Fiber optic backlighting panel and zig-zag process for making same
US5307245A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/001
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved fiber optic backlighting panel provides uniform and increased background illumination in devices, such as rubber keypads, membrane switches, liquid crystal displays, rigid panels or the like. The fiber optic panel comprises a light source and a layer of optical fibers arranged adjacent each other, which transmit light to different locations throughout the device, thereby providing efficient background illumination relative to the amount of light beamed in. The optical fibers are selectively terminated at these locations by forming a series of angular cuts through the layer of optical fibers with a laser, according to a predetermined geometric zig-zag or sawtooth pattern stored in a computer memory. The zig-zag pattern extends across the entire length and width of the panel such that each optical fiber is cut only once to provide increased and consistent illumination throughout the device. In one specific embodiment, for application in liquid crystal displays, a layer of foam is used to diffuse the light to provide uniform illumination.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.