Channelized plate

Abstract

Preferred embodiments utilize a plurality of optical channels to effectively aim the light emitted by a liquid crystal display (LCD). Embodiments may also change the nominal and range of viewing angles of light in two or three dimensions in order to confine the emitted light towards the intended observer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a non-provisional patent application and claims priority to co-pending application No. 61 / 076,127.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Exemplary embodiments generally relate to an optical plate containing a plurality of optical channels or fibers. It is noted that the terms ‘channel’ and ‘fiber’ may be used interchangeable throughout this disclosure—embodiments simply require an optical path that can transmit light in selected directions. Exemplary embodiments effectively aim the light emission and / or limit the emission angle of light from a display device, including but not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD). The invention is particularly applicable in situations where stray light emission from the LCD is problematic, either from the perspective of the primary observer or for any other reasons.BACKGROUND OF THE ART[0003]Most LCDs used to display a dense amount of information employ a backlight assembly to generate light that passes throug...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Exemplary embodiments preferably aim the light emission from an LCD directly towards the observer. Further embodiments reduce the emission angles from the LCD thereby reducing the amount of stray light available for problematic reflections. Advanced embodiments can perform these functions in two and three dimensions and at angles that are not normal (i.e., perpendicular) to the surface of the display. In a preferred embodiment, small optical channels combined in plurality into a multi-channel plate are used to select both the nominal and range of viewing angles. The optical axis of the channels has a minimal amount of light absorption so that the brightness of the LCD is not significantly sacrificed from the perspective of the viewer. Depending on the specific manufacturing techniques and / or application requirements the channels may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to circles, ovals, squares, and hexagons. A coherent multi-channel plate is created by aligning a plurality of the channels into a matrix. The multi-channel matrix may contain an additional feature called extra-mural absorption (EMA) material that can absorb stray light that is not passed or otherwise rejected by the individual optical channels.

[0007]In previous art, light controlling films have been utilized for similar applications. Among other shortcomings of this approach, the overall brightness of the display is often sacrificed, and it is also difficult to reduce stray light by tightly limiting the range of emission angles. By contrast, exemplary embodiments offer higher optical efficiency and can effectively direct light at desired angles with a tightly controlled range of emission angles. This simultaneously results in a brighter display and less stray light that can cause problematic reflections.

Problems solved by technology

These problems may increase as the LCD becomes brighter and / or the surrounding reflective surfaces become closer to the LCD and / or the observer.

In some environments the reflection of stray LCD light off of surrounding surfaces creates a situation that is highly problematic for the observer.

However, such stray light can be problematic in many other environments including but not limited to, automobiles, watercraft, and heavy equipment.