Patent · US Active

Integrated multi-function light guide for LCD backlighting

US7969531B1 · kind B1 · utility

65Cited by
3References
18Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateMar 10, 2008
Grant dateJun 28, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 22, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/0061
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A backlighting apparatus for a flat panel LCD display includes an elongate light guide having a front wall through which travels polarized light in a direction toward the LCD display. An RGB LED set is positioned adjacent a first end wall of the light guide so that light enters the light guide from the first end wall. A retardation and reflection film covers respective external surfaces of the bottom wall and a second end wall. Microlenses are formed in the front wall along its extent and each microlens is filled with a birefringent material. Light emitted by the LED set travels through a collimated light coupling module and exits the light guide through the birefringent microlenses in polarized form toward the LCD display. The viewing angles and angular light distributions of the LCD display in vertical and horizontal directions are optimized for enhancing the brightness without involving DBEF and BEF.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.