformable, film-based lightguide is reduced by folding or bringing two or more regions of the lightguide closer together.

s (252] FIG 46 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 15300 including two sets of coupling lightguides 104 on opposite sides of the filmbased lightguide 107 that ate folded underneath the film based lightguide 107 and stacked adjacent each other. The film-based lightguide is formed into a hemisphere-like shape. The input edges 204 of the coupling lightguides 104 are disposed to receive light front the liglit source 102. In this embodiment, a single light source (or an array or arrangement of light sources) is disposed to couple light 15302 initially travelling with a directional component in the +y direction (into the page) into the first set of coupling lightguides 104 and a dir ection is changed due to a fold in the coupling lightguides 104 such that the light travels with a directional component in the -x direction through die film-based lightguide 107. The liglit is 15303 from the liglit source 102 initially travels with a directional component in the +y direction (into die page) into a second set of coupling lightguides 104 and a direction is changed due co a fold in the coupling lightguides 104 such that die light travels with a directional component in the +x direcriou through the film-based lightguide 107. Light 15301 exits the film-based lightguide 107 with a directional component in the—z direction. In this embodiment, the Light propagating iu opposite directions widiin the lightguide provides a more uniform spatial luminance profile in die light emitting region of the film-based lightguide and/or provides two angular luminous intensity peaks (in the x-z plane). In one embodiment, the coupling lightguides and light source are not disposed widiin die volume substantially bounded by the film-based lightguide.

2$ [253] FIG 47 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 15400 including the film-based lightguide 107 in the shape of a dome with a camera

15401 disposed within die dome. The light emitting device 15400 includes two sets of coupling lightguides 104 on opposite sides of the film-based lightguide 107 that are folded underneath the film-based lightguide 107 and stacked adjacent each other. Tire film-based so lightguide is formed into a hemisphere-like sltape. The input edges 204 of the coupling lightguides 104 are disposed to receive light from the liglit source 102. In this embodiment, the single light source (or an array or arrangement of liglit sources) is disposed to couple light

15402 initially travelling with a directional coinpouent in the +y direction (into the page) into the first set of coupling lightguides 104 and a direction is changed due to a fold in the

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PCT/US2012/028578 coupling light guides 104 ro travel with a component in the —x direction through die filmbased lightguide 107. The light 15402 exits the film-based lightguide 107 after being redirected from a light extraction feature 15405 disposed on the inner surface of the filmbased lightguide 107. The liglit 15403 from the light source 102 initially travels with a $ directional component in the -t-y direction (into the page) into the second set of coupling lightguides 104 and a direction is changed due to the fold in the coupling lightguides 104 to

J travel with a direcrioual component in the +x direction through the film-based lightguide 107. The liglit 15403 exits the fihn-based lightguide 107 after being redirected from die liglit extraction feature 15405 disposed on an inner surface of the film-based lightguide 107. in general, light 15404 exits the fihn-based liglit guide 107 with a directional component in the z direction. The camera 15401 is disposed on an opposite side of the film-based lightguide 107 as the liglit emitting stnface 15406 and is disposed to receive light external to the light entitling device 15400 that passes through the film-based lightguide 107 and reaches the camera 15401. Tlie size, shape, number, location, and type of light extraction features 15405 is affect the perceived unifoimiiy of a light emitting surface 15406 of the light emitting device 15400 and the transmission of liglit 15407 to die camera. For example, in one embodiment, the thin fihn-based lightguide 107 permits the use of veiy small liglit extraction features 15405 separated by a distance such that when viewed, for example, at a distance of 3 feet away, appear continuous despite there being a gap between diem. The gap allows clear, zo undiffused light to pass through tbe film-based lightguide 107 to the camera 15401 while the lightguide 107 appears to be uniformly emitting light 15404. This is advantageous to conceal the camera 15401 within the film-based lightguide 107 shape where the liglit emitting device 15400 is fimctioning as a oue-way” light fixture analogous to a one way mirror. In another embodiment, the light extraction features 15405 are printed wliite ink dots that are over zs printed with light absorbing ink such that light scattered by and duo ugh the liglit extraction features 15405 is absorbed and less scattered light directly enters the entrance aperture of the camera 15401 and creates noise and reduces the image contrast. Tlie camera 15401 may be rotatable, fixed, in hared or visible camera and more than one camera may be disposed on the side of the fibn-based lightguide 107 opposite the light emitting surface 15406. In oue so embodiment, the light emitting device 15400 is a one-way light fixture emitting infrared light and visible liglit and the camera 15401 is substantially indiscernible to a person with an acuity of 1 areminute positioned 3 feet from the light emitting device.

(254] FIG 48 is a perspective view of oue embodiment of a light emitting device

15500 including the film-based lightguide 107 wherein substantially all of the light is emitted

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PCT/US2012/028578 with a directional component in the +y direction. Light 15503 from the light input coupler 101 travels through the hint-based lightguide 107 and is redirected by the light extraction feature 15405 such that the light exits the Liglitguide toward a first viewer 15501. The accumulation of light 15503 exiting the film-based lightguide 107 due ro the liglit extraction s features 15405 provides an appearance of a substantially continuous light emitting area to a - fust viewer 15501. Light 15504 from tlie side of the fust viewer 15501 travels substantially iiudiffused through fhe film-based lightguide and can be seen by a second viewer 15502. In this embodiment, the first viewer 15501 sees a substantially continuous light emining smface and the second viewer can see through the film-based lightguide 107 and see the first viewer io 15501 without the first viewer 15501 heing able to see the second viewer 15502. In one embodiment, the one-way directionality of the liefiir etnined from the film-based liglitguide and the liglit transmitting regions provides a “privacy light fixtme.

[255j FIG 49 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a liglit bulb light emitting device 15600 including the fihn-based lightguide 107 in a shape of a dome with a is protective bulb 15601 covering a region of the film-based liglitguide 107. The light emitting device 15600 includes two sets of coupling lightguides on opposite sides of a film-based lightguide 107 that are folded underneath the film based lightguide 107 aud stacked adjacent each other. Tlie film-based lightguide is formed into a dome-like shape. Light 15606 fiom the light source 102 initially travels with a directional component in the +y direction (into the

2C page) into a first set of cottpling lightguides and a direction is changed due to a fold in the coupling lightguides to travel with a directional component in ihe -x direction through the film-based liglitguide 107. Tbe light 15606 exits the film-based lightguide 107 after being redirected from a light exiraction feanire 15405 disposed on the inner surface of the filmbased lightguide 107 and passes ihrough the protective bulb 15601. Light 15605 from the light source 102 initially travels with a directional component in the +y direction (into the page) into a second set of coupling lightguides and a direction is changed due to the fold in the coupling lightguides to travel with a directional component in the +x direction tluough the film-based lightguide 107. Tlie liglit 15605 exits the film-based lightguide 107 after being redirected from tire liglit extraction feature 15405 disposed on an inner surface of the fikn30 based lightguide 107 and passes through the protective bulb 15601. Tire protective bulb is attached to a housing component 15607 physically coupled to the ligtu emitting device · 15600. Tire tight source 102 is electrically and thermally coupled to a circuit board 15604 which is thermally coupled to the thermal transfer element 15602. The circuit board may include other elements such as an LED driver, control components, feedback components.

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PCT/US2012/028578 commun] cat inn components, and/or other suitable elements or components known to be usable with light emitting devices. The light emitting device 15600 receives electrical power through an Edison type screw base 15603. For example, the screw type base may be an Edison E27 for use in the United States.

s (256] FIG 50 is a cross-sectioual side view of one embodiment of a light emitting device 15700 includiug tile fihn-based lightguide 107 with a substantially flat light emining surface 15701 with a protective cover 15703 surrounding the film-based lightguide 107. The light emitting device 15700 includes a film-based lightguide 107 that is folded underneath the light emitting surface 15701. Light 15702 from the light source 102 initially travels with a m directional component iu the +y direction (into tire page) into a first set of coupling lightguides and a direction is changed due to a fold in the coupling lightguides to travel with a directional component in the —x direction tlirough the film-based Ughtguide 107. The light 15702 exits the film-based lightguide 107 after being redirected from a light extraction feature (not shown) disposed on die side of die film-based lightguide 107 opposite the light is emitting surface and passes through the protective cover 15701, A light reflecting film 7004 is disposed adjacent to the surface of the film-based lightguide 107 opposite the light emitting surface 15701 to reflect light received from the film-based lightguide 107 back through the film-based lightguide 107 and out of the light emitting device 15700, The protective cover is attached to the housing component 15607 physically coupled to tbe light emitting device

15700. The light source 102 is electrically aud thermally coupled to the circuit board 15604 which is thermally coupled to the thermal transfer element 15602. The circuit board may include other suitable elements or components such as an LED driver, control components, feedback components, communication components, and other elements known to be usable with light emitting devices. The light emitting device 15700 receives electrical power through the Edison type screw base 15603

J257] FIG 51 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-illuminated picture frame light emitting device 15800 including die light source 102 and coupling lightguides 104 witliin a frame 15803. Light from the light source 102 travels tlirough the folded coupling lightguides 104 and a non-folded coupling lightguide 9703 to reach ihe film—based so lightguide 107 including the core region 601 disposed between two cladding regions 602. Light 15802 from the light source 102 navels with a directional component in the +y direction and is rotated by die fold in the coupling lightguide 104 to travel with a directional component in the +z directiou tlirough the core region All of the film-based lightguide 107. When the light 15802 reaches the light extraction feature 15404 disposed adjaceut (or upon)

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PCT/US2012/028578 ihe core region 601 surface nearest the viewer 15804, (he light is redirected with a component in the -y direction toward a photograph 15801. This light 15802 ilhuninaies the photograph 15801 and the reflected ligltt travels back through the film-based lightguide 107 and out of the light emitting device 15800 toward the viewer 15804. In one embodiment, rhe tight s extraction features 15405 are sufficiently small such that the ligltt extraction features 15405 are at most barely visible to the unaided viewer. For example, in one embodiment, the largest feature length of the light extraction features is less than oue selected from the group of: 1 millimeter, 0.5 millimeter. 0.2 millimeter. 0.1 millimeter, and 0.05 millimeter. In another embodiment, the film-based lightguide in a frontlight ligltt emitting device incorporated into to a fiame is disposed proximate or oprtcally coupled to an inner surface of a glass sheçt or window in the frame.

[258] FIG 52 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light emining device

15900 including light input couplers 101 and rotatable film-based lightguides 107 physically coupled to bendable metal substrates 15901 with light transmitting apertures 15903. Ligltt is 15902 fiotn file light input couplers 101 is directed by coupling lightguides within the light input coupler 102 into tlie film-based lightguides 107 and directed out of the film-based lightguides 107, through the light transmining apenures 15903 in the metal substrates 15901, aud out of rhe light emining device 15900 from a light emitting surface 15904 with a directional component in the -z direction. An angle of an output of the light 15902 may be adjusted by rotating the suhstrate 15901 and film-based lightguide 107 combinations by bending, lh this embodiment, a shape of the film-based lightguides 107 and bendable substrares 15901 are substantially trapezoidal. Other suitable shapes may be used including circular shapes, semicircular, rectangular, square, arcuate, wave-like, polygonal, and/or other shapes. In another embodiment, the light input couplers 101 are rotatable along with tlie film25 based lightguides 107 and substrates 15901. In another embodiment, tire substrate 15901 is disposed ou the side of the film-based lightguide 107 opposite the light emitting surface 15904 and the substrate is substantially opaque, such as a thin sheet of aluminum Iu a further embodiment, tlie light emits from tlie film-based lightguide 107 and light emitting device 15900 with directional components iu the +z and -z direction sucb the light emitting device

15900 has uplight and downlight light emitting profiles.

[259] FIG 53 is a perspective view of a light emitting device 16000 including the light input coupler 101, the film-based lightguide 107, and a receiver which may include a sensor 16005 configured in signal communication to receive signals, such as radio frequency communication signals 16003 or visual information 16002 from an electronic device 16006

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PCT/US2012/028578 or a person 16004. Iu oue embodiment, the receiver 16005 includes a radio frequency transceiver disposed to receive aud transmit the radio frequency communication signals 16003 to the electronic device 16006. In another embodiment, the receiver 16005 includes a camera disposed to receive the visual information 16002 (such as images and recognizable s features) from the person 16004. Iu a further embodiment, the light emitting device 16000 changes a property of the light output (such as average luminance. color, and/or which filmbased lightguide layer is illuminated, for example) based on information derived fiom the radio frequency communication signals 16003 or the visual infonuation 16002 derived from tbe electronic device 16006 or the person 16004.

io [760] FIG 54 is a perspective view of a light emitring device 16100 including the light input coupler 101. aud the film-based lightguide 107 extending into a point of purchase display 16104 displaying products 1710. The light input coupler 101 is disposed above a support structure or surface, such as above a plane of a ceiling 16103 aud in certain embodiments is uot visible. The film-based lightguide 107 receives light 16102 iu the light ts input coupler 101 and transmits, the light in a waveguide coudition into the point of purchase display base 16104 where the light is emitted in a form of light emitting indicia 16101. The film-based lightguide 107 is substaurially transparent in a region betweeu the point of purchase display base 16104 aud a plane of the ceiling 16103 such that the fihn-based lightguide 107 does not obscure a view of other areas of the room. By placing the light input coupler 101 ahove the plane of the ceiling 16103, an electrical power cable 1003 is hidden from view and the point of purchase display base 16104 does not need to have a power cable extending front it. This can increase the flexibility of locating the point of purchase display at various locations where running power cables would be undesirable. '

[261] FIG 55 is a perspective view of a light emitting device 16200 functioning as a display including the light input coupler 101, the film-based lightguide 107, and the receiver 16005 disposed to receive the radio frequency communication signals 16003 from an electronic device 16204. a wireless thermometer 16202. or a personal health monitor 16203 (such as a heart rate monitor). Iu one embodiment, the receiver 16005 includes a radio frequency transceiver disposed to receive and transmit the radio frequency communication so signals 16003 to a device located nearby or directly or indirectly through a wireless network. The light emirring device 16200 may provide infonuation by emitting light 16201 from oue or more regions that represent information wirhout readable icons or characters. For example, the light emitting device 16200 may include a frontlight device on or within a light emitting frame around a picture of au individual tbat emits green light 16201 toward a mat board of

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PCT/US2012/028578 tbe frame if the individual's heart rate information transmitted by a personal health monitor 16203 is within a first predetermined zone and the mat board becomes red if the heart rate is ourside of the first predetermined zone to alen the viewer. Similarly, the light emining device 16200 may be coupled to a light emining clock face that is green if the GPS coordinates from an individual's electronic device 16204 (such as a cellphone) are within a predetermined zone aud the clock face flashes red in color if rhe electronic device is located outside the predetermined zone wliicti could indicate that a child has left a safe area, for example. In another embodiment, the light emining device 16200 is disposed on die frame of a computer monitor and emits blue light if the temperature measured by a wireless thermometer 16202 io located outside is below a predetermined level and emits red light if the temperature is above the predetermined level. In one embodiment, the light emitting device 16200 changes a property of die light output (such as intensity, color, and/or which film-based lightguide layer is illuminated, for example) based on information derived by the radio frequency communication signals 16003 from rhe electronic device 16204 or by a wired connection to is tbe electronic device 16204 directly or across a network.

(262] FIG 56 is a perspective view of a light emining device 16300 incorporated into a flexible packaging 16301 including the light input coupler 101 and the film-based lightguide 107. Light 16302 from the light input coupler 101 navels through the film-based lightguide 107 and is emitted from the film-based lightguide 107 and the packaging 16301 in a fonn of indicia 16303. for example.

(263] In one embodiment, a device includes a film-based lightguide and a film adjustment mechanism configurable to adjust an orientation of a region of the film-based lightguide such that an angular light output profile from die device changes when a light source emits light that travels in a waveguide condition through the film-based lightguide.

The film adjustment mechanism is configurable to adjust a radius of curvature of die region of the film-based lightguide. The film adjustment mechanism is electronically adjustable in certain embodiments. In one embodiment, die film adjustment mechanism includes at least one drawstring configiuable to change the angular light output profile. In another embodiment, the film adjustment mechanism includes a plastically deformable element deformable to adjust the orientation of the region of the film-based lightguide. The film adjustment mechanism is configurable to adjust die position of the region of rhe film-based lightguide. The device includes a light source configured to emit light diat enters the filmbased lightguide, wherein the film adjustment mechanism is configurable to adjust the orientatiou of the region of the film-based lightguide relative to the light source. In one

100

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PCT/US2012/028578 embodiment, the device is a light fixture. In cenain embodiments, the orientation of the region of the film-based lightguide is adjustable to change an angle of a peak Luminous intensity of the angular light output profile. In certain embodiments, tbe orientation of the region of the film-based lightguide in a light output plane is adjustable to change au angular ft ill-width at half maximum luminous intensity of the angular light output profile in the light output plane. In certain embodiments, the light angular liglit output profile has an angular hill-width at half maximum luminous intensity in a liglit output plane less than 120 degrees. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of coupling lightguides extending from the film-based lightguide, and the array of coupling lightguides are folded and positioned to io receive liglit emitted from the liglit source.

(264] In one embodiment, a light emitting device has an adjustable angular liglit output profile. The light emitting device includes a ligln source and a film-based lightguide configured to receive light emitted from the light source. The film-based lightguide includes a light emining region at least partially defined by a group of liglit extraction features. The Light is emining region has a first radius of curvature, wherein die first radius of ctirvarure of the liglit emining region is adjustable to a secoud radius of curvanue to chauge the angular light output profile of the liglit emitted from the liglit emitting device. Tbe liglit emitting device may also include a film adjustment mechanism configurable to adjust the first radius of cmvature of the liglit emitting region. In oue embodimeut, the film-based lighrguide includes a substantially non-light emitting region defined in an optical path of light from tbe liglit source between the light source and tile light emining region. In cenain embodiments, a curvanue of the film-based lightguide in the light emitting region is different from a cmvature of die film-based lightguide in the substantially non-light emitting region. In certain embodiments, the hght emitting device is a point of purchase display that includes a base aud the light source is positioned proximate a ceiling. The film-based lightguide may include a curved stuface in a light output plane and the ligln emitting region may include an inflection point of the cuived surface. In certain embodiments, the fust radius of curvature of the liglit emitting region is adjustable to change an angle of a peak luminous intensity of the angular light output profile. In certain embodiments, the fust radius of curvanue of the light emitting so region in a liglit ourput plane is adjustable to change an angular full-width at half maximum luminous intensity of the angular liglit output profile in a light output plane. The liglit emitting device may further include a low contact area cover having surface relief features.

[265] In one embodiment, a method of changing an angular liglit output profile of a light emitting device includes changing an orientation of a liglit emitting region of a fihu101

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 based lightguide configured to receive light emitted from a light source through an array of coupling lightguides to change the angular light output profile of the light emitting device . Changing an orientation of the light enrining regiou may include changing a radius of curvature of the light emitting region. Changing an orientation of the light emitting region may include adjusting a film adjustment mechanism physically coupled to the film-based lightguide.

EXAMPLES

[266] Embodiments are illustrated in tlie following example(s) The following examples aie given for the purpose of illustration, but not for limiting the scope or spirit of io the invention.

[267] In one embodiment, coupling lightguides are formed by cutting snips at one or more ends of a film which forms coupling liglitguides (ships) and a lightguide region (remainder of the film). Oil tlie free end of the strips, tlie snips are tnmdled together into an arrangement much thicker than tlie tliickness of the film itself On the other end. the strips is remain physically and optically attached and aligned to die larger film liglitguide. The film cutting is achieved by stamping, laser-cutting, mechanical cutting, water-jet cutting, local melting or other film processing methods, hi one embodiment, the cut results in an optically smooth surface to promote total internal reflection of the light to improve light guiding through the length of the strips. A liglit source is coupled to the bundled strips The strips are arranged so that light travels through the snips via total internal reflection and is transferred into the film lightguide portion. The bundle input of tlie strips has a tliickness much greater than the film lightguide region so the liglit source can more efficiently transfer light into the liglitguide compared to trying to couple to the edge or top of the film. The snips can be melted or mechanically forced together at the input to improve coupling efficiency. If the bundle is square shaped, a length of one of its sides 1, is given hy I-i/(w x t) where w is a total width of (he lightguide input edge and t is a tliickness of the film. For example, a 0.1 nun thick film with 1 meter (in) edge would give a square input bundle with dimeusious of 1 cm x 1 cm. Considering these dimensions, the bundle is much easier to couple tight into compared to coupling along the length of the film when using typical liglit sources (e.g.

io incandescent, fluorescent: metal halide, xenon and LED sources).

[268] An example of one embodiment that can he brought to practice is given here. The assembly starts with 0.25 nun thick polycarbonate film that is 40 cm wide and 100 cm long. A cladding layer of a lower refractive index material of approximately 0.01 mm

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PCT/US2O12/O28578 thickness is disposed on a top surface and a bottom surface of the film. The claddiug layer cau be added by coating or co-extruding a material with lower refractive index onto the film core. One edge of tlie film is mechanically cut into 40 strips of 1 cm width using a sharp cutting tool, such as a razor blade. The edges of the slots ar e then exposed to heat to improve the sinootlmess for optical transfer. The slots are combined into a bundle of approximately I cm x 1 cm cross-section. To the end of the bundle a number of different types of light sources can be coupled (e.g. xenon, metal halide, incandescent, LED or Laser). Light travels through tlie bundle into rhe film and out of tlie image area. Light may he extracted from the film lightgui,de by laser etching into the film, which adds a surface roughness that results in frustrated total internal reflectance. Multiple layers of film can be combined to make multicolor or dynamic signs. Tlie shape of the film-based lightguide, the shape of the light emitting region, the orientation of the light emitting region, and/or the position of the light emining region can be adjusted to change the angular output of rhe light emitting device.

(269] An example of one embodiment that lias been brought to practice is described is here. Tlie apparatus began with a 15 mil thick polycarbonate film which was 18 inches wide aud 30 inches long. The IS inch edge of the film is cut into 0.25 inch wide strips using an array of razor blades. These ships are grouped into three six inch wide sets of strips, which are fiuther split into rwo equal sets that were folded towards each other and stacked separately into 0.165 inch by 0.25 inch stacks. Each of the three pairs of stacks was then combined together in the center in the method shown in FIG 35 to create a combined and singular input stack of 0.33 inch by 0.25 inch size. An LED module, MCE LED module from Cree Inc., is coupled into each of the three input stacks. Light emitted from the LED enters the film stack with an even input, and a portion of this light remains within each of the 15 mil strips via total internal reflections while propagating through the strip. The light continues to travel down each strip as they break apart in their separate configurations, before entering the larger lightguide. Furthermore, a finned aluminum heat sink was placed down the length of each of the three coupling apparatuses to dissipate beat from the LED. This assembly shows a compact design that cau be aligned in a linear array, to create uniform light. The sltape of the film-based lightguide, the shape of the light emitting region, die orieutation of the light so emitting region, or the position of the light emitting region can he adjusted to change the angular output of the light emitting device.

(270) Exemplary embodiments of light emitting devices and methods for making or producing the same are described above in detail. The devices, components, and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. but rather, the devices, components

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PCT/US2012/028578 of the devices and/or steps o f the methods tnay be utilized independently and separately from other devices, compoueuts aud/or steps described herein. Further, the described devices, components and/or the described methods steps can also be defined in. or used in combination with, other devices and/or methods, and are nor limited to practice with only the s devices and methods as described herein.

[271] While the disclosure includes various specific embodiments, those skilled in the an will recognize that the embodiments can be practiced with modification within tire spirit and scope of the disclosure and the claims.

EQUIVALENTS io (272] Those skilled in the an will recognize, or be able to ascertain nsing no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to die specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Various snbstirunons, alterations, and modifications nray be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are is vrithin the scope of die invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein, Uuless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the tenu ‘about . Accordingly. unless indicated to die contrary', the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vaty depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. Uuless indicated to the contrary, all tests and properties are measured at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees Celsius or the environmental temperature within or near the device when powered on (when indicated) tinder constant ambient room temperature of 25 degrees

Celsius.

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