Method and apparatus for selectively backlighting a plurality of displays with a common light source

a technology of backlighting and plurality of displays, applied in the direction of lighting and heating apparatus, mechanical apparatus, instruments, etc., to achieve the effect of optimizing the lighting of multi-display electronic devices

Active Publication Date: 2007-06-14
GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] An advantage of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention is that lighting for a display in a multi-display electronic device is optimized. Light intended to back-illuminate a first display is not “leaked” through a light guide illuminating a second display. Bi-stable clear / reflective layers are used to reflect light from a portion of the light guide used by a display not intended for back-illumination to a display intended for back-illumination. A more vibrant and fully back-lit display is achieved.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with two or more LCDs in an electronic device sharing the same light guide is that the light is distributed among the LCD even when they do not require backlighting.

Method used

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  • Method and apparatus for selectively backlighting a plurality of displays with a common light source
  • Method and apparatus for selectively backlighting a plurality of displays with a common light source
  • Method and apparatus for selectively backlighting a plurality of displays with a common light source

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Embodiment Construction

[0017] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0018] The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and / or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A device and method for optimizing lighting for a display (108) in a multi-display electronic device (100), is disclosed. The method includes emitting light waves (302) from at least one light source (244), to a back surface (122, 132) of each display in a plurality of displays (108, 110), thereby back-lighting the plurality of displays (108, 110). At least one display of the plurality of displays is selectively back-lighted.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of electronic device display systems, and more particularly relates to light guides for such systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Liquid crystal displays (“LCD”) are used in a variety of electronic devices such as cellular phones, wireless devices, PDAs, and the like. LCDs are formed by stacking layers or portions of layers of materials including glass, plastic, metals, and organic films. LCDs provide both a reflective layer and a clear layer which in combination with other layers permit an image to be seen on one side of the display stack. In many hinged devices such as clamshell cellular phones, two LCDs are provided on the device. For example, many cellular phones have a main display and a caller ID (“CID”) display. [0004] LCD displays are commonly backlit using internal lights, such as from LEDs, EL panels, or lamps. Lights and / or...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F21V8/00
CPCG02B6/0076G02F1/1336G02F1/13718G02F2001/133342H04M1/0216H04M1/22H04M2250/16G02F1/133342
InventorFREDLEY, DAVID S.CASTANEDA, JULIO C.HAIDAR, ABRAHAM M.
OwnerGOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC