Fail-safe illuminated display comprising multimodal illumination components

A method of providing passive lighting capability for an actively illuminated display including an active illumination source that is susceptible to interruption or termination of active lighting capability, so that light is provided to the display during said interruption or termination, wherein said method comprises:

• arranging in light-receiving relationship to the active illumination source a display member containing photoluminescent pigment incorporated therein in sufficient amount and distribution to illuminate the display during said interruption or termination of active lighting capability, to provide said passive lighting capability, wherein said active illumination source simultaneously backlights said display member and charges the photoluminescent pigment contained by said display member.

A method of providing sustained illumination, comprising:

• coupling a powered illumination source with a photoluminescent pigment arranged in light-receiving relationship to the powered illumination source, whereby the powered illumination source provides active illumination and continuously charges the photoluminescent pigment under powered conditions, and whereby the photoluminescent pigment provides passive illumination in the event of failure of the powered illumination source, and
• arranging a fluorescent pigment in light-receiving relationship to the photoluminescent pigment, to enhance illumination in the event of failure of the powered illumination source.